Best Cat Scratching Posts
Cats scratch. It is normal, healthy and not something you can train away. What you can do is give your cat a better place to do it than the arm of your couch.
Updated October 27, 2026. Research by The Pet Gear Lab team.
Disclosure: Some links on this site are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Picks are labeled Research pick because they come from published testing and owner reports. How we pick.
The short answer
The SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is the best cat scratching post for most cats: a 32-inch woven sisal post on a wide, steady base that Cats.com, PetsRadar and Popular Science all named best overall. For large cats, pick the 41-inch MidWest Feline Nuvo Grand Forte. For cats that scratch along the floor, pick The Original Scratch Lounge.
Key facts
- In a 2016 survey of 4,331 owners, cats used upright posts more when the posts were at least 3 feet tall.
- The AAFP strongly opposes declawing as an elective procedure, and the AVMA discourages it.
- Cornell’s Feline Health Center says scent marking from glands in the paws is the main reason cats scratch.
- In a 2022 survey of 2,465 owners published in Animals, offering more posts and rewarding cats for using them were linked to less unwanted scratching.
A good scratching post is tall enough for a full stretch, heavy enough not to wobble, and covered in a surface your cat likes. Many cats also like a flat scratcher on the floor, so one of each is a smart start.
Vet groups are clear that declawing is not the answer to scratching. We cover what they recommend instead, and where to put a post so your cat actually uses it.
We sorted the picks by job.
Quick picks
Best overall, a tall, heavy sisal post most cats can stretch out on
Best for large cats, a 41-inch post with a wide, heavy base
Best value tall post, for a simple sisal post on a budget
Best horizontal cardboard, for cats that scratch low and like to lounge
Best for rug scratchers, a flat sisal mat for the floor
Budget pick, a low-cost cardboard pad to test what your cat likes
How to choose
Watch your cat first. Cornell’s Feline Health Center says to notice whether your cat scratches up or across, and on what surface, then match the scratcher to that. A cat that shreds the side of the couch wants a post. A cat that digs at the rug wants something flat.
Go tall and steady. Cornell says a post should be tall enough for a full stretch and stable. In a large owner survey cited by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), cats used upright posts more when they were at least 3 feet tall. A post that tips even once can scare a cat off it.
Pick the surface. Sisal is the most common choice for posts. Cardboard costs less but wears out faster, which both Catster and Cats.com point out. Some older cats prefer softer surfaces such as carpet.
Put it where the damage is. A great post in the wrong room will get ignored. See the placement tips below.
Plan for wear. A shredded post is a used post. Cornell says worn posts are still doing their job. Most of the posts here do not sell replacement covers, so expect to replace the whole thing in time.
Have more than one. The AAFP suggests several scratchers in several spots. Owners who offered extra posts reported less unwanted scratching in a 2022 survey study.
Why cats scratch, and how to stop furniture damage
Scratching is normal behavior. The AAFP calls it a normal cat behavior that is both instinctive and learned. Scratching sheds the old outer layer of the claws, gives the body a good stretch, and leaves both a visual mark and a scent mark. Cornell says marking with scent from glands in the paws is the main reason. Because the urge is built in, the goal is to redirect it, not stop it.
Vet groups advise against declawing. The AAFP “strongly opposes declawing (onychectomy) as an elective procedure.” Declawing removes the last bone of each toe. The AAFP lists risks that include short- and long-term pain, infection, lameness and behavior problems. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) also “discourages” elective declawing and supports non-surgical options first. Cornell calls it “an absolute last resort” and notes it does not remove the urge to scratch.
What the AAFP recommends instead:
- Good scratchers, in the right places.
- Regular nail trims. Cornell says trimming reduces damage.
- Soft nail caps. These glue onto the claws. The AAFP says they are reapplied every 4 to 6 weeks, and Cornell says every 6 to 12 weeks, so follow your vet’s advice.
- Calming pheromone sprays or diffusers, plus play and enrichment.
Put the post right next to the problem. Cornell says to place a post beside the spot your cat already scratches, then move it slowly to where you want it. Add one near each favorite spot. The AAFP also suggests a scratcher near where your cat sleeps, since many cats stretch and scratch when they wake up, and near doors and windows.
Make the post appealing and the couch less so. In a 2022 survey of 2,465 owners published in Animals, these habits were linked to less unwanted scratching:
- Offering more scratching posts.
- Blocking access to the furniture being scratched.
- Putting catnip or pheromones on the post.
- Rewarding the cat for using the post.
Yelling and physical correction were linked to more unwanted scratching. The study was a survey, so it shows links, not cause and effect. Cornell puts it plainly: “Punishment only teaches your cat to fear you.” Covering the furniture with a blanket or double-sided tape while your cat learns is a kinder option.
Vertical vs horizontal. The AAFP says most cats prefer to scratch upright, but flat scratchers work well for cats that go after carpet. Cornell suggests tall posts for cats that stretch up and flat cardboard for cats that scratch across. In a 2016 survey of 4,331 owners, cats used a simple upright post, or a cat tree with at least two levels, more often when it was at least 3 feet tall. Posts with narrower bases got more use than very wide ones.
Sisal rope vs sisal fabric vs cardboard.
- Sisal rope has the best research behind it. In the 2016 survey, “rope was most frequently used when offered.” The 2022 study also linked sisal rope to fewer reports of unwanted scratching. Cats aged 10 to 14 in the 2016 survey preferred carpet, so a senior cat may want something softer.
- Sisal fabric is woven sisal wrapped around the post, as on our top pick. A Vet Desk article (no vet reviewer listed) says rope fibers stick out and fray with use, while fabric fibers loosen and make less mess. We found no study that compares the two directly.
- Cardboard is the cheapest and least durable. Catster and Cats.com both say it wears out faster than sisal. It is a good fit for flat scratchers and for testing what your cat likes.
If your cat is scratching people, scratching more than usual, or seems stressed, talk to your vet. The AAFP notes that scratching can increase with stress.
What to know about these picks
We have not tested these scratchers. Our main independent source is Cats.com’s roundup (updated July 29, 2026), where writer Katelynn Sobus tested scratchers with her own seven cats. It does not list a vet reviewer. We also used Popular Science’s roundup (updated November 2023), which says its writers tested with their own cats, and PetsRadar’s buying guide (updated May 2025) and its 2021 SmartCat review. The PetsRadar pages do not say these products were tested hands-on.
We used Catster’s hands-on Scratch Lounge review and two Catster roundups. None of these Catster pages shows an author or date. One Catster link we opened served an Australia-market list. Hauspanther reviewed the SmartCat post from a sample sent by the maker, and the Scratch Lounge in 2013.
Wirecutter, CNN Underscored and The Spruce Pets did not come up in our searches, so we could not use them. Amazon product pages could not be opened. Chewy’s gray Frisco 33-in post page (the color we were given) and one FUKUMARU page did not load, but other color or pack pages for both did.
Behavior and declawing guidance comes from the AAFP, the AVMA, Cornell’s Feline Health Center, and two owner survey studies. Specs come from Chewy listings. We do not list prices, since they change often.
Specs compared
| Pick | Best for | Type | Size | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post | Best overall | Upright post | 32 in tall, 16 by 16 in base | Woven sisal fabric |
| MidWest Feline Nuvo Grand Forte | Large cats | Upright post | 41 in tall, 19 by 19 in base | Sisal rope and faux fur |
| Frisco 33-in Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post | Value tall post | Upright post with perch | 33.5 in tall | Sisal, plush base and perch |
| The Original Scratch Lounge | Horizontal cardboard | Three-sided flat lounger | 22 by 13 by 5 in | Honeycomb cardboard |
| FUKUMARU Horizontal Sisal Cat Scratcher Mat | Rug and carpet scratchers | Flat mat, adhesive back | 23.6 by 15.7 in, under 0.5 in thick | Natural sisal |
| Frisco Double-Wide Cat Scratcher Toy with Catnip | Budget | Flat flippable pad | About 18 by 9.5 by 2 in | Corrugated cardboard |
Specs from Chewy listings and Cats.com, October 2026. Sizes vary by color and pack; check the listing.
The picks in detail
Home Cats Research pick
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Best overall
Verdict: The most widely recommended post in our research: 32 inches of woven sisal on a wide, steady base.
What it does well: Cats.com ranked it Overall Best after testing. The writer found it easy to put together and said the wide base keeps it from wobbling. PetsRadar’s guide also named it best overall and said it is “tall enough” for larger cats to stretch. Popular Science named it best overall too, praising its sturdy base and “high-quality sisal.” Hauspanther, which got a sample from the maker, called the woven surface one “that really lasts.” Chewy lists a 32-inch post on a 16 by 16 inch base. A Chewy answer puts the weight at about 16 pounds. Owners rate it about 4.7 out of 5 across more than 1,350 reviews.
The downsides: Cats.com warns that “some cats won’t scratch the post due to its texture or toughness.” Some of the writer’s older, smaller cats ignored it. Chewy reviewers mention a slippery top and base, large screw heads that can scratch wood floors, and a top damaged in shipping. Catster’s Australia list says the “wood base can be slippery.” The sisal is fixed in place at the factory, and replacement covers are not sold, according to Hauspanther. When the top wears out, you replace the post.
Skip it if: your cat is a senior that likes soft surfaces, or a very large cat that needs more than 32 inches to stretch. Look at the MidWest Forte for big cats.
See it on Amazon Affiliate link
Home Cats Research pick
MidWest Feline Nuvo Grand Forte
Best for large cats
Verdict: The tall, heavy pick for big cats and busy multi-cat homes, at 41 inches on a 19-inch base.
What it does well: Cats.com named it Best for Large Cats. The writer’s largest cats liked it most, and it held up to their claws. Cats.com notes its thick sisal rope. Chewy lists it at 41 inches tall on a 19 by 19 inch base, with a wood post, faux fur and sisal rope. Owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 across nearly 2,000 ratings. At over 3 feet, it clears the height that cats preferred in the 2016 owner survey.
The downsides: Cats.com says it “might be heavy for some people to move.” A 2018 Chewy answer says replacement parts are not available. One Chewy reviewer wished the worn bottom section could be swapped with the top. Another said it shakes a little with a heavy cat. Owners also mention sections that are hard to twist apart and a couple of staples to tap in during setup. Retailers name it differently: PetSmart calls it a “Feline Nuvo Heavy Duty Multi-Cat Scratching Post,” so check the size before you buy.
Skip it if: you have a small space or need to move the post often. A cat that dislikes faux fur may only use the sisal parts.
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Home Cats Research pick
Frisco 33-in Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post
Best value tall post
Verdict: A tall post with a perch from Chewy’s house brand, with thousands of happy owners but no independent test behind it.
What it does well: Chewy lists a 33.5-inch tower with a 360-degree sisal covering, a soft plush base and top perch, and a double-layer baseboard for stability. Tools are included. Owners rate it 4.7 out of 5 across more than 6,900 ratings, and several call it heavy and sturdy. It is sold in brown, cream and gray.
The downsides: We found no independent test of this post. Chewy does not list the base size or weight. One reviewer said the surface felt like “a textured, plastic-y feeling material,” and another said their cats used it less because of the texture. Reviewers also report sisal lifting at the seam, an exposed bolt head on the base, and a base lighter than expected. A Chewy answer says the sisal can come undone with heavy scratching, and a 2018 answer says replacement mats are not sold. The plush may not last as long as the sisal.
Skip it if: you want a post with published testing behind it (choose the SmartCat), or you have a very large cat (choose the MidWest Forte).
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Home Cats Research pick
The Original Scratch Lounge
Best horizontal cardboard
Verdict: A three-sided cardboard lounger for floor scratchers, with the best long-term owner report of any cardboard pick we found.
What it does well: Cats.com named it Best Cardboard Scratcher. The writer’s cats took to it quickly, including a nervous senior cat. Catster’s hands-on review says theirs held up over about five years of near-daily use. The dense honeycomb sheds fewer flakes, and the high sides catch the ones that fall. Hauspanther notes the three pads are reversible and held with wheat-based glue. Chewy lists it at 22 by 13 by 5 inches, made in the USA, with catnip and replaceable parts. Owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 across more than 1,500 ratings.
The downsides: Cats.com says it is “not suitable for cats that prefer scratching vertically.” Another Catster review says it may not hold up to rough cats and may be too small for larger breeds, and it comes in one size. The maker says the honeycomb lasts up to 10 times longer than other scratchers. That is a maker claim, and we found no test of it. Cardboard breaks down when wet, so keep it indoors.
Skip it if: your cat scratches upright furniture. Pair it with a post instead.
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Home Cats Research pick
FUKUMARU Horizontal Sisal Cat Scratcher Mat
Best for rug scratchers
Verdict: A flat sisal mat for cats that dig at carpet or rugs, and a sturdier flat surface than cardboard.
What it does well: Cats.com named it Best Scratching Mat. The writer’s cats both scratched and slept on it, and the writer suggests it for cats that scratch carpet. Cats.com lists it at 23.6 by 15.7 inches and under half an inch thick, with an adhesive backing. Chewy sells a two-pack in 100% natural sisal with tape for mounting. In the 2022 survey study, flat scratching surfaces were linked to fewer reports of unwanted scratching.
The downsides: Cats.com says it “comes rolled up and can be difficult to flatten.” The Chewy two-pack had no reviews and no size listed when we checked, and the single-mat Chewy page did not load. We found no long-term durability test.
Skip it if: your cat stretches up to scratch the sides of furniture. A post will do more for you.
See it on Amazon Affiliate link
Home Cats Research pick
Frisco Double-Wide Cat Scratcher Toy with Catnip
Budget
Verdict: A low-cost, flippable cardboard pad, good for finding out if your cat likes flat scratching before you spend more.
What it does well: Cats.com named it Best Budget Scratcher and said flipping it over extends its life. Chewy lists corrugated cardboard that flips over, with a catnip packet included. A Chewy answer puts the size at about 18 by 9.5 by 2 inches. Owners rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 613 reviews.
The downsides: Cats.com warns that “scratching can create messy cardboard shavings” and that it may not hold up to intense scratchers or multi-cat homes. One Chewy reviewer said it is only a little wider than a standard pad, despite the name. As a Chewy house brand, it is mainly sold at Chewy.
Skip it if: you have a big, hard-scratching cat or several cats. The Scratch Lounge or the FUKUMARU mat will last longer.
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Questions people ask
Is declawing a good way to stop a cat from scratching furniture?
No. The AAFP strongly opposes elective declawing, and the AVMA discourages it. It removes the last bone of each toe and carries risks such as pain and lameness. Cornell says it does not remove the urge to scratch. Try well-placed scratchers, nail trims and soft nail caps first, and talk with your vet.
How tall should a cat scratching post be?
Tall enough for your cat to stretch out fully, says Cornell. In a large owner survey, cats used upright posts more when they were at least 3 feet tall. PetsRadar looked for vertical posts of 24 inches or more. For big cats, aim for the taller end, like the 41-inch MidWest Forte.
Is sisal rope or sisal fabric better?
Sisal rope has the most research behind it: cats in a 2016 owner survey used it most when it was offered. Woven sisal fabric, used on the SmartCat post, tends to fray less and make less mess. We found no study comparing the two, so if your cat ignores one, try the other.
Why does my cat ignore its new scratching post?
It may be in the wrong spot, the wrong shape or the wrong surface. Move it right next to the furniture your cat scratches, and try catnip on the post and treats when your cat uses it. A 2022 survey study linked both to less unwanted scratching. If your cat scratches the rug, try a flat scratcher instead.
Sources and further reading
- Cats.com, Katelynn Sobus, “15 Best Scratching Posts for 2026: We Tested Them All” (updated July 29, 2026)
- PetsRadar, Alexis De Leaver, “Best cat scratching posts for every type of feline and home setup” (updated May 29, 2025)
- PetsRadar, Kathryn Williams, “SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post review” (June 22, 2021)
- Popular Science, Amanda Reed and Jordan Landsman, “The best cat scratching posts” (updated November 7, 2023)
- Hauspanther, “SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is always a favorite” (April 11, 2023)
- Hauspanther, “Scratch Lounge three-sided cat scratcher” (June 4, 2013)
- Catster, “Scratch Lounge 2026 Review: Types, Pros, Cons & Verdict” (date not shown on page)
- Catster, “Scratch Lounge Review 2026: Pros, Cons & Verdict” (date not shown on page)
- Catster, “10 Best Cat Scratching Posts for Every Stage of Life (2026)” (date not shown on page)
- Catster, “10 Best Cat Scratching Posts in Australia in 2026” (date not shown on page)
- American Association of Feline Practitioners, “2017 Declawing” position statement
- American Association of Feline Practitioners, “Claw Friendly Educational Toolkit” (PDF)
- American Veterinary Medical Association, “Declawing of domestic cats” (policy, date not shown)
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Feline Health Center, “Feline Behavior Problems: Destructive Behavior” (updated March 2018)
- eScholarship, Wilson, Bain, DePorter, Beck, Grassi and Landsberg, “Owner observations regarding cat scratching behavior: an internet-based survey” (2016)
- Animals, Stellato, Cisneros, Litwin and Niel, “Unwanted Scratching Behavior in Cats: Influence of Management Strategies and Cat and Owner Characteristics” (2022)
- The Vet Desk, Nicole Cosgrove, “Sisal Fabric vs. Sisal Rope for Cat Scratching Posts: What’s the Difference?” (October 29, 2025)
- Chewy listings and owner reviews for each pick
Product details change. Confirm the model, size and availability on the retailer page before you buy. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.
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