Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
Last Updated on June 18, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team Dog Leash
Cats love to scratch and, as well as being a means of maintaining and sharpening their claws, it offers a way to mark their territory and to exercise their legs.
While outdoor cats get some opportunity to scratch against trees and other hard objects, indoor cats do not have the same opportunity. Therefore, providing a scratching post is good for your cats and, ultimately, good for your furniture and other items around the house. Scratching posts can range from basic posts that are a foot or so tall to floor-to-ceiling posts with multiple levels, hanging toys, hammocks, and a host of other features.
To help you find the one that is best for your home and your kitty’s requirements, you will find reviews of the best cat scratching posts in the UK, below.
The Kerbl Cat Opal Maxi Scratching Post is the best overall cat scratching post in the UK. It is a tall, single post, that has a hanging ball to add a little excitement. The sisal is glued to the post, which means that there are no staples or nails, which can be prominent and cause injury when the sisal is scratched away. If the rope is simply wrapped around the pole, the scratching motion pulls the rope away and leaves bald patches.
Assembly is simple. The pole comes in two sections, which screw together, and then screw to the base. The total height is 78cm, which allows even some larger cats to fully stretch out while scratching.
The post is inexpensive and while it is tall enough for larger cats, the base is quite lightweight which means that it will wobble when too much pressure is placed on it, and it isn’t as strong as some of the more expensive options.
The Trixie Parla Scratching Post is a simple 60cm tall post with sisal rope and a fabric covering around the base. It comes in a choice of two colours, and because of its simplicity, it is one of the cheapest posts on our list.
It is 62cm tall, which means that small and medium cats will be able to stretch out while whetting their paws, although you may need to consider something larger if you have a giant breed. The post is well covered in natural sisal, which can fray after repeated use, but does not usually shed or fall apart, preventing you from having to clean up after use.
Although basic, the price of the Trixie Parla Scratching Post means that it is the best cat scratching post in the UK for the money and will benefit most cats.
Pippa & Max’s Floor To Ceiling Cat Tree is a cat tree with a base, three platforms, and a spring-loaded top that fits snugly and securely against the ceiling, holding the tree in place and ensuring that it doesn’t wobble or move around.
The cat tree fits ceilings that are between 215cm and 280cm high. To fix it, pull the spring-loaded top down, line the tree vertically and let go of the spring. The pressure of the spring holds the tree in place. With a base and three platforms, there are four scratch post sections that are coated in natural sisal.
Sisal is a plant that is native to Mexico. It offers purchase when your cat scratches it, but it isn’t rough and won’t cause injury. It is also a hardy and durable material so the scratching post will survive even the most vigorous of scratchers.
Pippa & Max’s Floor To Ceiling Cat Tree is expensive, but you do get a lot of cat tree for the money. And, while the platforms of the new model are bigger than their predecessors, they may still be too small if you have a large cat that isn’t agile.
Kittens start scratching from the age of about 8 weeks. At this age, they wouldn’t benefit from something like the floor to ceiling tree but will enjoy having something other than furniture and legs to scratch.
The Deptna Kitten Corner Sisal Scratching Pole Post is just right for young kittens. It is approximately 36cm high, is made from MDF and covered with soft fabric on the base and the top of the post, with a sisal wrapping around the cat scratching pole. There is also a hanging ball toy, which is also covered in soft fur.
This is a corner post, which means that it has two perpendicular, square sides, so that it can be slotted right in the corner of a room, out of the way. The post is inexpensive and easy to assemble and will help kittens develop their scratching skills and maintain their claws.
This is a kitten post and kittens don’t remain kittens for ever. Once your cat is a few months old, they will find the scratch post too easy and not enough of a challenge. Also, even kittens will pull the string toy off the top in no time.
The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounger is a combination of cat scratcher and lounging area. It is made from corrugated cardboard and even uses cornstarch glue to fix the pieces. Cornstarch glue is non-toxic and safe for cats, and while cardboard doesn’t sound like a long-lasting scratching material, PetFusion claims that it lasts longer than other materials.
The shape of the lounger means that the whole surface of the item can be scratched so your cat can enjoy laying on it and scratching at the same time, while the reversible design means that when your cat does eventually scratch away the surface, you can flip it over and have them start again on a fresh side. The PetFusion Lounge is more expensive than a simple cat scratcher, but it looks good in the room, and it has nooks and curves that offer more excitement for cats.
Not all cats take to the shape. Scratching posts are so designed because they mimic a tree and other surfaces that cats would naturally scratch in the wild. You do get a bag of organic catnip that can be rubbed into the scratcher to encourage your cat, though.
The Amazon Basics Large Cat Scratching Post Tree Tower With Platform Bed is a thick scratching post that has its own plush covered, hard-sided bed on top of the post. The bed also has a dangling toy to keep your kitty excited while scratching, and the whole thing is reasonably priced considering the addition of the cat bed.
A lot of scratch posts have an upper platform, but they rarely get used other than as an extension to the scratch post area. With this model, the upper platform really does get used. The plush bed is comfortable to lounge in and relax on. It has firm sides to ensure your cat doesn’t roll out easily and to give him somewhere to rest his head or chin. The post itself is covered in a natural jute fibre. Jute is similar to sisal but is easier to scratch and softer. This means that it is more easily destroyed, so sisal is the preferred material in most cases.
Affordable and with a useful top platform, the Amazon Basics Large Cat Scratching Post Tree Tower With Platform Bed is a decent post if you want to combine the features of these two cat items. However, we would have preferred to see a sisal rope or sisal fabric used rather than jute, and the platform bed is very small so it will only be suitable for small cats.
The Cozy Pet Deluze Multi Level Cat Tree Scratcher Activity Centre really is an activity center, rather than just a scratching post. It has 3 platforms, a hammock, and a cat house, as well as four hanging toy mice, a small set of ladders, and 7 scratching post sections.
Although it does have a lot of features, the activity center is really only suitable for kittens. Each of the scratching post sections are quite short and the whole thing can wobble if too much weight is added, or it is subject to a vigorous scratcher that stretches out and puts all of its weight on. The bed is also too small for cats bigger than a kitten.
The post is easy to put together, considering the many different sections, and you do get everything you need when you purchase. It is also inexpensive when compared to other cat trees.
The Kazura Dual Cat Scratching Post is a dual scratching post which means that it has a single base and two upright posts, designed for use by one or two cats. It has a chipboard base, thick cardboard tube, and natural sisal rope, as well as a plush fabric on the base. It also has spring toys on top of the tubes, encouraging cats to fully stretch out and really get some good exercise.
The post is assembled in three steps, and you get all the tools required to put it together. It is reasonably priced for a post of this size.
While Kazura claims that it is suitable for large cats, it is only 50cm high, so large cats will not be able to stretch out. It is also lightweight, so it wobbles when your cat is venting their anger on the post. And the spring balls don’t last long before they’re on the floor.
Cats scratch to maintain their sharp claws, and also to mark territory. Another reason they do this is because it helps relieve tension and stress. If your cat gets annoyed, they will often go and take it out on the scratch post. As such, vigorous scratching is not unusual, and you need a post that will withstand this heavy action, while also being comfortable and offering durability and reliability.
The Bunny Business Cat Bed and Scratching Post is a short scratching post that has a hard platform on top, and a hanging ball toy underneath the platform. It also has a loop on the base, which is covered in a scratchable material and that small cats can climb and roll under.
The tower is small, measuring just 46cm high, which means that it is only suitable for kittens and very small cats. Large cats won’t be able to sit on the platform, can’t stretch out to really scratch the post, and they won’t fit easily under the loop. They will, however, easily pull the hanging ball off.
Scratch posts are essential for indoor cats and beneficial for outdoor cats, too. Cats don’t just scratch because they enjoy it but because it allows them to maintain and sharpen their claws. It’s also a great way for them to unwind and relieve stress. Having a scratch post means that your cat won’t resort to using your furniture, walls, or legs as a means to meet their scratching needs.
When buying a scratching post, you need to make sure that you buy the one that is best suited to your cat. Consider the following features:
Generally, cats prefer to stretch up as far as possible and then scratch down a vertical surface. Not only does this enable them to get a good purchase and to properly sharpen and maintain their claws, but it helps loosen muscles and keeps them in good shape. For a large cat, this can mean that you will need a scratching post that is 80cm tall. Smaller cats can have smaller posts. Kittens can obviously use much shorter posts, but they won’t stay kittens forever and will eventually need something bigger.
Whether your cat is scratching to maintain claws or to vent stress and anger, it will put all of its weight behind a good scratch. This means that feeble and weak posts will bend easily, and if the base of the scratching post isn’t robust enough, the whole thing can fall over. Try to ensure that you buy one with a solid, heavy base, and that isn’t made from too flimsy a material.
In the wild, cats will scratch trees and other hard vertical surfaces. They like tree bark because it is strong and rough enough to sharpen claws and remove dead claws but soft enough that it will break down. It offers satisfaction. Rather than using bark, which would need replacing often, indoor cat scratchers use any of a variety of materials as the scratching surface.
The two most common are jute and sisal. These are both natural materials. Jute tends to be softer, which means that it will be destroyed sooner and need replacing. Sisal, which has become the most common material used, is tougher, offers greater scratching satisfaction, and is easily applied to cardboard and wooden post surfaces.
When choosing a cat scratching post, consider the space you have available and choose a post that offers a good variety of surfaces and levels for your cat to choose from. They might get bored if they must keep scratching the same surface over and over again. With multiple surfaces, they have a lot more area where they need to scent, too.
Platforms are like viewing areas for your cat. He can sit atop a high platform and survey what is happening around him. If the platforms are large enough, and the scratching post tall, they also enable your cat to climb to the higher levels. Wide platforms might be suitable for lounging and laying on.
A hammock is essentially a piece of hanging material that your cat can sleep or lie in. It should be strong enough that it won’t fall apart, although it won’t be used as a scratching surface. If your cat lies in it a lot, bear in mind that the hammock can become filled with cat hair. So one that can be removed for cleaning, or that is easily brushed, would be advantageous.
Cats love to bat hanging toys around. They’re exciting and play to the cat’s basic instinct to chase small animals. They usually hang from a platform by a piece of string or elastic. These toys are normally the first thing to get broken because the string is not strong enough to withstand your cat pulling at it.
Cats are notorious for turning their noses up at new toys and beds, as well as scratching posts. They will often prefer to keep scratching the carpet or furniture. Follow these steps to try and discourage scratching furniture and encourage scratching the scratching post.
Cats not only enjoy scratching but they need to do so to maintain and sharpen claws, to leave their scent on an area, and to relieve stress. Outdoor cats might have the opportunity for some serious scratching, but indoor cats needs something that will mimic the natural surfaces they attack outside. Jute or sisal covered scratching posts are the ideal choice. Using our guide and reviews, we hope that you have been able to choose the cat scratcher that best benefits your cat and meets your requirements. We believe that the Kerbl Cat Opal Maxi Scratching Post is the best overall scratcher, while the low cost and durability of the Trixie Parla make it the best scratcher for the money.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
Dog Beds Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster. Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.