The 19 Best Cat Scratching Posts For Nail Filing

Reviews

PetFusion Lounger Cat Scratcher Catnip Toy – High-Quality Option
 

It may appear to be more of a modern art piece than a scratching post, but don’t be fooled – the PetFusion Jumbo Lounger will do an outstanding job of filing your cat’s nails.

But it’s not just a scratching post. It’s also a terrific location for your cat to relax because they can sit on top or within the thing. Of course, as your cat wears down the cardboard, it will become less comfy, but most cats will still like hiding out in it.

There is no assembly necessary because it comes completely assembled right out of the box. It’s also attractive, so you won’t have to hide it every time someone comes over.

It’s made of recycled cardboard that’s as gentle on the environment as it is on your cat’s feet. As you may think, this means it’s not inexpensive, so prepare to delve deep into your pockets for this item.

The PetFusion Jumbo Lounger isn’t for everyone, but curling up on it will make your cat feel like they’re living in the lap of luxury.

Pros

• It also functions as a lounger.
• Stylish and appealing
• Fully assembled ships
• Made from environmentally friendly recycled cardboard

Cons

• On the expensive side
• With use, it becomes less comfortable.

 

Cat Scratcher For Nails by Way Basics
 

Your cat is unlikely to have seen anything like the Way Basics, one of the most innovative and adaptable scratchers on the market.

This appealing post can be set up in five different configurations, ensuring that your kitty always has a new surface to assault, and the metal legs feature an anti-slip grip coating.

This keeps the item from sliding around when your cat scratches into it, giving them a nice, thorough filing of their nails. It’s a little more expensive than some other models, but it offers a lot of long-term value because to its extra-thick cardboard.

You shouldn’t need to replace it anytime soon unless you’re buying it for a tiger. Because it can be placed in numerous places, you may alter the surface that your cat utilizes, so increasing its lifespan.

The Way Basics may cost more than you expected to pay for a scratcher, but it’s worth every penny (and then some).

You may have figured that this is our own product, but we love it so much that we had to share it, and we hope you get to own one as well!

Pros

• It is possible to set it up in five different positions.
• Legs have an anti-slip covering.
• Produced from extra-thick cardboard
• It is simple to change the surface that your cat uses.
• Suitable as a scratching post

Cons

• On the expensive side

 

Catit Catnip Lounge Scratcher
 

The Catit Lounge Scratcher has a distinct design that sets it apart from other scratchers in its pricing range. It’s elevated on both sides, giving it an excellent spot for your cat to relax and exercise.

It has an elongated design with no borders, giving your cat lots of area to stretch out and scratch. The corrugated cardboard works well for filing down the cat’s claws, and there’s much of it here (about 20 inches’ worth), so it shouldn’t be discarded so hastily.

The higher sides allow older cats with back problems to prop themselves up and relieve pressure on their spines. However, because it is narrow, huge cats may dangle from the edges.

It comes with a package of catnip, but because the cardboard is open, whatever you sprinkle on it will fall right through. The cardboard also tears readily, so you’ll have a mess to clean up one way or another.

The Catit Lounge Scratcher is a great option for certain cats, but it has a few design issues that make it less than ideal for everyone.

Pros

• Elevated sides are ideal for relaxing.
• Long enough for cats to stretch out
• Excellent for older cats with back problems.

Cons

• Larger felines may find it too narrow.
• Catnip is absorbed completely.
• Cardboard readily tears.

 

Cat Scratcher KONG Naturals
 

The KONG Naturals is an angled scratcher that allows your cat to stretch fully before applying intense pressure to their claws on the backstroke. This is an effective method for filing down their claws.

However, because it is so light, your cat is likely to flip over if they stand on it while scratching. You’ll need to keep an eye on them as they use it or try to prop it up on anything.

There is also a hole on the side through which your cat can peer, however huge cats may get their heads caught. The hole contains a crinkle toy for them to play with, although it will most likely just be attached for a few minutes, not days.

The hole can potentially compromise the structural integrity of the ramp, causing it to collapse if a large cat stands on it.

Because the scratch pads are reversible, if your cat destroys one, simply flip it over and give them a new palette to work with.

Because of the slope structure, it can also function as a ramp for elderly cats, with or without flipping it over first.

The KONG Naturals is the way to go if you want your cat to spread out while scratching. Just be cautious when they’re using it, as it may pose a risk to large cats.

Pros

• Allows for full scratch extension.
• The pads are reversible.
• Senior cats can utilize it as a ramp.

Cons

• Lightweight and easily flipped over
• A cat’s head can become stuck in a hole on the side.
• The attached crinkly toy is readily detached.
• If a heavy cat stands on it, it may collapse.

 

Cat Bed Necoichi Cozy Scratcher
 

The Necoichi Cozy is a spherical bed packed with corrugated cardboard, giving your cat the option of sleeping on it or chewing it up (or both).

It’s an interesting concept, but it doesn’t function as well in practice as it does in theory. For one thing, every time your cat files their nails on it, they make it less comfortable to lie on, so it will eventually just become a scratching post.

There’s nothing wrong with that in and of itself, but given that this object costs significantly more than the ordinary cardboard post, you might not want to spend that much money on a one-dimensional item. You can replace the scratching pad, but that will increase the cost.

Given the price, you might be surprised to learn that it’s mostly held together with glue and prayers. It’s not a long-lasting solution, and don’t be surprised if your cat destroys it. It’s also not strong enough for large cats.

However, the post is visually appealing, and the kitty silhouette on the side is charming. Is that reason enough to purchase the Necoichi Cozy? That is all up to you.

Pros

• Can be used as a bed as well as a scratching post.
• The scratching pad can be replaced.
• Cute kitten silhouette on the side

Cons

• It becomes less comfortable as time passes.
• Fairly costly
• Not a long-term option
• It is not durable.

 

Bootsie’s SmartCat Combination Cat Scratcher
 

The SmartCat Bootsie is made of woven sisal rather than cardboard, making it a more lasting option than many of the other posts.

Because it provides greater resistance than cardboard, sisal is ideal for filing down your cat’s nails and increasing muscle. It’s also designed to be used in a variety of positions, such as lying flat, leaning against a wall, or being attached to a door.

The bottom has rubber feet to keep it in place, but they aren’t very effective. Expect your cat to slide all over the place if you lay it flat.

The sisal is also rather rough, which some cats may find unpleasant. It’s also more prone to grab a claw, so keep an eye on them while they’re using it.

It may be especially difficult for them to utilize at first since it is so densely woven that they may not be able to find any purchase on it.

The SmartCat Bootsie is a good alternative to cardboard scratchers, but it has a few limitations that you should consider before purchasing it.

Pros

• Sisal is a long-lasting material.
• Can be utilized in a variety of positions

Cons

• Slides around a lot.
• Some cats may be put off by texture.
• Claws may become entangled.
• Due of the tightness of the weave, it is difficult to use at first.

 

Catit Cat Scratcher Bench with Catnip
 

The Catit Bench Scratcher is similar to a few other types in that it has a flat surface for scratching and elevated ends for resting.

However, there is a significant difference between this model and others: This one is elevated and rests on two little pillars. This means it’s less stable by design, and your cat may flip it while using it.

It’s also compact, giving your cat little room to scratch. That implies they’ll most likely concentrate on one or two areas, which will wear out soon.

The bench includes catnip, but it will most certainly fall through. When you consider how rapidly the cardboard falls off, you’ll have a mess on your hands with this thing.

However, the Catit Bench Scratcher does a good job of filing down nails and appears to provide a comfortable seat for most cats, so it’s not a bad buy. If you look hard enough, you can probably find a better model.

Pros

• Does an excellent job at filing nails.
• Provides a comfortable perch

Cons

• The foundation is unstable.
• There isn’t much room for scratching.
• It has a short lifespan.
• Catnip is absorbed completely.
• Cardboard has a tendency to rip and produce a mess.

 

Scratch Massage Cat Bed Omega Paw Ripple Board
 

The Omega Paw Ripple Board combines a scratcher, a bed, and a massage board all in one. It has a lot of adaptability because of this, but it’s a jack of all trades and a master at none.

There’s lots of scratching space inside, and your cat can jump inside and go to work. They can also expand out due to the elevated sides.

However, the cardboard is fairly smooth, making it difficult for their nails to gain traction. When they do, the paper shreds just like regular paper.

Even though the maker includes many replacement liners to extend the product’s lifespan, you won’t get much usage out of it.

Because the liners are so forgiving, your cat will sink in fairly far if they sit or lie in it. Because of its thin structure, it will be uncomfortable if left on a hard surface.

A chin scratcher appears to be a fine idea in theory, but it is frequently forgotten, and it may get extremely sharp if your cat decides to shred it.

With the Omega Paw Ripple Board, you get multiple cat accessories in one, although you might be better off buying each one separately.

Pros

• There’s plenty of scratching space inside.
• Replacement pads are included.

Cons

• Nails do not “catch” on cardboard.
• If cats enter the bed, they will sink.
• Lifespan is limited.
• Chin scratcher can be very sharp.
• When placed on hard surfaces, it is uncomfortable.

Buyer's Guide: Selecting the Best Cat Scratching Posts for Nail Files

While purchasing a scratching post for your cat is unlikely to be the most important purchase you’ll ever make, you don’t want to do it wrong.

After all, a poor post could mean that your cat won’t be able to properly care for their claws or that they’ll care for their claws on something you don’t want them to.

This guide will show you what to look for when making a purchase.

Is a Scratching Post Necessary for My Cat?

Yes. Every cat has an innate desire to scratch, and they will do so whether you want them to or not. It’s only an issue of what they choose to scratch and whether or not what they choose to scratch will effectively file their nails down.

If a cat has nothing to scratch, he or she will scratch on undesired surfaces such as furniture, drapes, or carpet.

If they can’t find anything to scratch, they may get depressed and ill; scratching is also a vital type of exercise that helps keep their bodies lithe and slender, in addition to being an important component of their daily upkeep.

If your cat scratches an unsuitable surface, their nails may get cracked or broken, or they may not be filed down at all. Both of these could lead to costly health issues in the future, so a simple scratching post could save you a lot of money.

What Qualities Should a Scratching Post Have?

Finally, there isn’t much that goes into creating an excellent scratching post:

• Made of a substance that is safe for filing the cat’s nails (usually cardboard or sisal)
• Strong enough to support their entire weight
• large enough for them to spread their wings
• It’s intriguing enough that they’ll use it.

Toys, places for the cat to rest down, chin scratchers, and other ancillary elements may be provided. While these are beautiful, they detract from the main point of the post.

This should primarily be used by your cat to file their nails, not to lie on or play on.

What Kinds of Scratching Posts Exist?

Mats, poles, hanging pads, and other items are available in a variety of styles.

A mat is a simple box that is intended to be laid flat on the ground. If your cat wants, they can walk on it and then scratch it. Mats are often constructed of cardboard and are relatively affordable (but not as durable as other types).

Buying mats in quantity is a smart idea if you want a scratching post in every room; you should also have a few mats on hand even if you buy a different style of post.

A scratching post is typically composed of sisal or another rope-like material and stands vertically. They’re normally fairly durable and allow your cat to fully stretch out and utilize all of their muscles, but they can also be deadly if they tip over. Posts are typically more expensive, so you may just want to purchase one or two.

Hanging pads are scratching surfaces that are mat-like and made to hang from doorknobs or walls. They’re meant to be the best of both worlds, combining the low-cost design of a mat with the vertical scratching area of a post. They tend to move about until you properly nail them down, and many cats don’t trust them.

There are other alternatives that are also scratching posts. These include carpeted or sisal-covered cat trees, cardboard beds, and various dwellings and loungers.

We like most of these options since they are versatile and will keep your cat entertained, but we recommend that you do not use any of them as your cat’s primary scratching surface. Stick to something as simple as a scratching post.

Conclusion

The best scratching post BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has found is the PetFusion Lounger Cat Scratcher Catnip Toy. It has a good height that keeps cats entertained while being durable enough to last a long time.

If you’re looking for the most affordable alternative, the Cat Scratcher For Nails by Way Basics is a low-cost model that works just as well as many more expensive options.

Anyone with a cat should have a trustworthy scratching post, and perhaps these evaluations of the best cat scratching posts for nail filing have helped you locate one that your cat will use.

If not, keep in mind that cats will always sharpen their nails on fresh carpet.