Before you head to the nearest pet store searching for a scratcher, learn about the types of scratching posts and pads.
Each cat’s preferences are unique, so there is no universal answer for which scratching post to choose.
Pay attention to your cat’s habits. Does your pet prefer clawing vertical or horizontal surfaces? Is your cat energetic, or does it barely jump anywhere?
Your pet’s current preferences and behavior can help you determine which cat scratcher type is the best. Remember that a scratcher serves more purposes than trimming your cat’s claws.
Cats also use scratching posts and pads to stretch their backs, mark their territory, play, climb, and jump. The best cat scratcher should meet all your cat’s needs while being durable and sturdy.
1. Horizontal Scratcher
Although most scratching posts are vertical, some cats prefer clawing horizontal surfaces. If you’ve noticed your cat scratching the carpet or your couch armrest, it will likely appreciate a horizontal scratching pad rather than a vertical post.
Horizontal cat scratchers come in many materials, the most popular being carpet, sisal fabric, and corrugated cardboard. Sisal rope is uncommon in horizontal scratchers.
When choosing a horizontal cat scratcher, ensure it is stable enough and won’t move. The base should be heavy, ideally, from wood or durable plastic. Some horizontal scratchers have toys or cat condos.
Perhaps, the primary disadvantage of horizontal scratchers is that they take up much space. Furthermore, corrugated cardboard needs a replacement every three to four months and carpet every year.
However, horizontal scratchers are ideal for older cats with joint problems that cannot stand on their back feet for long. Many cats use horizontal scratchers as a nap spot.
2. Angled Scratcher
Angled scratchers are the middle ground between horizontal and vertical scratchers.
They are well-suited for cats that love scratching horizontal surfaces but need more grip. Cats often find angled scratchers more convenient for stretching their backs.
A sturdy, heavy base is crucial for any scratcher, including angled scratchers. The material can be any, typically sisal fabric, carpet, or corrugated cardboard.
The angle varies – some scratchers are only lifted slightly, and others are nearly vertical. There are even adjustable angled scratchers. Such scratchers are ideal for cats that like to claw from different positions.
Angled scratching pads are usually pretty basic, but some are equipped with toys or small condos underneath. Angled scratchers are perfect for kittens but may not be convenient for large cats.
Senior cats with joint problems that are accustomed to clawing vertical surfaces but can no longer stand on their back feet for long will appreciate an angled scratcher with a slight decline.
3. Triangle Scratcher
Triangle cat scratchers combine different scratching angles, including a horizontal one, and present cats with a fun environment to play with. Cats love using such scratchers as tunnels when playing or resting inside them.
Triangle scratchers are space-saving but may be too small for an adult cat, particularly large cat breeds, like a Maine Coon. They are best suited for kittens.
Because such scratchers feature different scratching angles, kittens can try various scratching positions and pick their favorites. Owners can note which side their kitten uses more often and buy the next scratcher accordingly.
Some triangle scratchers have different surfaces – for example, sisal, carpet, and cardboard. Because these materials have varying softness, they are very versatile – cats can dull or sharpen their claws.
4. Basic Vertical Post
One may think that a basic cat scratching post serves one function – keeping a cat’s claws healthy. However, even the simplest scratching posts are entertaining for cats.
Scratching posts are ideal for cats preferring clawing vertical surfaces – for example, the couch. They also provide a grip for stretching the back and serve as a playground because cats can climb and jump on them.
Scratching posts are typically wrapped in sisal fabric, carpet, or sisal rope. Which scratching post material to choose depends on your cat’s preferences. Sisal is more durable than carpet, but some cats just can’t help but love soft surfaces.
When choosing a scratching post, ensure that it is tall enough for your cat to stretch its body fully when standing on the back feet. Cats don’t like short scratching posts because they have to crunch to claw them.
The perfect cat scratching post height is about 32 inches, but large cats like Maine Coons might need taller posts.
Ensure that the post has a durable and heavy base. Cats in the wild scratch tree trunks and other sturdy objects, so a wobbly scratching post isn’t particularly appealing.
5. Vertical Post with a Bed
Some scratching posts have a bed or condo on top for your cat to rest between playing sessions and mealtimes. Such posts typically cost more than basic scratching posts but offer your cat a safe personal space.
Condos are perfect for timid, introverted cats that don’t like attention and value time alone. On the other hand, an open cat bed gives your cat a view of its surroundings.
If you’re considering buying a scratching post with a cat bed, ensure that it’s sturdy and won’t tip over if your cat jumps in the condo.
If the scratching post’s base is too light and your cat is heavy, your pet will have an unpleasant experience and may even injure itself.
Some scratching posts only have a platform on the top for you to put any cat bed you prefer. This option is great for picky cats that like a specific bed type.
6. Vertical Post with a Toy
Scratching posts with toys are exceedingly popular. Cats need plenty of environmental enrichment, so another toy is never excessive, even for adult felines. A scratching post with a toy encourages cats to play alone, which is great for busy owners.
Most such posts have a mouse or another chewy toy hanging from the top on a rope or rubber, but some have toys on a spring attached to the base.
Some scratching posts have both, and others are more creative, featuring tracks for balls and multiple levels. A toy is also an excellent way to encourage a cat to use the scratching post for the first time.
If your cat is already used to clawing your couch, you may have difficulty convincing it to change its habits. But if the post has a toy, your cat will be more willing to interact with it.
Every time your cat plays with the toy, reward it with a treat. This way, you will build positive associations with the post, and your cat will eventually switch to scratching it instead of your furniture.
7. Wall-Mounted Scratcher
Wall-mounted cat scratchers are a life-saving option for small spaces or overly energetic cats that can tip over any post. As the name suggests, they attach to the wall with nails or simply hang on a hook.
Some wall cat scratchers are dirt cheap but are typically too small for an adult cat. Remember that the scratcher should be tall enough for your cat to stretch fully.
Wall-mounted scratchers come in any material, including carpet, sisal rope, and sisal fabric. Pick the material your cat prefers, but also consider durability.
Some cats may find such scratchers unappealing because they cannot jump on them. You should ensure that your cat has other elevations to exercise.
However, some wall-mounted scratchers are actually equipped with platforms and condos for cats to rest on.
8. Floor-to-Ceiling Scratching Post
Floor-to-ceiling scratching posts are unnecessary for most cats but benefit large breeds, such as Maine Coons and Norwegian forest cats or overly active felines.
Such scratching posts may or may not attach to the wall, but they always mount to the ceiling to prevent them from tipping over and shaking.
With a floor-to-ceiling scratching post, you can be sure your cat won’t injure itself because the post fell.
Of course, such a scratcher requires more interior planning than a basic post – you will need to sacrifice an entire corner of your room and make a few holes in the ceiling.
Floor-to-ceiling scratching posts often have platforms, toys, and other accessories for extra mental enrichment.
9. Cat Tree
Most cat trees feature scratching posts, but claw trimming isn’t their primary purpose. Cat trees provide your cat with legal jumping and climbing targets, allowing it to get a complete view of its surroundings and exercise.
Some cat trees also feature beds and condos for your cat to hide when it’s anxious or rest after a long playing session. If you have several cats, choose a cat tree with an equal number of condos to avoid territorial competition.
A large cat tree may not be necessary for a single cat, although your cat certainly won’t be disappointed with it, provided you have the space and don’t mind spending money.
However, it’s perfect for multi-cat households because a basic scratching post will deteriorate too quickly with many cats using it. Furthermore, cats love playing with each other on a cat tree, jumping from platform to platform.