Every cat should own several scratching posts, of varying size, angle, and scratching surface. Scratching posts are essential to cats, for needed exercise, stress relief, and claw management, and will save wear and tear on furniture and carpeting, as well. With scratching posts, costs are not necessarily a factor, as the inexpensive corregated cardboard pads are a favorite with cats.
1. The Purrfect Post
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Developed by a veterinarian, the Purrfect Post stands a sturdy 31.5" high, which gives cats the opportunity to really reach and pull when scratching - vital for the stretching they need. This post is surfaced with sisal fabric, considered superior to sisal rope as a scratching substrate. The 17.5" base gives added stability.
We've has our Purrfect Post for some time now and all three of our cats enjoy it. Jaspurr, in particular, loves to stretch tall.
2. Cosmic Alpine Scratcher
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Inclined corregated cardboard scratching block is treated with catnip and has a mouse toy suspended inside for added play. Cats love the feel of corregated cardboard and the inclined position gives a good workout to muscles that may be missed with vertical scratching posts. This scratching pad is inexpensive enough that you could place two or three in various areas around the house.
Ours is well-worn, but still well-loved and used regularly by our cats after five years. We've replaced the corregated pad once or twice (it also can be turned over for double the use). Jaspurr, pictured here, and his little brother Joey, actually could climb inside that hole in the side when they were kittens. The Cosmic Alpine Scratcher brings many memories.
3. Intergrooved Scratching Posts
Next to a real tree log in the house, the Intergrooved Scratching Posts by Active Cat come closest to the real thing. The patented process puts wedge-shaped divots into the soft (Douglas Fir or Spruce) wood, which are closely aligned to cats' claws, and provide deep and satisfying scratching, with just the right amount of resistance. These posts come in a variety of sizes and are easily assembled (no tools required).4. Cat Scratcher Furniture Scratch Lounge
Photo Credit: Courtesy of PriceGrabber
The Cat Scratch Lounge provides a comfortable three-sided lounging bed as well as a tempting reversible honeycomb pad for cats' scratching needs. The lounger measures a full 15" X 22" X 5.5" for full-out scratching.
5. Blitz Turbo Scratcher for Cats
Photo Credit: Courtesy of PriceGrabber
Like the Scratch Lounger, the Blitz Turbo Scratcher fits two needs in one. This product gets mixed reviews, but since some cats seem to love it, I'm including it for the variety it gives. The scratching pad is on the center of the ring, and a grooved track around the perimeter contains a ball cats can chase, if they've a mind to.
