Our meowing pets can’t seem to get enough of clawing on something, be it a tree trunk, the siding of your sofa or couch, or even that lovely Persian carpet of yours. Truly, scratching can be a real concern especially for those who don’t understand the reason why kitties love doing it. Thankfully, instead of punishing your feline pet for scratching on your furniture, you can check out any of these 10 best cat scratching towers. You’re essentially addressing their innate nature in a more constructive way while also providing them with the means to be happy.
The Best Cat Scratching Tower
The SmartCat Pioneer cat scratching post looks more like a beautiful piece of interior home décor than it is a scratching post for our feline friends. The square pillar that towers some 32 inches is covered in natural sisal fibers that give it a remarkably elegant contrast to its mahogany-like dark-stained wooden base and top.
The supporting base structure is wide enough and the height of the SmartCat Pioneer is just right to help stabilize the platform without having to nail it to the floor or to the wall. For its simple yet elegant and stable design, it’s no wonder a lot of feline lovers consider the SmartCat Pioneer as simply the best cat scratching post.
32-inch high scratching tower made of natural sisal fibers
Elegant interior décor-like design
Easy to assemble with ordinary hand tools
Weighs 17.64 pounds for greater stability
- Brand: SmartCat
- Model: 3832
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
If you find the SmartCat Pioneer to have a great, albeit simple design but are not really prepared to shell out that much money, for less than half the price of the SmartCat you can have the TRIXIE Parla Scratching Post. The post is shorter by about 8 inches so it should be just right for shorter-build cats. The base is wide enough to allow for greater stability without the need for anchoring onto your floor or even on the wall.
The post is also wrapped in natural sisal which has become the go-to in majority of cat scratching post designs. The base is also covered in soft plush material, providing additional tactile stimulation for your feline.
Constructed of CARB Phase II-compliant wood
Wrapped with natural sisal rope
24.25-inch high scratching post
- Brand: Trixie
- Model: 43332
- Weight: 0.16 ounces
Exceptionally crafted cat furniture is unusually expensive. Good thing AmazonBasics decided to join the fray with its Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts. We’d like to refer to it as a cat scratching tree since it comes with 7 scratching posts that will satisfy various kitties in a multi-cat household. There are 4 levels on the Cat Activity Tree, providing plenty of room to climb on and play. And when your kitty is tired, it can always spend the rest of the day slumbering inside the bed-like perch high atop the Activity Tree.
Our only lament is that it doesn’t come with sisal fibers. Instead, it uses jute fibers which are softer and thus, less durable than sisal. Nevertheless, jute fibers should feel comfy on your kitty’s paws.
4-level tower with topmost circular cat lounger
With 7 scratching posts dutifully covered in jute fibers
With 3 play and resting platforms
Almost 50 inches high
- Brand: AmazonBasics
- Model: CT-114
- Weight: 24.2 pounds
The TRIXIE Miguel Fold and Store Cat Tower is unique in that it resembles more like the portable stool we use in our gardens or even bring to a weekend getaway at the beach or the park. Two X-frames join at the top and spanned by a plush fabric which functions as a kitty hammock. The TRIXIE Miguel cat climbing frame comes with an unusually wide scratching panel.
The lower pyramid formed by the crossing of the frames serves as a makeshift private hideaway for your kitty while a springy ball hangs by the corner of the frame. The Miguel cat climbing frame is ideal for folks on the go who want to bring their pets with them in their travels.
Find out more about TRIXIE Pet Products Miguel Fold and Store Cat Tower.
Folding design for optimum mobility and ease of storage
Comes with built-in hammock-type lounger
With larger scratching surface area made of natural sisal fibers
Available in 2 sizes and 2 color designs
- Brand: Trixie
- Model: 44771
- Weight: 4.82 pounds
This cat scratching post from Four Paws is just like the TRIXIE Parla but with the addition of a plush catnip ball and a post that comes in two sections made of carpet material and sisal fibers.
It is also priced lower than the Parla yet also comes with a much lower post height. The square base is also smaller in dimension at about 12 inches on all sides. The Four Paws should be a great scratching post for smaller kitties.
Comes with carpeted tube and base, sisal tube, screws, and washers
Easy to assemble design
Comes with plush catnip ball that can be hung from top of post
- Brand: Four Paws
- Model: 100202108
- Weight: 2 pounds
The Furhaven Pet Tiger Tough Cat Furniture is a steal. It may not be the tallest among the cat scratching post designs in this list but it sure adds something quite fun for kitties to have. Its circular base is what Furhaven calls the Cat-IQ Busy Box, some sort of an activity center designed specifically for kitties to keep boredom at bay.
The perch comes fully covered in plush material so kitty can always climb up on top and be the predator that it really is. There are 2 hanging balls for kitties to swat, too. The 22.5-inch tall post, as usual, is wrapped in sisal.
With cushiony lounging perch on top of post
Circular Cat-IQ Busy Box bottom with holes for extended play
Scratching post wrapped with sisal rope
- Brand: Furhaven Pet
- Model: 96300
- Weight: 10.2 pounds
When it comes to choosing a comfortable and cozy scratching tower for your kitty, you can’t go wrong with the Kitty City Premium Woven Sisal Carpet Scratching Collection. This scratching post is not only made from all natural ingredients, but it is also incredibly durable. While it is considered one of the best cat scratching towers because of its ability to blend in with any decor, the Kitty City Premium is also highly regarded for its top-notch cat perch that offers kitty a commanding view of its surroundings. Having taken steps to ensure kitty is comfortable, it is understandable why this environmentally friendly product is considered one of the best cat scratching towers available at the moment.
Easy To Assemble
Fleece Cover Top
Jingle Ball Toy Included At The Top Of The Post
Neutrally Toned To Fit Any Decor
- Brand: Kitty City
- Model: CM-0262-CS01
- Weight: 9.5 pounds
This is one cat furniture that you’d want to have in your living room. The PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher is a curved triangular block with a cubby hole in the middle. Its unique design allows you to tumble it any which way and your kitty will still have plenty of surfaces to scratch on.
The gentle curves on the PetFusion allows for adequate stretching while the hole in the middle can serve either as your cat’s sleeping den or a playful hideout. The durable construction and thoughtful design of the PetFusion make it a great piece to have. Sadly, we’re not really sure if it’s enough to justify the price.
Sturdy and curved triangular design with playful cubby hole
Multiple play, resting, and scratching surfaces
Constructed of recycled cardboard
- Brand: PetFusion
- Model: PF-CLM2
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
What’s particularly exciting about the PetPals Cat Tree Cat Tower is that, without a doubt, it is incredibly affordable. Beyond that, it has won the hearts of its target audience thanks to its unique design and priority of your pet’s comfort. The good news is that you don’t have to spend days figuring out how to install this tower; despite its uncommon design, it is remarkably easy to put together. Considering the fact that it comes with two different plush perch styles and a hanging toy, it is actually easy to see why cat owners/lovers (and their cats alike) have rated it highly. Also, it is particularly noteworthy that this comes with a weighted bottom to keep your pet for tipping over, proving its dedication to your feline friend once more.
Free Toy
Unique Design
Made With Quality products
Easy To Install
- Brand: PetPals
- Weight: 14 pounds
Getting the best cat scratching tower is not only necessary for kitty but also for your furniture as well; this way, you can rest easy not having to worry about kitty ruining your furniture. With that thought in mind, you should consider the AmazonBasics Cat Scratching Post and Hammock. This scratching post, first and foremost, pulls your pet’s attention from your belongings; secondly, with its hammock, it keeps them almost always relaxed while also offering long-lasting durability and quality. Since it was launched, the AmazonBasics Cat Scratching Post and Hammock have received consistently positive reviews, and commendations for its unique design, plush carpeting, and sturdy chipboard. What’s more, this scratching post is made with natural jute fiber to ensure durability, thereby endearing itself to fans some more.
Find out more about AmazonBasics Cat Scratching Post and Hammock.
Elevated Cat Hammock
Durable
Long Lasting Construction
Affordable
- Brand: AmazonBasics
- Model: ZJS-16066-6-1
- Weight: 8.95 pounds
Best Cat Scratching Tower Buying Guide
If you’re currently looking for the best scratching tower for your feline friend, we only ask you to keep on reading as we’ve prepared a comprehensive buying guide for you.
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What is a Cat Tower?
Some folks call a cat tower a cat tree house, kitty condo, feline stand, or even a cat post. No matter how it is called they’re actually referring to the same thing. A cat tower is a type of feline furniture that is a lot similar to a birdcage stand except that there is no cage on the structure. Instead, it can be adorned with sleeping or resting quarters or perches, activity centers, and even play areas. You can think of a cat tower as a man-made structure that is designed to allow the felines in our lives to play, relax, exercise, and sleep on. It’s an all-in-one structure. Of course, the posts or some other elements of the tower can also serve as scratching surfaces to meet the need of cats to scratch.
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Things to Consider When Buying a Scratching Tower
When buying a scratching tower for your kitty it is important to keep a couple of things in mind. These can include, but not necessarily limited to, the following.
- Scratching post only or a multi-activity tower?
The first order of business is to determine whether you need a scratching post only or a multi-activity tower for your pet. The thing is that if you’re only looking for something that your cat will be scratching on, then you’ll most likely do a lot better if you make your very own cat scratching post. On the other hand, if you wish your feline to have a lot a activities such as play, exercise, rest, and even sleep in one convenient location, then a scratching tower that comes with multiple levels and a multitude of accessories is a good investment.
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- The right materials
Different products are made of different materials. Some are made of durable cardboard while others use wood or even fabric materials. If your kitty loves the outdoors, then wood is a great choice. If you want to be practical, cardboard is the answer. If you want something light yet durable, fabric is the go-to.
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- Durability and sturdiness
Since cat towers are vertical structures – they are taller than their width – stability is of great importance. The taller the structure the wider should be its base. Unfortunately, this will also mean it will need sufficiently larger amount of space in your home. If this is the case, then it should come with a mechanism that will allow it to be secured either on your floor or on your wall. Either way, securing the cat tower should be relatively easy. If not, better look for something else.
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Why Cats Need Scratching Towers
We have already mentioned that cats love scratching towers because it allows them to have an area that is dedicated to their playtime activities and exercise. It also gives them the opportunity to rest immediately after playing without the need to look for another place to slumber in.
Since these cat towers are also designed as cat scratching structures, these can help cats remove nail sheaths that have grown relatively old from their claws to help stimulate the growth of new layers. They also need scratching towers to exercise, stretch their backs, and tone their muscles as well. For many cats, scratching towers serve as a means to release their stress, sense of boredom, and even frustration. Lastly, like athletes and fitness buffs, scratching towers allow kitties to warm up first before engaging in a highly vigorous play activity.
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Choosing the Right Materials
One of the most important considerations, as we have already pointed out earlier, is the choice of materials for the cat scratching tower. There are a variety of materials to choose from. We did mention about wood, cardboard, and fabric being the go-to in various situations. However, to give you an idea on the best possible material for your pet, you might want to keep in mind the following.
- Cats prefer materials that are sturdy but can also be shredded by their claws. If it cannot shred the material, it will be looking for something else. It simply is not very satisfying for a cat to scratching on something yet unable to make a dent on the surface. Call it their predatory instinct.
- Steer clear of products that use carpet as scratching surface so that they will not be enticed to scratch on your real floor carpet. Remember to provide your cat with a material that is very different from the things you have at home. Otherwise, if they get bored with their cat tower, they’d be focusing their attention on your other items that have the same texture.
- Always go for sisal fabric materials as these are heavy-duty. They’re tough yet allow some degree of shredding every time your cat scratches on them. For scratching posts, sisal rope is highly recommended. However, if there are platforms on the tower, you might want to stick with large panels of sisal fabrics instead.
- If you want to economize, go for corrugated cardboard as this allow for some shredding. It also makes noise with each scratch, further adding to the sensation of going for a prey.
- Consider a variety of scratching surfaces to stimulate your kitty. You can choose products that combine a variety of textured fabrics or ropes such as sisal, jute, faux fur, and the like.
Choosing the best cat scratching towers should not give you a headache. You can try any one of the 10 best cat scratching towers we’ve featured in this list or you can go search for your own by adhering to some of the tips we have shared with you in this guide.
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Sources:
- Shelley Wester, How to Choose a Scratching Post for Your Cat, Petfinder
- Destructive Scratching, The ASPCA
