Cat scratching post prices vary drastically depending on the size, design, construction quality, manufacturer, and material.
There’s a scratching post for every budget, but not all options are equally worth the money.
Saving on a scratching post isn’t a good idea because a wobbly, small post won’t appeal to your cat. Perceive the post as an investment in your furniture, curtain, and carpet safety and your pet’s health.
The best cat scratching post should be sturdy and durable to handle years of abuse. You can buy a scratcher dirt cheap, but you likely don’t want to replace it every couple of months.
Made-to-order scratchers are worth every cent because they meet all your cat’s needs. However, there’s no need to go overboard and spend more than your cat will appreciate.
Basic Scratching Posts
Basic cat scratching posts of average height with no toys or other add-ons are cheap. Online marketplaces and pet stores are overflown with basic scratching posts for any budget. The most affordable options start at under $15.
However, cheap scratching posts typically aren’t the best option. A scratching post should be tall enough, stable, and made from high-quality materials like sisal rope or durable carpet to appeal to a cat.
Furthermore, cheap scratching posts may have poor manufacturing quality resulting in sharp edges and other hazardous for your cat elements.
Look for mid-range cat scratching posts costing $30-$50 that have a heavy base to ensure the post won’t be wobbly and won’t tip over if a cat jumps on it.
Consider posts with vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces. They tend to be pricier but have a heavier base and appeal to cats with different preferences.
The price of scratching posts of the same quality can vary slightly depending on the material. Sisal rope posts tend to cost more than posts with a carpeted surface, but they are still very affordable.
Corrugated cardboard scratchers can cost under $10, but they must be replaced frequently. The scratching post material to choose primarily depends on your cat’s preferences.
Premium Scratching Posts
Some cat owners might be confused about what a premium cat scratching post is. Some posts cost over $100 despite basic construction. The reason for this is the quality of materials, appearance, and craftsmanship.
For example, a scratching post with a natural wood base and thick, durable sisal rope will cost more than a post with a plastic base and low-quality carpet surface.
Many scratching posts have bases covered with faux fur, and its quality may also affect the price. Cheap faux fur is unpleasant to the touch and non-washable, whereas premium-quality faux fur resembles the real thing.
Posts from natural wood and fabrics are a perfect choice for cats allergic to polyester or other synthetic materials. Furthermore, solid natural wood is very durable and fits well into any interior.
On the same note, sisal rope or carpet may drastically differ in durability between cheap and premium options. Expensive scratching posts often cost less in the long term because they don’t need to be replaced often.
Premium cat scratching posts often have removable base covers that can be washed when they get dirty. Also, such posts are often handmade, unlike cheap posts commercially produced in large quantities.
Handmade posts are manufactured with greater attention to detail, ensuring there are no sharp elements that could injure a cat.
Given these factors, a price of $200 for a simple scratching post without add-ons made from sisal rope and rosewood doesn’t seem as unreasonable.
Note that you’re unlikely to find premium scratching posts in local pet stores or online pet product marketplaces. Such products are made to order and can be found via marketplaces selling handmade items or social media.
A high-quality scratching post is a worthy investment. Think of it as buying furniture.
You may get a couch for $50 you won’t enjoy and replace it in a few years, or a comfortable sofa for $2,000 and keep it for over a decade. Scratching posts are no different in this sense.
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty cat scratching post that won’t ruin the look of your room with a horrendous design, be prepared to pay extra.
Cat Trees with Scratching Posts
Cat trees are more appealing to felines than regular scratching posts because they resemble actual trees. Cats love jumping, climbing, or watching their surroundings from elevations.
Cat trees often feature resting places like cushions, hammocks, and caves. Some are equipped with toys. But most importantly, they are covered with sisal rope for scratching. In other words, a cat tree is all your cat needs for a happy life.
If the tree is chosen correctly, it will become the cat’s favorite spot in the house. However, not every cat tree is equally good.
The cheapest you can buy a cat tree is about $30 for construction with two-three elevations and no other amusements. Mid-range cat trees cost $100-$200, depending on the size, construction, and quality.
Some cat owners are tempted to buy a larger tree for a lower price, neglecting the quality. However, a shaky tree won’t appeal to a cat, so it should have a heavy base to ensure construction stability.
Imagine buying a huge cat tree for $35, carrying it home, and spending a day assembling it, only for it to break in a month.
Top-tier cat trees can cost over $800, featuring several levels, caves, hammocks, toys, and other enrichments. There are even premium cat trees for several thousand dollars, handmade from natural materials and taking up an entire wall.
Spending more money on a cat tree with removable cushion covers is always worth it. Suppose a cat vomits on the tree because of a hairball problem.
If the fabric cover is non-removable, you would have to clean it up manually. But if the cover is removable, you can throw it in a washing machine and take it out spotless.
When choosing a cat tree, look for one that has a place for your cat to rest, hide, and trim claws. However, remember that quality goes before size.
A single cat doesn’t need a cat tree that takes up an entire room with dozens of caves and platforms. It won’t use most of these areas, making the tree a waste of money.
A tree with one condo, two-four platforms, and one or two scratching posts is sufficient for cats living alone. Larger trees are great for multi-pet households.
Scratching Posts with Toys
Many scratching posts have toys hanging down to entertain cats and encourage them to use the post. Such options are available for every budget and are favored by kittens and young playful felines.
The cheapest cat scratching posts with toys are available at under $20, and premium-quality options may cost over $200.
The toy’s quality matters. The cheapest options are equipped with low-quality mice or balls that will be destroyed the first day a cat uses the post.
In contrast, expensive scratching posts have durable toys covered in sisal rope or other high-quality materials that will last for ages even if a cat plays with them non-stop.
Designer Scratching Posts
Designer cat scratching posts refer to all products with non-standard designs. Such posts are an excellent choice for anyone valuing looks and believing every minor element in their house interior matters.
Online marketplaces offer a wide selection of cute cat scratching posts looking like cacti, flowers, mushrooms, carrots, trees, Christmas trees, giraffes, and whatnot.
Such amusing options are available on Amazon and in some pet stores for under $40. However, there are also handmade premium-quality scratching posts with fun designs for $200 and more.
But a designer scratching post doesn’t have to be flashy. It can be minimalistic and tasteful, perfectly fitting into the interior and enhancing its style.
For example, some scratching posts are almost unnoticeable because they attach to a couch corner or hang on the wall. Such options usually aren’t cheap – expect to pay at least $100 for a small wall-mounted scratching post.
However, note that not every cat will appreciate a wall-mounted scratching post. Cats cannot jump on such posts or play around them, so they often turn out to be a waste of money.
Designer cat trees start at $1,000 and can exceed $5,000. Such products are usually made to order to fit the house interior and tailored to the customer’s unique requests.
One can order a cat tree in gothic style, Christmas-themed, or designed like a fairy garden. People who make premium designer scratching posts typically have products of good quality because people wouldn’t pay much for a post a cat won’t like using.
Mini Scratching Posts
Miniature cat scratching posts can cost as little as $10, but premium-quality or designer options can be significantly more expensive.
A mini scratching post is a good choice for kittens, but adult cats need a post tall enough to stretch their backs when standing on their back feet. Sixteen to 24 inches is a perfect height for a scratching post.