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How To Buy The Best Scratching Posts For Large Cats

If you have a huge cat who is chewing up your furniture or drapes, getting them a scratching post is one of the greatest ways to convince them to stop.

Scratching posts provide your cat with necessary activity while also sharpening their claws without hurting your furnishings.

However, with so many brands and types to choose from, it can be difficult to select the right one for your cat. We've chosen ten distinct brands to review so you can understand more about their differences.

We'll also discuss the benefits and drawbacks we encountered while using them, as well as how they fared against our cat's clawing.

We've also included a brief buyer's guide that examines the many sorts of the best scratching posts for large cats and which cats favor each type.

Join us as BestForPets (bestforpets.org) explores size, construction materials, added amenities, and other factors to assist you in making an informed purchase.

Reviews

Best Value Kitty City Premium Scratching Post
 

Our selection for the best scratching post for large cats on a budget is the Kitty City Premium Scratching Post. It has a neutral tint and will look well in any setting.

It has a big 17-inch base that will keep the post in place while your cat uses it, and it stands 32-inches tall, making it suitable for both large and tiny cats.

A little hanging toy with a bell will assist lure your cat to the post and get it used to it. It’s simple to put together, and we had it up in a matter of minutes.

The issue with the Kitty City post was that it didn’t last long if your cats used it frequently.

In just a few months, our cats were able to scratch through the covering. It also has a little odor that takes some time to fade.

 

PetFusion Premium Wall Mounted Scratching Post
 

The PetFusion Wall Mounted Cat Scratching Post is our top-rated scratching post for large cats, offering a vast surface to scratch as well as a spot to relax.

It stands 76 inches tall and comes with wall brackets to securely put it in a room corner.

Because the platforms are 24 inches square, your cat should have plenty of space to rest on the bottom, middle, or top platform.

It has a sisal rope wrapping to provide a robust scratching surface for your cat and is rated to support up to 65 pounds.

The one thing we didn’t like about the PetFusion was how heavy it was and how you had to secure it to the wall, so it might not be suited for individuals who rent their houses.

 

Dimaka Ultimate Cat Scratcher
 

Another post with a wide base to hold it upright while the cat uses it is the Dimaka Ultimate Cat Scratching Post. The main pole is three inches thick and 34 inches tall.

It’s environmentally friendly and makes use of a surprisingly strong cardboard tube.

Assembly was simple, and once we opened the box, it only took a few minutes to have it ready for our cats to play with.

 It includes a soft, fuzzy ball at the top to encourage climbing and playing. It’s also available in a variety of colors to match any decor.

Our cats preferred the Dimaka Ultimate, which is lighter than some of the other options we considered. However, after a few weeks, the rope began to unravel and frequently required repair.

 

Cat Scratcher Hepper Hi-lo
 

The Hepper Hi-lo Cat Scratcher is a unique form compared to the rest of the scratching posts on this list, and it is our choice for the best overall scratching post for large cats.

It offers your cat a unique multi-angle scratching surface that can be adjusted to any of five different settings. While your cats are utilizing it, the non-slip grip holds it in place.

The scratching surface is made of 3-inch-thick cardboard and is both robust and pleasurable to scratch.

Our cats liked using the Hepper, and we liked the modern appearance, but our larger cats might tip it over, sending them running.

We tried several positions and settings but were unable to entirely resolve the issue.

 

Ultimate Scratching Post for SmartCat Pioneer Pet
 

The SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post is a stylish furniture-grade scratching post that can complement any décor.

The square post is 32 inches tall and made of robust sisal that will not catch your cat’s claws.

The wooden foundation measures 16 by 16 inches and will not tip over even when used by larger cats. It’s also simple to put together, using only two screws.

While the SmartCat Pioneer is one of the more appealing scratching posts on this list, due to the hardware, it can not sit securely on hard floors and might cause scratches, so it is only ideal for a carpeted floor.

How to Choose The Best Cat Scratching Post for Large Cats

Here are some things to think about before buying a huge cat scratching post.

Type of Scratch Post

Carpet, sisal, and cardboard are the three most common varieties of scratching posts.

Sisal

Sisal is a plant fiber that is fashioned into a rope similar to twine. It is typically wrapped around a post or hollow tube, although it can also be woven into a cloth.

We prefer wrapped sisal because it is incredibly resilient, and if it breaks off, you can typically replace the worn material by purchasing replacement sisal and rewrapping it.

Pros

  • Simple to replace
  • Durable
  • Eco-friendly
  • It will not snag the cat’s nails.

Cons

  • Can be separated

Cardboard

Many modern scratching posts include a cardboard foundation for the cats to scratch.

These scratching pads are appropriate for all cats and are frequently made from recycled materials to help the environment.

It is the cheapest of the three varieties, but it is also the least durable.

One significant disadvantage of some of these pads is that vigorous scratchers can create a sloppy mess as they shred the cardboard.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Eco-friendly
  • Will not snag cats’ nails
  • Durable

Cons

  • It can be messy.
  • There is no fix.

Carpet

Carpet scratching posts are frequently similar to sisal posts, but they can be any shape, and some are quite elegant.

Carpet, like sisal posts, can be fairly robust and can usually survive the lifetime of a single cat, but it does have a few drawbacks.

You cannot repair a worn-out carpet unless you are an expert in upholstering. Some carpet strands can also snag the cat’s nails, causing injury and making the cat reluctant to use it.

Carpet may also contain staples and glues that are toxic to cats.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Attractive

Cons

  • Can catch on the nails of cats
  • There is no fix.

Scratching Post Dimensions

If you’re going to utilize a carpet or sisal scratching post, the next thing you need think about is the size, and there are two dimensions to consider: height and base width.

Height of Scratching Post

Taller scratching posts will allow your larger cats to stretch, which is beneficial for strengthening their shoulders and back muscles as well as sharpening their nails.

Taller scratching posts also offer a larger surface area, which means they will last longer.

For a large cat, we recommend getting the tallest post you can locate. In our review, we attempted to list the height of the posts.

Base of Scratching Post

The base is the square at the bottom that holds the post in place while your can is using it.

If the base is too thin, light, or small, your cat will quickly knock it over, scaring him and making him less likely to utilize it.

We recommend using the wider base wherever possible to ensure stability.

When selecting a scratching post with a base, keep in mind that the hardware that holds the post in place is recessed.

If the screws on the bottom protrude, the post will wobble and your cat will be unable to dig as deeply as it would want.

Screws that rust can leave scratches on a hardwood floor. If you have a carpeted floor, you may not notice any swaying and will not incur any scratches.

Weight of Scratching Post

Another factor to consider while selecting your next scratching pad is weight. Heavier posts are less likely to fall over, but they are more difficult to move around your house.

While shopping, you will need to strike a balance. We recommend going with the heaviest one you can still travel around your house.

Tips:

  • If you own the land and want a post that won’t topple over, choose one that screws into the wall.
  • Rub some catnip on the post if you’re having difficulties getting your cat to try it out.
  • Multiple scratching posts are preferable to one. Once the cat realizes what they are, it will most likely use them all around the house.
  • To keep your cat from scratching your furniture and drapes, try using pheromones. Spraying these regions with pheromones and rubbing catnip on the post is an excellent technique to communicate with the cat.
  • Although it is unattractive, temporarily affixing aluminum foil to the furniture and curtains that your cats are scratching will persuade them to scratch somewhere else.

Conclusion

Your cat simply needs to scratch, whether it’s to scratch its nails, exercise, or mark territory. Allow them to pass the time with this multi-material scratcher.

Whether they’re scratching on the sisal, scraping on the plush, or leaping for the dangling toy, you can rest assured that your other house ornaments are no longer as appealing.

When all of that gets too much, there’s even a marble game to keep the fun going! Another wise decision is our recommendation for the best value.

The Kitty City Premium Scratching Post is reasonably priced while yet providing your cat with a 32-inch-tall post with a wide base and a dangling cat toy that your feline will appreciate.

The hardwood base is appealing and will look nice in any area, while the sisal covering is long-lasting and will last for months.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes you liked reading these best scratching posts for large cats list and identified a few models you’d like to check out in your own house.

Please share this post on Facebook and Twitter if we were able to help you reduce the damage to your furniture and drapes.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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