How Tall Should A Cat Scratching Post Be?

Although the market is overflown with options, finding a scratching post tall and sturdy enough is challenging.

The best scratching post allows a cat to stretch when standing on the back feet, jump, and climb while not taking up the entire room and costing a fortune.

Consider your pet’s needs and habits to find the right post. Remember that each cat is unique, and some cats prefer non-standard options.

For Kittens

A scratching post for kittens can be shorter than for adult cats. Most kitten scratching posts on the market are approximately 20 inches tall, sufficient for a four-month-old kitten to stretch.

However, kittens will appreciate a taller post because they are packed with energy and love playing with their littermates. A taller scratching post allows kittens to practice climbing and jumping.

If kittens have nowhere to jump as they grow, they may be hesitant to jump in the future – some adult cats don’t feel confident jumping even on a couch.

Because each kitten is different, look for scratching posts with vertical and horizontal surfaces. Cat trees with multiple scratching posts and platforms are an excellent option for kittens.

Firstly, cat trees act as a playground for kittens, where they can jump, climb, hide, and tease each other.

Secondly, multiple posts eliminate competition between kittens and prolong the lifespan of the cat tree, evenly distributing the damage.

If you don’t have the space for an entire cat tree, consider scratching posts with toys to encourage kittens to use the post.

Triangle-shaped kitten scratching posts are a good choice because they feature different surfaces and kittens like playing around them. Such posts typically aren’t tall but are a great addition to a vertical post.

Kittens of large cat breeds, such as Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest cats, are taller and longer on average than regular kittens and need taller scratching posts. The recommended size is about 30 inches.

Note that you don’t necessarily have to buy a scratching post for kittens if you already have one for adult cats. A taller than recommended scratching post isn’t as much of a problem as a shorter one.

Kittens can safely use scratching posts intended for adult cats, provided the post is sturdy and won’t tip over.

For Adult Cats

Adult cats need a scratching post long enough to stretch their body and raise their front paws while standing on their back feet. In other words, the scratching post height should exceed the cat’s body length.

The recommended scratching post height for an adult cat is 31-35 inches, provided the cat is of average size. If a cat is smaller than average, a slightly shorter post may suffice, and if a cat is larger, the post should be taller.

The height of a scratching post also depends on a cat’s habits and activity level. A 31-inch scratching post is sufficient for a moderately active cat that primarily uses the post to trim claws.

However, an exuberant cat that loves to jump and climb on the post will appreciate a taller one, about 41-50 inches. A cat tree is also an excellent option for energetic adult cats.

For Large Breed Cats

Large breed cats such as Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest cats, Siberian, Savannah, and Ragamuffins, need taller scratching posts.

Unfortunately, finding a taller scratching post isn’t always easy because most manufacturers make posts for medium-sized cats.

Large cats need a scratching post at least 40 inches tall; the taller, the better. However, the primary problem with scratching posts for large breed cats isn’t even the height but stability.

Construction stability is the most important factor to evaluate when choosing a scratching post for a large cat.

Large cats can easily tip over a post. Because large cats tend to be heavy and energetic, the ideal option for them is a floor-to-ceiling scratching post.

A floor-to-ceiling scratching post is extra stable and won’t shake or fall when a large cat jumps on it. Such posts may or may not have platforms and other accessories.

Alternatively, consider wall-mounted scratching posts or posts with an extra heavy base. Wall-mounted posts aren’t as attractive to active cats because they cannot jump on the post but are a space-saving option for small rooms.

Large-breed cats will also appreciate a cat tree where they can jump and climb, expressing their instincts. They rarely like horizontal scratching surfaces, but each cat is different.

When choosing a cat tree, be careful not to confuse the tree height with the height of the scratching surface. For example, a cat tree can be 60 inches tall but have two scratching posts 25 inches tall each.

If you struggle to find a scratching post tall enough for your large cat, look for cat trees with a scratching surface on a height of about 20-50-inch.

The bottom can be a cave cat house or a platform, but the scratching surface should be located on the height of your cat’s ear tips when it stands on the back feet.

Height to Base Ratio

Not only does a scratching post’s height matter, but also its construction quality. Height-to-base ratio doesn’t refer to the base size as much as to its weight.

The taller a scratching post and the larger the cat, the more solid the base should be to maintain the balance. If a scratching post’s base is lightweight, the post will tip over the second a cat jumps on it.

Search for a post with a solid wooden base that will stand firm regardless of how active a cat is. Scratching posts with a lightweight base are only suitable for kittens; even then, they aren’t the best option.

No cat likes a wobbly scratching post because it feels unsafe. In the wild, cats scratch their claws against tree trunks that don’t move a bit.

If a cat topples over a shaky post, it will avoid the post for its lifetime. Prioritize your cat’s comfort and safety over the post’s size and the number of accessories.

As a rule of thumb, hollow cat scratching posts are sturdier than solid ones because a hollow tube weighs less and is less likely to tip over. Furthermore, hollow tubes make more noise when scratched, which many cats find satisfying.

A post should be extra sturdy if it has a platform or condo on the top for the cat to rest. You don’t want your furry friend to fall from a height along with the post as it turns in its sleep.

Why a Taller Post Is Better

Now, you may wonder whether a scratching post height really matters, and if so, why is a taller post better. First, it’s important to note that not every cat prefers vertical scratchers to horizontal ones.

We don’t know how cats choose between horizontal vs. vertical scratchers – perhaps, that’s a matter of preference. Vertical scratchers are more suitable for climbing and jumping and thus are a better fit for active cats.

On the other hand, horizontal scratchers are better for heavier than average cats that struggle to lift their bodies and stand on their back feet. Angled horizontal scratchers are the middle ground favored by many felines.

To determine whether your cat prefers vertical or horizontal scratchers, pay attention to its habits. If your cat’s favorite scratching spot is the couch, a vertical scratching post is a good fit.

However, if your cat chooses the carpet or the armrest over anything else in the house, it will likely appreciate a horizontal scratcher.

For many cats, a small, cheap cardboard scratcher is better than the fanciest cat tree. When in doubt, choose a scratcher with both horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces. Ideally, the horizontal surface should be at a slight angle.

Trimming claws isn’t the sole purpose of a cat scratching post. Cats also use posts to stretch their backs, relieving muscle tension after periods of inactivity.

Many cats use scratching posts as a playground, jumping on top of the post and climbing it. Firstly, playing with a scratching post is an excellent exercise. Secondly, cats love elevations because their feral ancestors climbed trees when hunting.

For these two simple reasons, a taller scratching post is typically better than a shorter one. Cats living in households with other animals will also appreciate a taller post where they can be out of reach of dogs and other felines.

Unfortunately, finding a tall scratching post in pet stores isn’t easy. The best place to find larger cat scratching posts are online marketplaces selling handmade items because you can order a post of any size to meet the need of your cat.

Alternatively, make one yourself from a solid piece of wood, some planks, and sisal rope – this way, you have no limits when it comes to size and design creativity.

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