Which scratching posts would you recommend?

Question

My cat is about 12.5 lbs, medium/long length. What brand/model of scratching post or cat furniture with scratching areas worked well for your cat that you could recommend? I'm willing to pay under $40. I'm looking for a sturdy, heavy post or tree that won't move around when she scratches. My cat scratched up the couch and now she's moved on to the carpet and the dining room chairs so I'm trying desperately to find a good place for her to scratch.

Answer 1

My step-dad would buy a small log with the bark on it and let Mom's cat Peanut scratch on something natural. I would use the carpet covered posts.As a last resort you could get your cat declawed and make sure sh is kept inside.

Answer 2

This one cost a little over $40 to build but has worked exceptionally well for our two cats (4 years and 5 months). It is not an original idea since I saw it first at the addresses below.
The 4' wooden stepladder is available at Ace hardware and the non-oiled sisal rope can be bought in bulk much cheaper than in the 50 foot lengths typically sold at Walmart or Home Depot. I made the bottom platform out of a rectangular piece of scrap particleboard and also made a complete platform at the upper level. Both were covered with scrap carpeting found in our attic. Both cats love it and spend hours scratching, playing and sleeping on the ladder.

Answer 3

Here's a link to my favorite cat furniture site:

http://armarkat.com/index.htm

There are a couple things under $40 if you click on the Below 60" page. I know most of the trees are over $100, but if you look around the internet you won't find too many trees for less. I bought the A7101 blue tree (70"-75") for my cat and she loves it! Hobbes is 12lbs, pretty filled out, and flies up this tree like a mad woman. I'm surprised she hasn't broken anything on it; she's pretty rough on it. It's sturdy though, and the posts are great scratchers. They're covered in a rope-like material which is great for her claws. Now she leaves my furniture and carpeting alone.

I've tried the smaller scratching post, but she just pushes it over. I guess it depends on the cat and how aggressively they play.

Answer 4

I have 2 cats - one de-clawed who is using the scratching post every day several times...
the 2nd cat has all her claws and has been using my furniture. Water pistols sprays and yelling have not helped.
Last week I found a scratching box onto which you sprinkle catnip at Walmart, and hallelujah, the furniture are no longer used. I quickly went and purchased a second scratching box as they are very affordible at $10 each.
Once one side of the box is worn down one takes out the cardboard/glued together material and turns it over. This way one gets many months of use of this product. I am relieved now that the scratching in under control.

Answer 5

My cat has always preferred the simple carpeted scratch stand. It has a square carpeted base and a carpeted post. She loves it. I make it a game with her and scratch the top and she starts scratching the side. The real problem with cats is they all have their own personality and may not like the same things. The other thing you should do is try and keep you nails clipped. You can by a clipper at the pet store, it has a hooked edge.

Answer 6

Buster nailed it on the head. You can buy a $10 one or a $40 one; the cat will still scratch the couch or whatever else it wants to. I've tried 3 different posts so far, and she will not deviate from her daily ritual of the corner of the couch. It's the couch in the rec room and that's the only one she touches, so it's not that big of a deal. Good luck!

Answer 7

sometimes cats will like to scratch something that stands up and some will scratch things that lay down. if you know what your cat scratches it will be easier to pick the right kind. if he scratch the side of the couch maybe one that stands up if he likes the floor than one thats lays down. i have seen some that have both "ends" on it- you may want to try that. as for brand i dont think it would matter. i like the round one with the ball on the track for my cat. the cardboard things are replaceable and if you put catnip in it..... that ball is the most entertaining thing the world!!! (for the cat that is!)

Answer 8

The scratching post we have looks like a small barrel and looks like its is coverd in carpet it is very sterdy
if your cat likes to rub against the places that is scratchs
a round one would also be better
try finding one that is similar to what your cat has already scratched at.

Answer 9

I have 2 cats and the cheapest way to go is to get a small remnant of old carpet and just staple it onto a small post that you can make yourself.And you can recover it as needed. My cats leave the furniture alone!

Answer 10

get a cheap post to start with and spray it with catnip. $40 seems a lot for a scratching post -about £20 i think i paid £10 for mine about $20 dollars? mine are happy with it but it will love the catnip all cats do they go all silly and act like kittens