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  • 9 Best Cat Scratching Posts UK 2024 | Paw Hut, Pets at Home and More 1
  • 9 Best Cat Scratching Posts UK 2024 | Paw Hut, Pets at Home and More 2
  • 9 Best Cat Scratching Posts UK 2024 | Paw Hut, Pets at Home and More 3
  • 9 Best Cat Scratching Posts UK 2024 | Paw Hut, Pets at Home and More 4
  • 9 Best Cat Scratching Posts UK 2024 | Paw Hut, Pets at Home and More 5

9 Best Cat Scratching Posts UK 2024 | Paw Hut, Pets at Home and More

It's a fact that cats love to scratch. But they’re not just tugging at your new curtains to spite you – they’re pulling off their outer claw sheaths to make way for the new, as well as getting in a good muscle stretch. A sisal rope or cardboard scratching post, tree, or tower will not only spare your furnishings but will keep your cat healthy, happy and entertained.

We know that you want only the best for your cat - our buying guide will help you to decide between the different materials, styles and sizes of scratching posts, in order to determine which will best suit the both of you. We share our top 9 recommendations, available in the UK from Amazon and Pets at Home, incorporating both budget options and those exclusively for pampered pets. Moreover, we have partnered with veterinarian Natalia Ramírez for reviewing and fact-checking the article to deliver you the best information.
Last updated 25/03/2024

Quick List - Top Cat Scratching Posts

1

PawHut

Cat Scratching Barrel
Cat Scratching Barrel

Stylish, Cosy and Natural With a Large Scratching Area to Accommodate Several Cats

2

Kerbl

Maxi Cat Scratching Post
Maxi Cat Scratching Post

Extra Long Pole With a Heavy Carpeted Base

3

Pets at Home

Soto Swing Cat Tower
Soto Swing Cat Tower

A Fairly Inconspicuous Pet Tower and Scratching Rope

4

Petcheer

Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed
Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed

Adorable Catnip-Infused Cardboard Design for Cat Fanatics

5

Vesper

V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree
V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree

Top Luxury Buy for Style Conscious Homes

Natalia Ramírez
Expert
Veterinarian
Natalia Ramírez

Natalia is a veterinarian with 10 years of experience, specialising in topics related to responsible pet ownership, preventive animal health and nutrition issues that she is currently deepening in her master's studies. She also helps new pet parents by delivering all the necessary information from their arrival at home to different stages of their life.

Natalia Ramírez's Profile
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Table of Contents

Fact-Checked & Approved by Veterinarian Natalia Ramírez

Fact-Checked & Approved by Veterinarian Natalia Ramírez

Natalia is a veterinarian with 10 years of experience, specialising in topics related to responsible pet ownership, preventive animal health and nutrition issues that she is currently deepening in her master's studies. 


She also helps new pet parents by delivering all the necessary information from their arrival at home to different stages of their life.

How to Choose a Cat Scratching Post in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Cat Tower vs Traditional vs Board - Consider the Main Varieties of Scratching Post
  2. Will it Fit Into Your Home and Suit Your Cat? Check the Measurements Before Buying
1

Be Sure to Weigh Up the Main Varieties of Scratching Post

Be Sure to Weigh Up the Main Varieties of Scratching Post

If You Want a Material to Keep Your Cat's Nails Trim and Healthy, Choose a Sisal Rope Scratching Post

Many vets and feline experts indicate that the ideal is that the scratching post should be vertical, high but stable and with a rough surface and that you should choose it depending on the space and characteristics of the animal you have at home.

Some of them also recommend sisal rope as the most effective material for keeping a cat’s nails trim and healthy, so you can be sure you’re doing right by them if you opt for a sisal-covered post. It’s also similar in feel to the bark of a tree or wooden fence post, both of which cats absolutely love, so it is an especially good choice for those who have cats kept indoors a lot.


Consisting of just a post and a square base, they are pretty simple, so if your space is on the smaller side this variety won’t dominate it. Cats scratch up trees – and anything else they can get their claws into – to mark their territory and claim it as their own, so if you have more than one cat you may like to purchase them one each. On the whole sisal posts are budget friendly and economical as they’ll last years before they need replacing.

If You Have Multiple Cats or an Indoor Cat, Pick a Cat Tower

Cat towers are the most extravagant of your options, although some more so than others. Also referred to as cat trees, they’re a series of platforms and hideaways atop several sisal rope posts, designed to reduce boredom in pets - as they can scratch and stretch, nap and survey their territory.

Indoor cats love cat towers, especially if you place them in front of a (firmly shut) window, as they can watch goings-on outside in between scratching and climbing sessions. They’re also ideal for owners of multiple cats, as they can provide several scratching posts in one and a comfy, fun place to hang out together or slightly apart.

If Your Cat Has a Tendency to Scratch Horizontally, Opt for Cardboard Scratching Boards

Scratching boards are usually made of corrugated cardboard, in the form of a flat rectangular board or sometimes a quirky shape. They’re a good fit if you have noticed that your cat has a tendency to scratch horizontally, for example on the carpet or cushions rather than the curtains or chair legs.

Durability wise, they may not last forever, but are a good pick nonetheless as cats actually enjoy a satisfying sound when scratching and like to see the marks they’ve made. They can also be moved from room to room easily, or moved in front of the furnishings that your cat usually favours. These will generate the most mess out of the types we've examined - a quick regular hoover will keep on top of the shredded board though.


The low price point also makes them a good buy for new pet owners who aren’t sure of their cat’s particular habits or tastes. Another appealing point to combat the shorter life span of such scratchers is that they’re able to be recycled alongside your other household cardboard.

2

Check the Measurements Will Fit For Where You Want to Place It, and That It’s the Right Size for Your Cat

Check the Measurements Will Fit For Where You Want to Place It, and That It’s the Right Size for Your Cat

Ensure That the Post Has a Minimum Height of 60 cm and That the Length and Width Suit Your Cat

If you don’t have all the room in the world or there’s a particular nook or window bay you want to place the post or tower in, you’ll want to measure up the space before you decide on a product. If it is a tower, remember that your cat would love to see outside, so choose one that has platforms at the same height as a (firmly closed) window.

You’ll also need to ensure the height of the post, or the length of the board, is sufficient to let your cat stretch fully and work out all those kinks, whilst being able to scratch away to their hearts content. We’d opt for posts with a minimum height of 60cm. Or, bribe them with a treat, get out the tape measure, and make sure that the post or board you choose is at least three times the height of your cat.

Make Sure the Width of the Base Is at Least Half the Height of the Pole

For scratching posts, the width of the base should be at least half the height of the pole, to make it less likely to topple over and hurt your cat whilst they’re using it. Your cat would also find it very dissatisfying to claw away at an unstable pole, as they wouldn't be able to get a good grip. Some scratchers can be fixed to the wall, floor or ceiling - so even if your cat is a very boisterous scratcher there is a solution!

For more pampered pet essentials, check out our recommendations for the best cat beds, cat brushes and cat toys.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

9 Best Cat Scratching Posts in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used. 
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

PawHut

Cat Scratching Barrel

PawHut Cat Scratching Barrel 1

Stylish, Cosy and Natural With a Large Scratching Area to Accommodate Several Cats

2

Kerbl

Maxi Cat Scratching Post

Kerbl  Maxi Cat Scratching Post 1

Extra Long Pole With a Heavy Carpeted Base

3

Pets at Home

Soto Swing Cat Tower

Pets at Home Soto Swing Cat Tower 1

A Fairly Inconspicuous Pet Tower and Scratching Rope

4

Petcheer

Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed

Petcheer  Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed 1

Adorable Catnip-Infused Cardboard Design for Cat Fanatics

5

Vesper

V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree

Vesper  V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree 1

Top Luxury Buy for Style Conscious Homes

6

Gorpets

Willow Scratching Post,

Gorpets Willow Scratching Post, 1

A Safe Wall-Mounted Scratching Board For Even the Most Boisterous of Cats

7

Pippa & Max

Grey Cat Scratching Tree Floor to Ceiling

Pippa & Max Grey Cat Scratching Tree Floor to Ceiling 1

Floor to Ceiling Adventurous Scratching Post

8

Cat Post

Smart Cat The Ultimate Scratching Post

Cat Post Smart Cat The Ultimate Scratching Post 1

A Subtle Scratching Post That Blends In

9

Trixie Valencia

Scratching Post

Trixie Valencia  Scratching Post 1

A Mini-Tree That Offers More Than a Post for Smaller Spaces

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

PawHut
Cat Scratching Barrel

Cat Scratching Barrel 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Cat Scratching Barrel 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Cat Scratching Barrel 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Cat Scratching Barrel 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£60.99
High Mid
Reference price
£60.99
High Mid

Stylish, Cosy and Natural With a Large Scratching Area to Accommodate Several Cats

The scratcher topping our charts looks stylish enough to have in the corner of a main living room - the natural hue of the seaweed rope covered barrel tower will blend in with any existing neutral décor.  

Cats will love hiding, playing and sleeping in and on this. There are two interconnected play den areas on levels 1 and 2, then the top hidey hole is a cosy sleeping den. The very top is covered with more snuggly material for another napping location. The large surface area for scratching will accommodate several cats or just a couple of larger ones!

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Kerbl
Maxi Cat Scratching Post

Maxi Cat Scratching Post 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£26.94
Low Mid
Reference price
£26.94
Low Mid

Extra Long Pole With a Heavy Carpeted Base

Our top recommendation for a simple yet effective post is this easy to assemble, extra long number, with a stable and thick brown carpeted base. The 78cm height means even the largest of cats get a great stretch and long scratch when fully extending themselves.

The generous 6mm layer of sisal is glued to the post rather than wrapped, so it should withstand many cat attacks, and there’s also a fluffy hanging toy included. A brilliant buy for every sized cat and living space, that won’t break the bank.
No.3

Pets at Home
Soto Swing Cat Tower

Reference price
£40.00
Mid
Reference price
£40.00
Mid

A Fairly Inconspicuous Pet Tower and Scratching Rope

This entertainment system is fairly subtle in colour and size, yet the scratching posts and the ever-popular rope climber toy will do a good job at keeping your pet amused and away from your precious soft furnishings.


The scratching posts and scratching rope allow for a good upwards stretch and scratch and the construction is robust enough to last. The platforms provide lookout towers and places to pounce from - be ready for an ambush!

No.4

Petcheer
Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed

Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£32.99
Mid
Reference price
£32.99
Mid

Adorable Catnip-Infused Cardboard Design for Cat Fanatics

It may be made of cardboard, but this striking cat-shaped scratcher can actually withstand up to 50kg of weight. We love its simplicity as well as the fact that it doubles up as a lounger, plus it will appease cats with both horizontal and vertical scratching habits.

Completely recyclable at the end of it’s life, it’s also infused with organic catnip, in case you have a cat who usually totally ignores a purpose bought cat toy / accessory. This irresistible scratcher will definitely tempt them more than the side of your furniture!
No.5

Vesper
V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree

V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree 5
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£109.99
High
Reference price
£109.99
High

Top Luxury Buy for Style Conscious Homes

With it’s sleek, simplistic good looks and quality craftsmanship, this “cat furniture” wouldn’t look out of place in even the smartest of rooms. There’s generously six scratching posts made of high quality sisal - plenty to get their claws stuck into.

It also boasts three platforms, a hanging toy, memory foam cushions and a cosy cave for when the outside world gets too much. If you’ve got between one and three cats who you love to spoil, treat them to this luxurious tower. There is also a version in a different colourway, in case black would better suit your room scheme.
No.6

Gorpets
Willow Scratching Post,

Willow Scratching Post, 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£16.20
Low
Reference price
£16.20
Low

A Safe Wall-Mounted Scratching Board For Even the Most Boisterous of Cats

For those of you who are just looking for a basic, cheap, and reliable scratching surface which won't fall over, then this one’s for you. The sisal-covered board is an impressive 60 cm in height and it includes fixings to attach it to the wall, meaning even the most playful of kittens won't knock it over onto themselves.  

Obviously it will take up wall space and once installed it can't be moved, meaning it may not suit everyone's home set-up. We suggest hiding a sachet or two of catnip (not included) behind the panel when you install it, to ensure your cat finds this scratcher as irresistible as your curtains!



No.7

Pippa & Max
Grey Cat Scratching Tree Floor to Ceiling

Grey Cat Scratching Tree Floor to Ceiling 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Grey Cat Scratching Tree Floor to Ceiling 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Grey Cat Scratching Tree Floor to Ceiling 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Grey Cat Scratching Tree Floor to Ceiling 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£69.99
High Mid
Reference price
£69.99
High Mid

Floor to Ceiling Adventurous Scratching Post

There’s no chance of your cat knocking this one over, as it attaches to the ceiling securely. Featuring four scratching posts, three wide and comfy platforms and three hanging toys, it will be a hit with adventurous cats who require an alternative to scaling the curtain rails.

It would also be a match if you have more than one cat needing to scratch and lounge. It is a fairly bold design statement to have fixed in place in a room of your house, so it won't suit all owners, but my goodness it's a hit with cats lucky enough to have one! Just make sure you measure your ceiling height before you buy.
No.8

Cat Post
Smart Cat The Ultimate Scratching Post

Smart Cat The Ultimate Scratching Post 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£41.99
Mid
Reference price
£41.99
Mid

A Subtle Scratching Post That Blends In

It may not look like one, but it is a scratching post! This classically designed pole will draw minimal attention even in the cosiest of living rooms, and the solid base will ensure it stays firmly in place when under attack.

At 83cm, it’s one of the tallest sisal posts you’ll find, so will challenge even taller or larger cats. Compared to others of the same design it’s on the more expensive side, which will put some buyers off, but it is incredibly long lasting so will pay you back over the years.
No.9

Trixie Valencia
Scratching Post

Scratching Post 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£33.61
Mid
Reference price
£33.61
Mid

A Mini-Tree That Offers More Than a Post for Smaller Spaces

This mini-tree offers the best of both worlds for smaller spaces – something more interesting and multi-functional than a scratching post, but not something that takes up half of the room. The sisal posts themselves are only 28cm, but the overall height allows for extended stretching and scratching.

The plush fabric covering of the cave (inside and out) and on the platforms is invitingly soft. The multi levels will accommodate kittens or adult cats, although the cave may be too snug for larger breeds or cats who are on the weighty side.

What Does It Mean When a Cat Scratches Their Post?

Cats scratch instinctively, it is not necessarily a sign of boredom or unhappiness. They scratch to mark territory – to make a visually obvious claim on their surroundings. They scratch because they like the noise their claws make. They also scratch to keep their claws healthy and as a way to have a full body stretch.

Do Scratching Posts File Cat's Nails?

Scratching posts do file your cat's nails, but not just the tip of the nail which we would file on ourselves. Cats need to shed the full outer sheath to maintain claw health and ensure the sharper, newer surface is exposed. Cats claws are retractable - they don't naturally wear down when they walk around.


Written and researched by Natasha Dziubajlo

Why Trust Us

Our ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

Top 5 Cat Scratching Posts

No. 1: PawHutCat Scratching Barrel

No. 2: Kerbl Maxi Cat Scratching Post

No. 3: Pets at HomeSoto Swing Cat Tower

No. 4: Petcheer Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed

No. 5: Vesper V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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