Best Cat Scratching Posts: Tall, Sturdy and Sisal

The best cat scratching post is tall enough for your cat to stretch out fully, heavy enough not to wobble, and covered in a surface your cat actually likes. For most adult cats that means a tall, sturdy post wrapped in sisal, plus a flat horizontal scratcher for cats that like to scratch low. This guide covers what to check before you buy, then walks through six options, from tall posts to a wall-or-floor panel and a cardboard floor scratcher.

What to Look For in a Cat Scratching Post

Height: long enough for a full stretch

According to International Cat Care, a post should be tall enough for your cat to scratch at full stretch. The same source suggests replacing a short kitten post with a taller one as your cat grows. To check, measure your cat standing on its hind legs with the front legs stretched up, and choose a post at least that tall.

Base: heavy and steady

The ASPCA advises a sturdy post that won’t shift or collapse. Look for a wide, solid base and follow the assembly steps closely so the base stays tight. A post that rocks or slides is easy for a cat to give up on, and big or heavy cats put more force on it.

Surface: sisal rope, carpet or cardboard

The Cornell Feline Health Center suggests sisal or other rope-like coverings for cats that like rough surfaces such as sofas. It suggests flat cardboard for cats that scratch horizontally. Cats have their own surface preferences, so a post with more than one texture, or a second scratcher in a different material, gives your cat a choice.

Vertical or horizontal

International Cat Care notes that horizontal scratching posts are easier for older cats to use, and that tall upright posts can put pressure on arthritic joints. Cats differ in whether they prefer to scratch up high or along the floor, so owning one tall post and one flat scratcher is a simple way to cover both. If your cat is older or seems stiff, ask your veterinarian which style is most comfortable.

Our Picks

These six are grouped by use case, starting with the tall vertical posts and ending with the horizontal and low scratchers. All specs come from the manufacturers, so measure your cat and your space before you order.

For a first tall post: SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post, Gray

This is a straightforward tall post for adult cats that scratch vertically and like a rough surface. The manufacturer chose woven sisal over carpeted posts, which it says may snag claws. Compare the 32 inch height with your own cat’s full stretch before buying.

Height: 32 inch post, which the manufacturer says allows cats to stretch fully
Base: 16 inch x 16 inch, two pieces joined with wooden dowels and screws
Surface: woven sisal, attached so the staples sit inside the unit
Extra: an optional perch (#4006) is sold separately

Consider: The screws must go into the side of the base with the recessed holes. Otherwise the post can wobble or scratch the floor. Replacement sisal is not sold, although replacement top, bottom and base pieces can be ordered by phone from Pioneer Pet.

Check price on Amazon

For large or heavy cats: New Cat Condos Large Cat Scratching Post

This post has a wide 20 inch x 20 inch footprint and a solid wood frame, which suits big cats and multi-cat homes that need a weightier, broader base. At 32 inches tall it gives a long stretch. If your cat also wants to climb and lounge, see our guide to the best cat trees for large cats.

Size: 20 inch W x 20 inch D x 32 inch H
Weight: 31 lbs
Materials: solid wood frame, household-grade carpet, thick natural unoiled sisal rope
Setup: ships fully assembled, no tools needed; handcrafted in the USA

Consider: At 31 lbs it is heavy to carry and to move when you rearrange a room. The 20 inch x 20 inch footprint also needs a fair amount of floor space.

View on the manufacturer’s site

For scratching and napping: New Cat Condos Solid Wood Cat Scratcher with Cat Bed

This is a post with an elevated carpeted bed on top, for cats that like to scratch and then settle somewhere high. It uses natural sisal rope on a solid wood build and assembles without tools. If your cat is older or has stiff joints, ask your veterinarian whether a raised bed is a good fit.

Height: approximately 29.5 inches
Base: 20 inch W x 20 inch D
Weight: approximately 25 lbs
Materials: solid wood, natural sisal rope, plush carpet

Consider: At 29.5 inches it may be shorter than a very long cat at full stretch, so compare it with your cat’s measurement first.

Check price on Amazon

For small spaces and horizontal scratching: SmartCat Bootsie’s Combination Scratcher

This woven sisal scratcher can lie on the floor or go on a wall, so it works in tight spaces and for cats that scratch low on rugs. Its flat, low format also fits the point above that horizontal scratchers can be easier for older cats. It includes a wall-mount system and has rubber feet for floor use.

Surface: woven sisal
Placement: wall mounted or on the floor, with the wall-mount system included
Size: 24 inch x 7 inch x 2.5 inch
Weight: 4.6 lbs

Consider: It is a compact panel, not a full-height post, so it will not give a tall cat a full upright stretch. Wall mounting means fixing hardware to the wall, so check your wall and rental rules first.

View on the manufacturer’s site

For a flat floor scratcher: SmartyKat Super Scratcher, Single Wide

This corrugated cardboard board suits cats that crouch and scratch along the floor. International Cat Care notes that kittens and senior cats may prefer softer, lower-resistance surfaces such as cardboard. It is a low-effort way to find out whether your cat likes cardboard, and you can set one beside each spot your cat already scratches.

Material: corrugated cardboard, with catnip infused between the layers before cutting
Size: 18 inch x 4.62 inch x 1.75 inch
Design: reversible block for floor scratching

Consider: It is narrow and light, so a big cat may push it around, and not every cat reacts to catnip. Placing it against a wall or furniture leg can help hold it in position.

Check price on Amazon

For trying different textures: New Cat Condos Premier Triple Cat Scratcher

Three short posts in one unit let you see which surface your cat goes for, since the ASPCA recommends trying different materials. The posts are natural wood, fully carpeted, and unoiled thick sisal rope. It suits kittens and smaller cats best.

Size: 16 inch W x 16 inch D x 24 inch H overall, with 22 inch posts
Base: 16 inch x 16 inch
Weight: approximately 20 lbs
Setup: arrives fully assembled; handcrafted in the USA

Consider: The 22 inch posts are too short for a full stretch for many adult cats. The Amazon listing also notes that natural wood posts may show cracks or other natural defects.

Check price on Amazon

For more options, browse the cat trees and scratchers category.

Scratching Posts Compared

Product	Style	Surface	Size (per manufacturer)
SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post, Gray	Tall vertical post	Woven sisal	32 in post height, 16 x 16 in base
New Cat Condos Large Cat Scratching Post	Tall vertical post	Sisal rope and carpet on solid wood	20 x 20 x 32 in
New Cat Condos Solid Wood Cat Scratcher with Cat Bed	Post with elevated bed	Sisal rope, carpet, solid wood	About 29.5 in tall, 20 x 20 in base
SmartCat Bootsie’s Combination Scratcher	Wall or floor panel	Woven sisal	24 x 7 x 2.5 in
SmartyKat Super Scratcher, Single Wide	Horizontal floor scratcher	Corrugated cardboard	18 x 4.62 x 1.75 in
New Cat Condos Premier Triple Cat Scratcher	Three short posts	Natural wood, carpet, sisal rope	16 x 16 x 24 in

Getting Your Cat to Use It

Put the post where your cat already spends time, such as near a favorite sleeping spot, and next to the furniture it is scratching now. For several cats, International Cat Care recommends one resource per cat plus one extra, positioned in different locations. Offering both a tall post and a flat scratcher lets each cat choose.

Reward your cat with praise or a treat when it uses the post, and never push its paws onto the surface. Keep a worn post in place rather than replacing it right away, because cats often still like it. Our full guide on how to get your cat to use a scratching post covers placement, rewards and protecting furniture in detail.

If your cat keeps scratching furniture even with several good options, or its nails look overgrown, talk to your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall should a cat scratching post be?

It should be at least as tall as your cat standing on its hind legs with the front legs stretched up. Measure your cat at full stretch and compare that number with the product’s listed height. A short post that suits a kitten may need replacing as the cat grows.

Is sisal better than carpet for a scratching post?

Sisal rope or woven sisal is a good starting point for cats that like rough textures, such as sofa fabric. Some cats still prefer carpet, wood or cardboard. Offering two textures lets your cat show you what it likes.

Are horizontal scratchers better than tall posts?

Neither is better for every cat. Some cats like to stretch up and scratch vertically, while others prefer a flat surface on the floor. Older cats may find horizontal scratchers easier to use, and your veterinarian can advise if joint stiffness is a concern.

How many scratching posts do I need?

For several cats, aim for one per cat plus one extra, in different parts of the home. Even with a single cat, a post near its sleeping area and another next to a favorite piece of furniture can help.

Will a scratching post stop a cat from scratching the couch?

Not automatically. A post placed right beside the couch, in a surface your cat likes and tall enough to stretch on, gives it a better alternative. If couch scratching continues, ask your veterinarian or a qualified cat behavior professional for help.

Sources

About the author

Best Pet Supplies Guide

Best Pet Supplies Guide publishes research-based buying guides, size guides and care how-tos for dog, cat and pet home supplies, using manufacturer specifications and guidance from reputable pet-care organizations.