Cats use scratching as a solution to launch stress, to assist stretch and flex their our bodies, and to depart a scent and visible mark on their territory — a.ok.a. your sofa. Scratching additionally helps take away the outer layers of their claws, which as soon as lifeless, must be eliminated.
So, there are all types of causes that your cat goes to really feel like having a scratch, and pretty much as good cat dad and mom, it’s as much as us to supply alternatives that don’t contain ruining your smooth furnishings.
A fast take a look at well-liked cat procuring websites will reveal a staggering variety of choices in relation to cat scratchers. However how have you learnt which one goes to fit your cat? That’s the place our opinions are available in!
A Fast Comparability of Our Favorites in 2024
The 11 Greatest Cat Scratchers
1. Hepper Hello-Lo Trendy Cat Scratcher – Greatest Total
The Hepper Hello-Lo Cat Scratcher is a game-changer in relation to cat scratchers. What makes it our choose for the very best cat-scratching put up? Properly, for starters, it’s adjustable with three totally different positions. Your cat won’t ever get bored as a result of you possibly can swap it as much as maintain them nimble and entertained. It additionally has a glossy and trendy design that may look nice in any room.
Nevertheless it’s not nearly being fancy; it’s constructed robust with stable birch plywood and a non-toxic gloss coating. The curved design is sort of a mini-gym for them, serving to them stretch, train, and keep mentally sharp. And right here’s the kicker: you possibly can exchange the cardboard half, so it lasts virtually ceaselessly. It presently solely is available in one coloration possibility, however it’s an incredible possibility in our opinion. So, for those who’re seeking to spoil your cat and provides them the very best scratching expertise, the Hepper Hello-Lo Cat Scratcher is the best way to go.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for a few years and determined to take a controlling possession curiosity, in order that we may benefit from the excellent designs of this cool cat firm!
Professionals
- Trendy, trendy design
- Reasonably priced
- Curved to encourage stretching and scratching
- Alternative cardboard out there
- Sturdy and sturdy
Cons
- At the moment solely is available in one coloration possibility
2. Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher — Finances Purchase
When you’re searching for the very best funds cat scratcher, then we positively advocate the Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher. This provides superb worth for cash however can also be trendy and received’t look misplaced in a contemporary house. In case your cat has taken a liking to scratch seagrass baskets, then this can be a nice resolution as a result of it’s made with the identical materials!
The sloped floor is nice for encouraging cats to stretch out to their full size whereas scratching, a function that many vertical scratchers miss. It additionally comes with a sachet of catnip that you may sprinkle over the floor to encourage your cat to return and examine this for the primary time. The one problem we have now with this cat scratcher is that it’s a bit of too small and light-weight for bigger cat breeds.
To conclude, we expect that is the very best low-cost cat scratcher you will discover.
Professionals
- Nice worth for cash
- Trendy design
- Sloped to encourage scratching
- Contains catnip
Cons
- Not heavyweight for bigger cats
3. Scratch Lounge Cat Scratcher Lounge
The Scratch Lounge Unique Cat Scratcher Lounge is our subsequent cat scratcher on the listing as a result of it’s set to revolutionize the best way that your cat scratches! The distinctive, three-sided design permits loads of area to your cat to scratch horizontally, however it’s additionally designed to indulge your cat’s love of nesting into smaller areas. This scratcher is constructed from recycled paper, which means it’s not solely nice to your cat but additionally environmentally pleasant!
This scratcher comes with a small sachet of catnip that you may sprinkle on the primary few instances your cat makes use of it. After that, it’s assured to change into a favourite toy. If the scratcher begins wanting a bit worn, merely flip over the surfaces to disclose a brand-new facet. The one motive this missed out on the highest two locations on this listing is that it’s dearer than a few of the different cat scratchers on the market. However the tremendous sturdy and double-sided design implies that you shouldn’t must spend money on one other cat scratcher for fairly a while!
Professionals
- Lengthy-lasting
- Distinctive design
- Comes with catnip
- Reversible building
4. Ok&H Pet Merchandise Kitty Tippy Scratch n’ Monitor Cat Scratcher
In case your cat likes to play as a lot as a scratch, then the Ok&H Pet Merchandise Kitty Tippy Scratch n’ Monitor Cat Scratcher contains every thing you have to maintain them entertained for hours! Either side of this cat scratcher has an indentation for the included balls to take a seat in, which means your cat can have loads of enjoyable batting them about. You may also add rockers to the bottom, so this scratcher will tip from one facet to the opposite as your cat performs.
The big dimension is ideal for larger breeds, as they’ll have loads of area to stretch out after they need to scratch. Some cats can simply take away the balls from the runners, wherein case, you’ll want to search out after which exchange them (solely to your cats to knock them out once more, after all!). This scratcher isn’t reversible, so as soon as the highest facet has been scratched into oblivion, you’ll must spend money on one other one.
Professionals
- Good for giant cats
- Loads of interactive options
- Contains catnip
Cons
- Not reversible
- Balls can come out of runners
5. SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher
The progressive form of the SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher is designed to permit your cat to make use of it as a toy on the similar time — it even features a dangly, detachable feather to tempt them into enjoying. The impartial colours mix effectively into any house and embrace a mix of carpet and sisal to attraction to all cats!
Simply remember that if in case you have a bigger cat, they most likely received’t have the ability to stretch out to their full size utilizing this scratcher, so whereas they may play with the toy, the unique objective of the scratcher may be missed! Some cats choose to snuggle up on or below this scratcher for a nap, however it’s good for smaller cats and kittens.
Professionals
- Revolutionary form
- Completely different surfaces
- Features a toy
Cons
- Cats can’t attain full stretch
- Not carpeted beneath
- Not giant sufficient for giant cats
6. Ok&H Pet Merchandise Scratch Ramp Cat Scratcher
When you’re searching for the last word cat scratcher, then look no additional than the Ok&H Pet Merchandise Scratch Ramp Cat Scratcher. We awarded this our greatest general class on account of its intelligent mixture of a scratching ramp and a toy — with catnip! Some cats want a bit of encouragement to begin utilizing their cat scratcher, and with this providing from Ok&H Pet Merchandise, you get loads of probabilities to tempt your cat.
The big cardboard space encourages scratching, whereas the 2 balls inside a runner will maintain your cat entertained and able to get their claws out (making it the very best cat scratcher to file nails). Actually, the one factor we didn’t like about this cat scratcher is that the included bag of catnip is small. You would possibly end up desirous to complement that with extra, however after all, your cat would possibly take an prompt liking to this scratcher — no catnip required!
Professionals
- Nice worth for cash
- Contains toys and catnip
- Lengthy-lasting
- Simple to assemble
Cons
- The bag of catnip is small
7. Petstages Simple Life Scratch, Snuggle and Relaxation Cat Scratcher
When you’re searching for a colourful and attention-grabbing cat scratcher, then the Petstages Simple Life Scratch, Snuggle and Relaxation Cat Scratcher will go well with you and your cats completely. The round central cat scratcher varieties a shallow bowl, which is inviting for scratching and is ideal to your small cat to curve into for a nap. As with lots of the cat scratchers in our assessment, this product additionally features a small sachet of catnip.
This cardboard scratcher can rise up effectively to smaller cats, however giant cats won’t have the ability to curl up within the central part and might knock the legs off after prolonged use. This may’t be refilled both, so as soon as the cardboard on the highest has been scratched to bits, it’ll be time to spend money on a brand new cat scratcher.
Professionals
- Contains catnip
- Curved scratching floor
- May also be used as a mattress
Cons
- Legs can come unstuck
- Not giant sufficient for giant cats
- Not refillable
8. Van Ness Cat Scratcher Pad
When you’re searching for a primary and funds cat scratcher pad, then the Van Ness Cat Scratcher Pad goes to do the job. This large scratcher is constructed from 100% recycled corrugate cardboard that sits inside a cardboard field. It additionally features a sachet of USDA Licensed Natural catnip that you may sprinkle over the floor.
The design of this scratcher is sort of primary, so don’t count on any extra options like balls, rockers, or a slope. Actually, some cats don’t get pleasure from scratching on a horizontal function, so that you would possibly discover that your cat isn’t on this. Fortunately sufficient, it’s good worth for cash, so it’s actually value attempting it out if you have to save your furnishings out of your cat’s claws!
Professionals
- Good worth for cash
- Contains catnip
Cons
- Fundamental design
- Some cats don’t like a flat floor
- Not reversible
9. Ok&H Pet Merchandise EZ Mount Window Scratcher
The progressive design of this cat scratcher means you possibly can mount it in your window for a double-purpose scratcher and window mattress multi functional! You’ll be able to simply and securely repair this to your window utilizing the included suction-cup-mounting system. If you need to pull your curtains or blinds, this may be folded as much as sit vertically towards the window.
Whereas loads of cats love sitting up excessive, they don’t all the time really feel snug scratching whereas they’re up there! So, you would possibly discover that your cat loves this as a seat, however they won’t use it for its supposed objective! In the event that they do, although, you’ll must maintain a detailed eye on the integrity of the cardboard as they begin to scratch by means of it. If it appears prefer it’s beginning to weaken, then don’t hesitate to exchange it!
Professionals
- Double-purpose design
- Contains catnip
Cons
- Costly
- Some cats received’t use it to scratch
- Cords can get in the best way
10. Ok&H Pet Merchandise EZ Mount Window Cat Scratcher with Catnip
When you don’t have a lot flooring area for a cat scratcher however nonetheless need to encourage your cat away out of your furnishings, then the Ok&H Pet Merchandise EZ Mount Window Cat Scratcher with Catnip might be your greatest wager. This vertical cardboard cat scratcher is designed to repair onto your window utilizing sturdy suction cups on the high and base of the plastic holder.
It additionally comes with catnip, which you’ll be able to sprinkle over it to encourage your cat to make use of it. However be warned that some cats merely don’t like vertical scratchers! It’s good that you may place this on totally different heights, however bigger cats could also be sturdy sufficient to tug this off your window, after which they might not use it in any respect.
Professionals
- Doesn’t take up flooring area
Cons
- Small
- Costly
- Can get pulled off the window
- Cats could not use it
11. Ok&H Pet Merchandise Stretch n’ Scratch Cat Scratching Ramp
When you’re looking out for a cat scratcher that’s a contact faraway from the usual designs, then the Ok&H Pet Merchandise Stretch n’ Scratch Cat Scratcher is value a second look. This cardboard scratcher will be assembled in three alternative ways: as an upright giant letter “A,” as a double-width ramp, or as a slender up-and-down ramp.
Whereas the flexibility is nice, that is nonetheless a bit of too small and light-weight for bigger cats. They’ll simply have the ability to transfer this round and knock it over! The primary problem is that they received’t really have the ability to stretch out to full size, so they might not find yourself utilizing it in any respect. It’s additionally costly, so for those who don’t thoughts taking a threat, this may very well be a sensible choice, however be ready for the truth that your cat could reject it solely.
Cons
- Too small for giant cats
- Light-weight design
- Can topple over
- Costly
Purchaser’s Information: Discovering the Greatest Cat Scratchers
Offering a cat scratcher is an effective way to save lots of your furnishings from being attacked by your overenthusiastic cat. All cats have an instinctive urge to scratch, and this isn’t one thing that we should always attempt to discourage them from doing, because it’s completely regular and wholesome habits. What we are able to do, although, is encourage our cats to scratch on an acceptable floor, as an alternative of chair legs, sofa arms, and door jambs!
Right here are some things to look out for when selecting the very best scratcher to fit your cat:
- That is logical, however the larger your cat, the larger the scratcher you’ll want! Cats love to have the ability to attain a full physique stretch whereas scratching and could ignore a scratcher that doesn’t enable them to do this. When you’re taking a look at horizontal or angled scratchers, intention for one that’s a minimum of the identical size as your cat’s physique, minus their tail.
- Some cat scratchers, particularly the cardboard sorts, will be simply knocked over. This solely has to occur a couple of times earlier than your cat decides to disregard it and transfer on to one thing that feels extra steady and safe below their paws.
- All of the cat scratchers on this assessment are constructed from cardboard, seagrass, carpet, or sisal. Some are constructed from a mix of supplies. Most cats love cardboard scratchers, as they’ll really feel the cardboard give below their claws, however loads of cats additionally get pleasure from different supplies. It might be a bit of little bit of trial and error to search out the mixture that most accurately fits your cat. In fact, the very best resolution is to supply just a few totally different scratchers with totally different supplies, however that isn’t all the time an possibility both financially or when it comes to area out there.
- Cat scratching posts will be vertical, horizontal, or at an angle. Some cat scratchers mean you can place them at totally different angles, and others are fastened. Angled cat scratchers are normally a secure wager as a result of your cat can get a full muscle stretch on them. Many cats additionally love each vertical and horizontal scratchers, so once more, it may be a case of attempting just a few and seeing which they like. You may also make your personal DIY cat scratching put up and mix this with cheaper cardboard variations for a full assortment of choices.
- It’s true that cardboard cat scratchers are inevitably going to be much less sturdy than these made with supplies like carpet or sisal. However the truth that cats simply love cardboard scratchers is an efficient sufficient motive to spend money on one, and so they’re normally cheaper than different variations. Search for a cardboard scratcher with reversible sides, in order it wears out, you possibly can flip the cardboard over and successfully double the time that it’ll final.
With regards to educating your cat to make use of their new scratching put up reasonably than your furnishings, catnip is a good hack! Many cat scratchers include a small sachet of catnip. Merely sprinkle this over the scratcher, and encourage your cat to return and play. They may take a liking to their new scratcher immediately, or chances are you’ll must encourage them with a toy or treats as effectively. Most cats love the chance to discover and scratch a brand new floor.
You’ll be able to place their new scratcher close to the place they already get pleasure from scratching, and also you would possibly discover that your cat mechanically begins to make use of the scratcher instead of the outdated floor. In the event that they don’t, gently transfer them over to it if you see them utilizing no matter floor they scratched earlier than, and see in the event that they’ll switch that scratch onto what you need them to make use of as an alternative!
Some cats become bored with scratching in a single place or need to mark their territory someplace totally different. In that case, it’s a good suggestion to have just a few totally different scratchers round the home or to maneuver the one scratcher that you simply do have if you discover that your cat is utilizing it much less. Refresh the catnip if you transfer it, and your cat ought to love utilizing it afresh!
How We Chosen Our Record of Cat Scratchers
Catster has an skilled, professional workforce of writers, editors, and veterinarians who rigorously contemplate a variety of parameters when selecting the cat scratchers. This contains however just isn’t restricted to buyer opinions, model popularity, veterinary expertise, hands-on testing, and naturally, our cats have a say within the course of too! We intention to pick out and assessment solely the very best merchandise out there, that will help you make the absolute best alternative and most knowledgeable choice to your and your cat’s wants.
Why Belief Catster?
A trusted on-line model since 2001, Catster has a number of expertise with cat scratchers. Our workforce of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is devoted to serving to you make the very best choice to your valuable cats. Our intention is to supply the very best info out there for cat homeowners to assist cats dwell their greatest life doable. To do that, we scour opinions from essentially the most trusted sources out there and this, mixed with our veterinary workforce’s expertise and experience, helps us collect the very best choices out there to readers. Our workforce is deeply invested within the well being and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that professional data and veterinary steering will show you how to make the best decisions—for you and your cats!
Conclusion
For the general greatest cat scratcher, we picked the Hepper Hello-Lo Trendy Cat Scratcher. This scratcher has loads of options that your cat will love, together with the three-way setup and thick cardboard that’s constructed to final.
When you’re searching for the very best worth cat scratcher, try the Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher as an alternative. This lengthy angled scratcher is ideal for bigger cats to get a full stretch, and the minimalist fashion will go well with most houses.
Permitting our cats to discover a full vary of pure behaviors is an important a part of retaining your cat completely satisfied and wholesome, to not point out retaining their nails in examine. This is applicable much more so for indoor cats which have fewer alternatives to search out their very own place to scratch. So, for those who haven’t but invested in a cat scratcher, don’t delay. Our opinions of greatest cat scratchers and greatest cat scratching posts to file nails ought to have given you loads of concepts to get began!
Featured Picture Credit score: Khairil Azhar Junos, Shutterstock
