Cat Scratchers

Scratching is normal cat behavior: it sheds old claw sheaths, stretches the body and leaves scent. The fix for scratched furniture is a scratcher your cat prefers, placed where it already scratches.

Cats split into vertical and horizontal scratchers, so watch which your cat chooses. A post must be tall enough for a full stretch and heavy enough not to tip; cardboard pads wear quickly but are cheap to refill.

Before you buy

• Direction. Vertical posts for stretchers, flat pads for floor scratchers; many cats use both.
• Height and weight. A post should let your cat stretch fully and not tip when pulled.
• Surface. Sisal rope or fabric lasts; cardboard is loved but wears out and sheds bits.
• Placement. Put scratchers by doors, beds and the furniture they already target.

Every cat scratcher we cover

Figures are the makers' own, quoted with their conditions on each product page. Prices change; each product page links to the current price.