9 Best Cat Scratching Posts UK 2024 | Paw Hut, Pets at Home and More
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.
Quick List - Top Cat Scratching Posts
PawHut
Stylish, Cosy and Natural With a Large Scratching Area to Accommodate Several Cats
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.
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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
- Cat Tower vs Traditional vs Board - Consider the Main Varieties of Scratching Post
- Will it Fit Into Your Home and Suit Your Cat? Check the Measurements Before Buying
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
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
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
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.
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
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 more pampered pet essentials, check out our recommendations for the best cat beds, cat brushes and cat toys.
9 Best Cat Scratching Posts in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | PawHut Cat Scratching Barrel | | Stylish, Cosy and Natural With a Large Scratching Area to Accommodate Several Cats | |
2 | Kerbl Maxi Cat Scratching Post | | Extra Long Pole With a Heavy Carpeted Base | |
3 | Pets at Home Soto Swing Cat Tower | | A Fairly Inconspicuous Pet Tower and Scratching Rope | |
4 | Petcheer Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed | | Adorable Catnip-Infused Cardboard Design for Cat Fanatics | |
5 | Vesper V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree | | Top Luxury Buy for Style Conscious Homes | |
6 | Gorpets Willow Scratching Post, | | A Safe Wall-Mounted Scratching Board For Even the Most Boisterous of Cats | |
7 | Pippa & Max Grey Cat Scratching Tree Floor to Ceiling | | Floor to Ceiling Adventurous Scratching Post | |
8 | Cat Post Smart Cat The Ultimate Scratching Post | | A Subtle Scratching Post That Blends In | |
9 | Trixie Valencia Scratching Post | | A Mini-Tree That Offers More Than a Post for Smaller Spaces |
PawHutCat Scratching Barrel
Stylish, Cosy and Natural With a Large Scratching Area to Accommodate Several Cats
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!
Extra Long Pole With a Heavy Carpeted Base
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.
Pets at HomeSoto Swing Cat Tower
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!
Adorable Catnip-Infused Cardboard Design for Cat Fanatics
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!
Vesper V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree
Top Luxury Buy for Style Conscious Homes
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.
A Safe Wall-Mounted Scratching Board For Even the Most Boisterous of Cats
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!
Pippa & MaxGrey Cat Scratching Tree Floor to Ceiling
Floor to Ceiling Adventurous Scratching Post
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.
A Subtle Scratching Post That Blends In
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.
A Mini-Tree That Offers More Than a Post for Smaller Spaces
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: PawHut｜Cat Scratching Barrel
No. 2: Kerbl ｜Maxi Cat Scratching Post
No. 3: Pets at Home｜Soto Swing Cat Tower
No. 4: Petcheer ｜Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed
No. 5: Vesper ｜V-High Walnut Cat Furniture Tree
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.