If you have a large cat that is tearing up your furniture or curtains, one of the best ways you can get them to stop is by purchasing them a scratching post. Scratching posts will allow your cat to get the exercise they need and can also sharpen their claws without damaging your furniture.
However, with so many brands and styles available, it can be challenging to find the best one for your cat. We’ve chosen eight different posts to review for you so you can learn more about the differences between them. We’ve also included a short buyer’s guide where we look at the different types of scratching posts and what cats will prefer each type.
Join us while we discuss size, construction materials, extra features, and more to help you make an informed purchase.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
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Best Overall
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Hepper Hi-lo Cat Scratcher |
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Budget Buy
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Kitty City Premium Scratching Post |
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PetFusion Wall Scratching Post |
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Dimaka Cat Scratching Post |
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Frisco Sisal Cat Scratching Post |
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The 8 Best Scratching Posts for Large Cats
1. Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher for Large Cats – Best Overall
If you have bigger furry friends at home, the Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher by Hepper is a real game-changer. Its solid plywood frame isn’t just about looks; it’s designed to give strong stability and support for larger cats. This scratcher stands up to their weight and excitement, making it a smart choice for those with bigger cat companions.
What really makes the Hi-Lo Scratcher great for larger cats is its flexibility. With three different positions (high, low, and lower) this scratcher gives them ample angles to stretch, scratch, and to help them stay nimble and keep their muscles in good condition.
The use of sturdy B-flute cardboard in the scratching area is a clever move for bigger cats. It offers the right resistance for their powerful claws, giving them a satisfying scratching experience that holds up over time. For now, cardboard is the only option, though Hepper does want to expand into other scratcher materials in the future. In short, if you’ve got a bigger cat who deserves the best, the Hi-Lo Scratcher brings durability, engagement, and comfort together in a smart package, which is why it is our pick for the best scratching post for large cats.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
2. Kitty City Premium Scratching Post – Budget Buy
The Kitty City Premium Scratching Post is our budget buy pick for the best scratching post for large cats. It features a neutral color, so it will look good in any environment. It has a large 17-inch base that will hold the post in place while your cat uses it, and it stands 32-inches tall, so it will work for large cats as well as small ones. A small hanging toy contains a bell and will help attract your cat to the post so it can get used to using it. It’s easy to assemble, and we had it up in only a few minutes.
The problem we had with the Kitty City post is that if your cats use it a lot, it won’t last very long. Our cats were able to scratch through the covering in just a few months. It also has a slight odor that takes a while to go away.
3. PetFusion Wall Mounted Scratching Post
The PetFusion Wall Mounted Cat Scratching Post is our premium choice scratching post for large cats, and it will provide your pet with a huge area to scratch as well as a place to lounge around. It stands 76-inches tall and includes wall brackets so you can securely mount it in the corner of the room. The platforms are 24-inches square, so your cat should have plenty of room to lounge around on the bottom, middle, or top platform. It has a sisal rope wrapping to provide your cat with a durable scratching surface and is rated to hold up to 65 pounds.
The only thing we didn’t like about the PetFusion was that it’s quite heavy, and you will need to fasten it to the wall, so it may not be suitable for people that rent their homes.
4. Dimaka Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
The Dimaka Ultimate Cat Scratching Post is another post that has a wide base to keep it upright while the cat uses it. The center pole is three inches thick and stands 34 inches tall. It’s eco-friendly and uses a surprisingly sturdy cardboard tube. Assembly was easy, and it only took a few minutes to get it ready for our cats to play with it once we opened the box. It has a soft, plush ball at the top that will encourage playing and climbing. It’s also available in several colors to suit any decor.
Our cats liked to use the Dimaka Ultimate, and it’s not as heavy as some of the others we looked at so far. However, the rope did start to pull away after a few weeks, and it frequently needed repair.
5. Frisco Sisal Cat Scratching Post
The Frisco Sisal Cat Scratching Post has a wooden frame that stands nearly 3 feet tall, and the double-layer base helps keep it stable while your cat uses it. It has a warm, soft, plush material that is as durable as it is attractive and should last a long time, even against fierce scratchers, and it has 360 degrees of the coating so your cat scratch from any angle.
The only thing that some people might not like when they are using the Frisco Sisal is that it can be heavy to transport between rooms, and the bottom does not have feet, but the hardware is recessed, so it shouldn’t scratch the floor.
6. SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post
The SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post is an attractive furniture-grade scratching post that will look attractive in any home. The square post stands 32 inches tall and has durable sisal covering that won’t snag your cat’s claws. The wooden base is 16 x 16 inches and won’t tip over even when the larger cats use it. It’s also easy to assemble and only requires two screws.
While the SmartCat Pioneer is one of the more attractive scratching posts on this list, it doesn’t sit stable on hard floors because of the hardware, and it can cause scratches, so it’s only suitable for a carpeted floor.
7. Dimaka Cat Scratching Post
The Dimaka Cat Scratching Post is a larger post that is well suited to larger cats. It stands 29 inches tall and a wide base that’s just under 16 inches square. It’s lightweight at just over four pounds, so it’s easy to move from room to room. The sisal wrapping is durable, but you can order replacement posts if one should wear out. The carpeted base looks attractive and prevents scratching if you need to use it on a hardwood floor.
Our cays liked the Dimaka Cat Scratching Post, and it remained stable when our bigger cats were using it, especially if we place it in the corner of the room. However, it was one of the most difficult to assemble of all the models on this list. The base is in two pieces, so you will require an extra pair of hands to keep it in place while tightening the screws. We also pinched our skin while building it, so you will need to be more careful.
8. PutnPurr Tall Alpaca Cat Scratching Post
The PutnPurr Tall Alpaca Cat Scratching Post is a fun-looking scratching post that is well suited to a playroom or child’s bedroom. It stands 32 inches tall and features an extra-wide 18-inch base that won’t tip over even when heavy cats are using it. The post has a sisal wrapping and a carpeted base, and it includes a hanging ball that will attract your cats to play.
While all of our children loved the design of the PutnPurr, it is quite heavy and weighs more than 15 pounds. Ours only lasted a few months before the cat’s scratching caused the appearance to deteriorate. The base especially started to lose its coating, but the sisal also worked loose and was difficult to reattach.
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Cat Scratching Post for Large Cats
Here are some things to consider before purchasing your next scratching post for a large cat, like a Bengal or a Maine Coon.
Scratch Post Type
There are three main types of scratching posts available: carpet, sisal, and cardboard.
Sisal
Sisal is a type of plant fiber made into a rope, very similar to twine. Manufacturers usually wrap it around a post or hollow tube, though you can also find it woven into a cloth. We prefer the wrapped sisal because it’s extremely durable, and if it comes off, you can often purchase replacement sisal and rewrap it to replace the used material. Just ensure that the sisal has not been treated with any chemicals that could harm your cat.
Cardboard
Many modern scratching posts have a cardboard base that the cats can use to scratch. These scratching pads are suitable for all cats and often used recycled materials to better the environment. It’s the least expensive of the three types but also the least durable. One major downside to some of these pads is that aggressive scratchers can make a mess as they shred the cardboard.
Carpet
Carpet scratching posts often closely resemble sisal posts, though they can be any shape, and some can be quite attractive. Like sisal posts, carpet can be quite durable and will usually last the lifetime of a single cat though there are also a few problems associated with it. You can’t replace a carpet that gets worn out unless you are skilled in upholstering. Some carpet fibers can also snag the cat’s nails, which mich injure the cat and might make them resistant to use it. Carpet can also use staples and glue that could be harmful to a cat.
Scratching Post Size
If you are going to use a carpet or sisal scratching post, the next thing you should consider is the size, and there are two things to consider when choosing a size, height and base width.
Scratching Post Height
Taller scratching posts will allow your larger cats to stretch, which is important for getting the muscles in the shoulders and back as well as sharpening the nails. Taller scratching posts also have more surface area, which means there is a better chance it will last longer. We recommend getting the tallest post you can find for a large cat. We tried to list the height of the posts in our review.
- Related Read: 5 DIY Cat Scratching Posts You Can Build Today
Scratching Post Base
The base is the square at the bottom, and it’s responsible for keeping the post in place while your cat is using it. If the base is too thin, lightweight, or small, your cat will easily knock it over, which can scare the cat, and your cat will be less likely to use it. We recommend always choosing the wider base when possible, to make sure it’s stable.
One thing to worry about when choosing a scratching post with a base is that the hardware that holds the post in place is recessed. If the screws are sticking out on the bottom, it can cause the post to wobble when your cat uses it, and it won’t be able to dig in like it wants to. Screws that tick out can also cause scratches on a hardwood floor. However, if you have a carpeted floor, you may not experience wobbling and won’t get any scratches.
Scratching Post Weight
One more thing you will want to consider when choosing your next scratching pad is the weight. Heavier posts will be less likely to tip over, but they will also be more difficult to move around your home. You will need to find a good balance while you are shopping. We recommend the heaviest one that you can still transport around your home.
Conclusion
When choosing your next scratching post, we highly recommend our pick for the best overall cat scratching post for larger cats, the Hepper Hi-lo Cat Scratcher. Whether it’s scratching nails, exercising, or marking territory, your cat simply needs to scratch. Let them while away the hours on this multi-material scratcher. Whether they’re scratching on the sisal, scraping on the plush, or leaping for the hanging toy, you can be safe in the knowledge your other house ornaments are much less interesting now. When all of that becomes tiresome, there’s even a marble game to keep the fun going even longer! Another smart choice is our pick for the budget buy. The Kitty City Premium Scratching Post is inexpensive yet still provides your cat with a 32-inch-tall post with a wide base and a hanging cat toy that your pet is sure to enjoy. The wooden base is attractive and will look good in any room, while the sisal covering is durable enough to last for several months.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over these reviews, and you found a few models you would like to try out in your home. If we have helped reduce the damage done to your furniture and curtains, please share this guide on Facebook and Twitter.
- Related Read: 10 Best Cat Carriers for Large Cats: Reviews & Top Picks
Featured image credit: Daga_Roszkowska, Pixabay
