The Best Cat Scratching Posts and Scratchers (2026 Guide)
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Scratching is a natural need, not bad behavior. Give your cat the right post and your couch stays intact. Here is how to choose.
What to look for
The best scratcher is the one your cat prefers, so match it to how they already scratch. Cats that stretch up a couch want a tall, rock-solid vertical post at least 28 inches high with a wide base that will not tip mid-stretch. Cats that shred rugs prefer a horizontal or angled surface. Sisal rope and corrugated cardboard are the two most popular materials; both give satisfying resistance. Avoid short, wobbly posts, which cats abandon because they cannot get a full-body stretch.
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Top picks
For dedicated vertical scratching, a tall, sturdy [Cat Scratching Post](/products/cat-scratching-post) wrapped in sisal lets cats stretch fully and dig in without tipping. Cats that like to lie down and scratch will gravitate to the [Cat Scratcher Lounge](/products/cat-scratcher-lounge), a curved cardboard piece that doubles as a resting spot. For a flat option you can move room to room, the [Cat Scratching Board](/products/cat-scratching-board) sits on the floor near problem furniture. Offering both a vertical and a horizontal choice usually wins over the most stubborn scratcher.
How to choose for your home
Watch where your cat already scratches and place a matching scratcher right there, then gradually shift it if needed. Homes with several cats need multiple scratchers in different rooms so cats are not forced to compete for one. If your cat targets the sofa arm, a vertical post beside it redirects the habit. Prefer replaceable-surface designs if you want to refresh worn cardboard or sisal cheaply rather than buying a whole new unit each time.
Getting your cat to use it tips
Put the scratcher where your cat spends time, not tucked away in a spare room, since out-of-sight posts go unused. Rub or sprinkle catnip on it and reward your cat the moment they scratch it. Never force their paws onto the surface, which can create a bad association. If your cat keeps returning to the couch, make that spot less appealing with double-sided tape while making the scratcher the obvious, easier choice right beside it.
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Frequently asked
- How do I stop my cat from scratching furniture?
- Provide an appealing scratcher, sisal or cardboard, right next to the furniture they target, add catnip, and reward use. Making the approved surface more attractive than the couch redirects the behavior over time.
- Should a scratching post be vertical or horizontal?
- It depends on your cat. Cats that scratch up furniture want a tall vertical post; those that scratch rugs prefer horizontal or angled surfaces. Offering both lets your cat pick their favorite.
