Choosing a scratching post: height, a steady base and sisal

Types: post, barrel, cat tree or floor-to-ceiling

A single scratching post is a post wrapped in rope on a base, sometimes with a platform on top. It takes little room. The PawHut sisal post measures 41 x 41 x 81 cm.

A scratching barrel is a closed barrel with one or more openings, often with a place to lie on top. Flamingo sells its Enes in sizes, from the Enes M at 42 x 42 x 90 cm with three levels to the Enes XL at 50 x 50 x 150 cm with five. Ebi describes its 115 cm sisal Edinburgh barrel as made for small cats.

A cat tree has several posts, platforms, a little house or a hammock. It takes more floor and gives more places to lie and climb.

A floor-to-ceiling post braces between floor and ceiling. Happiq gives each model a height range, such as 200 to 240 cm or 225 to 255 cm. Measure your ceiling before you choose.

Height and base: what keeps it still?

The taller the post, the more the base has to do. So compare the height with the footprint: the first two measurements in the product name. On the Flamingo Enes the footprint grows with the height: 42 x 42 cm at 90 cm, 50 x 50 cm at 150 cm. Zolux gives its Big Cat scratching post a footprint of 50.5 x 50.5 cm at 112 cm tall.

A post that braces against the ceiling doesn't rest on its base alone. Follow the manual when you tighten the clamp, and check after a while that it is still firm; ceilings and floors differ from house to house.

Put a standing post on a level floor, ideally against a wall or in a corner. It then rocks less when your cat jumps.

Big or heavy cats

For large breeds, makers put the size or the breed in the name. Feandrea sells cat trees for large cats with thick sisal trunks, Quapas names the Maine Coon for its Ruffles, and Petrebels makes the Superdome 120 at 49 x 49 x 120 cm. For a big cat, look at the thickness of the posts and the size of the platforms and beds: he should fit on them without hanging over the edge.

Sisal, jute or fabric?

Sisal is a tough plant fibre wound around the posts. It is the material you see on most scratching posts.

Jute is a softer plant fibre. PawHut sells the same 41 x 41 x 81 cm post with jute and with sisal, so the rope is the only difference.

Plush or fabric covers the platforms and houses, for lying on. Croci calls the cover of its Natural Magnolia washable.

Sisal wears. Some brands sell separate posts or new rope, so you don't have to replace the whole post. Check the product data to see whether your model allows it.

Where to put it

A scratching post only works if your cat uses it. Put it where your cat already goes: by his sleeping place, by the sofa or by the window. A tall post by the window gives a lookout. In a small room a barrel or a floor-to-ceiling post fits better than a wide cat tree.

Comparing prices

Every model is under scratching posts, with brands such as Flamingo, Feandrea and Trixie. Every size and colour has its own EAN, and Tassvi compares them one by one.