12 Best Modern Cat Scratcher Posts

Reviews

PetFusion Premium Modern Cat Scratching Post
 

The PetFusion Modern Cat Scratching Post is a tall climbing tower that also functions as an activity tree. The post is more over 6 feet tall in total, with a perch on top and another in the middle.

The vertical design is free of clutter and actually encourages your cat to climb as they dig into the sisal-covered climbing portions.

The base and two perches are made of high-quality medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and each perch includes a Velcro pad to which a cushion may be attached to provide your cats a place to lay and observe the area before climbing through the cat-sized hole in the perch.

The scratching post’s size and shape stimulate scratching, climbing, surveying, and stretching. It can be used by one or more cats and comes with everything needed to firmly fasten the scratcher to a wall and avoid falls or other accidents.

The post is appropriate for kittens and cats of all ages, and the espresso MDF looks nice, but it is pricey because to the high design and materials used.

When it comes to premium options, we believe this is the year’s best modern cat scratcher post.

Pros

• High-quality building
• 6 foot tall climber
• Excellent for perching and climbing.
• Can be attached to walls for further stability.

Cons

• Expensive
• Perches can be a touch slick.
• It’s difficult to put together.

 

PETMAKER Contemporary Cat Scratcher Post
 

The Petmaker Modern Cat Scratcher Post has three columns and stands about a foot and a half tall.

The three columns are wrapped in a sisal fabric that is meant to withstand heavy scratching on a regular basis. It also features a seat on top of the posts that is carpeted for added comfort, and three toys hang from it.

This activity tree has an MDF base and a three-column construction that prevents it from tipping over while in use.

Because of the design, it provides a lot of scratching, batting, perching, and playing chances while fitting into a relatively tiny space in one of your rooms.

The Petmaker is intended for kittens and older cats and will provide plenty of opportunity for your feline buddy to romp and play.

Although it is a low-cost toy, aggressive players may pull the dangling toys down, and the jute rope is quite thin and easily broken or ripped.

The Modern Cat Scratcher Post is best for kittens and households with two cats, as it offers variety but lacks strength.

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Three scratch posts
• Minimalist footprint

Cons

• Hanging toys can readily broken off.
• Jute rope is thin and delicate.

 

3-Sided Vertical Modern Cat Scratcher Post by PetFusion
 

The PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Modern Cat Scratcher Post has a unique triangular shape that allows scratching on all surfaces.

It is built of recycled cardboard and maize glue, making it environmentally sustainable while also having a distinct modern appearance. It also contains natural catnip, which will help entice your cat to the post, even if he is naturally fearful.

Because it is not as tall as other goods, it is ideal for cats who like to extend forth when scratching. It does, however, contain a center hole surrounded by scratching surfaces that allows your cat to play, lounge, and roll about.

Although PetFusion claims that the cardboard will last a year without getting severely damaged, recycled cardboard is not as robust or resilient as sisal or jute rope and, when torn, will shed all over the floor rather than remaining on the post and fraying.

However, it is reasonably priced, attractive, and will appeal to cats who enjoy scratching while sitting or rolling about.

Pros

• Several scratching surfaces
• A separate play space is provided by the central cubby.
• Natural catnip is included.

Cons

• Not particularly tall
• Recycled cardboard is not as strong as sisal.

 

Modern Octagon Cat Scratcher Post
 

The Octagon Modern Cat Scratcher Post is modeled after a patch of grass with two little mushrooms on top. The mushrooms vary in height, providing your cat with a couple of perches and some elevated play.

Both mushrooms are hand-twined sisal, and the diverse shapes of the mushroom caps and stalks add to the delight and versatility of the scratcher post.

It has a reasonable price and a solid design that should endure severe scratching, but it does have a somewhat chemical odor that you may want to hide with catnip. Catnip will also encourage your cat to use his new scratching post.

It is appropriate for kittens and adult cats, but due to its lightweight and smooth base, it will glide across an uncarpeted or friction-free floor.

It is also a modest design, and if your cat enjoys extending up to scratch, as most cats do, this design is insufficient.

The Octagon Modern Cat Scratcher Post is lovely and uses sisal twine, but it hasn’t proven to be very popular with cats and is really only good for kittens.

Pros

• That looks good.
• Reasonable cost
• Surface scratched by sisal thread

Cons

• Small
• Smooth floor slides
• Will require encouragement

 

The Best Value SmartCat The Ultimate 32-Inch Sisal Cat Scratching Post
 

The SmartCat Ultimate 32-inch Sisal Cat Scratching Post is the greatest buy. This scratching post has a 32-inch height and a 16-inch by 16-inch square base to keep it stable.

Because the free-standing design can support pets weighing up to 30 pounds, your cat should have no trouble using this scratching post.

This post’s height allows your cat to scratch the sisal surface without catching their claws while stretching their lengthy bodies.

It is available in two neutral tones, beige and gray, to complement any home décor, and it is simple to assemble. Some cats may be wary of it since it is coated in a sisal mat rather than a rope wrapped around the building.

Pros

• Tall
• Solid Foundation
• Up to 30 pound capacity

Cons

• Instead of rope, use a mat surface.

 

Premium Choice Petique Feline Chateau Cat Scratcher Toy
 

The Petique Feline Chateau Cat Scratcher is our top pick for a cat scratcher. The entire building is one gigantic scratching post for your cat, made from recycled and non-toxic cardboard.

The design of this cardboard cat scratcher is durable, yet the structure is light enough that you can simply move it around.

It features various levels to climb, allowing multiple cats to use the scratchboards located throughout the structure or simply nap while the other cats play.

Because assembly is required, plan on spending some time fitting the cardboard parts together. This structure does not have replacement scratching pads, however there are several scratching pads for your cat to enjoy.

Pros

• Several scratching surfaces
• Simple to transport
• Lightweight but robust

Cons

• There are no replacement parts available.

 

The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge Toy with Catnip is ideal for loungers
 

If your cat enjoys reclining pauses while scratching, the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge Toy with Catnip is the finest solution.

This cat scratcher’s curved, sleek form is also ergonomic for your cat, as it cradles your kitty when it sleeps. Because this scratcher is dual-sided, when your cat wears down one side, simply switch it over and your cat can continue scratching.

The Ultimate at Scratcher Lounge Toy is constructed from ultra-dense recycled cardboard and non-toxic cornstarch adhesive.

This cat scratcher is also available in three different colors, so you can select one to complement your home decor.

Because the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge Toy with Catnip is constructed of cardboard, it will make a mess as your cat scratches it. It’s also quite large, so it might fit in a tiny apartment presently.

Pros

• Ergonomic
• Lounger
• Recyclable

Cons

• Large
• There are no replacement parts available.

Buyer's Guide: How to Select the Best Contemporary Cat Scratcher Post

Many cat owners possess or have contemplated purchasing a scratching post. They can help protect your furnishings by providing a respectable place for your cat to scratch.

They also provide a place for cats to play, can be used to reduce anxiety, and scratching is a natural feline pastime. We’ve put up this buyer’s guide to help you find the best scratcher for your cat.

What Causes Cats to Scratch?

To acquire our cat the greatest scratching post available, we need to understand why they scratch. They scratched trees, rocks, and other things in the wild.

They would scratch furniture, carpet, and doors if left to their own devices in your home. Some people might even scratch the walls.

The following are the most typical causes and explanations for cat scratching:

Nail Care

Cats have long, sharp nails that must be kept in good condition. You can clip them, although this can be difficult, and it is preferable if your cat’s nails are kept naturally short.

Scratching posts, especially ones with a rough and textured surface, help your cat’s nails stay trim. Trim is not the same as uninteresting in this situation.

A cat scratching post will not dull a cat’s claws, but it will help your feline companion get rid of broken and shed claws and keep them in good shape.

Cats naturally desire to keep their claws in good condition since they utilize them for balance, defense, hunting, and other purposes.

Stretching

A cat can stretch its legs and dig in with its claws while stretching its legs, neck, back, and other regions.

A nice stretch on a scratching post is similar to feline yoga, and it will keep your cat physically fit, encourage healthy posture, and prevent some degenerative disorders.

Scent a n Area

Cats have scent glands throughout their bodies, including their paws. They naturally spread their fragrance onto the surface they scrape when they scratch. This means they effectively own the location.

They utilize the scratching post to warn other cats not to use it, though they are usually ready to share with another family feline.

Cats, cats, cats

Cats scratch in this manner as a natural habit. Their wild relatives do it, as do their domesticated counterparts, and they want to do it as well.

Providing a scratching post allows your cats to scratch both an evolutionary itch and the sisal rope.

Cat Scratcher’s Base Material

The foundation material is the substance beneath the sisal or carpeted portion. The base sits on the floor, while the column is the real post.

These are often made of either:

Wood

Wood is a long-lasting, resilient, and solid material. If the floor base is built of good wood, it should be strong enough to withstand the scratching without collapsing.

If the column is built of wood, it provides a stronger supporting layer for the scratching surface and ensures that the entire structure lasts longer.

Cardboard

Cardboard is a less expensive substitute of wood and is commonly featured in lower-priced models. It is thin, rarely lasts more than a few months, and can bend if your cat is especially active.

However, recycled cardboard has recently gained popularity. Because it is corrugated, it provides some structural rigidity.

It is also considered environmentally friendly because it reuses discarded cardboard that would otherwise end up in a landfill, and with enough layers and corrugation, it can survive for months.

Material for Scratchers

In addition to the base material, the scratching surface material must be considered. This should be rough and textured to appeal to the cat, but you should also choose a material that will shred and shed less.

Your selections are:

• Carpet is inexpensive, soft, and widely available. It looks nice on the floor and the perch section of the post, but it will shred and tear apart if used as a scratching surface.
• Sisal is a plant that originated in Mexico but is now planted all over the world. It produces a strong and robust fiber that is nonetheless flexible enough to be useful in a variety of applications, including high-quality scratching post material. Because it is rough and textured, it appeals to your cat as a scratching surface. While it can be damaged over time, it will usually not shed when broken and will remain in place. It can be a sisal sheet or a rope that is twined around the column.
• Cardboard is employed not only in the building of the post base, but also on the scratching surface. It’s cheap, and it’s usually comfy for your cat, but it won’t last, and you’ll be left with small bits of torn cardboard on the floor.

Post Form

The conventional scratching post is upright, and while this is still the most frequent style, your alternatives are a little more varied today.

• Horizontal—Rather than reaching up, the horizontal post is great for cats who prefer to spread out when scratching. These posts can also be placed under items such as furniture or outside doors to discourage undesired scratching behavior.
• Vertical— A vertical, upright scratch post is the typical scratch post. This helps your cat to stretch upwards organically while scratching, which is beneficial to both their physical health and their scratching movement. The height of the post varies, but you should consider your cat’s length, including their legs, to make sure they have enough space.
• Multi-Surface—An increasing number of scratch posts are multi-surface. They can be triangular or rectangular, with a hollow midsection and a scratching surface on the inside and outer sides. These designs allow for more play and a wider variety of games than regular posts, although they typically take up more room.

How Often Should A Scratch Post Be Replaced?

The lifetime of a scratch post is determined by a variety of factors. The intensity with which your cat scratches, whether the post is utilized by one or multiple cats, and, of course, the materials and quality of the post itself all have a role.

However, if you have one or two cats and choose a high-quality post, you should anticipate to replace it after around two years.

Can A Scratch Post Be Repaired?

Some scratch posts are pretty simple to fix. Wood can be sanded down and treated, and sisal rope can be rewoven. Some posts even feature cardboard or sisal replacement portions.

If you do decide to repair the post, make sure it is safe for your cat to use. Avoid using potentially toxic adhesives, as well as screws and nails that could cause harm.

What If Your Cat Refuses To Use A New Post?

Cats are a law unto themselves, and even if you read reviews claiming that 100 out of 100 cats enjoyed using a specific scratch post, there is always the very real risk that your cat may defy convention and refuse to go near the post.

Place a blanket or other object smelling like your cat on the post. Sprinkle catnip on it until your cat realizes they’re supposed to utilize it.

Place it near the furnishings you don’t want them to scratch. If everything else fails, you could attempt deterring them from using it.

Conclusion

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) all want the best for our cats, and one way we can help is to provide them with a good scratching post where they can exercise their innate impulses while honing their claws and venting their rage.

Hopefully, the preceding advice and reviews of the best modern cat scratcher posts have assisted you in locating the one that best suits your home and your cat.

The Petmaker Modern Cat Scratcher Post has a simple design, yet it is of high quality, reasonably priced, and well-liked by cats.

The Petique Feline Chateau Cat Scratcher is not only distinctive in appearance, but it is also of good quality and less expensive than most, making it the greatest value modern scratcher we found.