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Mobile phone and smartphone accessories, Wearable devices and smart watchesDoes your cat scratch your furniture? Are you looking to protect your sofa from claw marks? Does your carpet have bare patches where your cat has really gone to town? Cats need to scratch, and most people nowadays know that they need a proper outlet for their instincts.
Sisal scratching posts are a great choice for their durability, and most cats love them! The Branch-Out Cat Scratching Post from PetFusion caught our attention for its tree-like design that any house panther would gladly shred instead of your sofa. However, it was hard to narrow down our top ten choices! There are so many practical and pretty designs that both you and your cat will love. So, keep reading and check out our buying guide for tips on choosing a new sisal scratching post.
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Any cat owner knows they need to scratch. It's how cats keep their claws healthy and mark their territory. So if you don't want your furniture marked up, sisal is an excellent material to offer your kitty instead!
Sisal comes from the agave plant and is usually harvested in Brazil. Both rope and fabric versions are available. This natural material is generally safe for cats and often comes in different colors, but plain brown is most common. Cats tend to prefer brown because it looks like a tree.
Sisal rope scratching posts are widely available. Their advantage is durability, and they can easily be repaired by winding and gluing new rope. However, as the fibers come off, some are a bit sharp and may cause splinters.
Sisal fabric or carpet is less durable but softens as it's scratched. Both sisal rope and fabric are popular with kitties, so it's really your choice which one you buy. Even better, just get one of each!
It's not really a matter of better or worse, but each material has its pros and cons. The most important thing is to find scratching posts your cat likes and uses.
Carpet tends to get caught in a cat's claws, and you may not want to encourage your cat to scratch something that reminds them of your expensive rugs or carpeting. Cardboard is loved by felines, but it sheds little bits of paper all over.
Another option is actual wood, which is what wild cats naturally scratch most often. But wooden scratching posts are hard to find and usually expensive. Sisal is a good alternative because it matches the texture, shape, and color of a tree well.
The most important things when choosing any pet product are safety and durability (and sometimes cuteness). Let's look at those in more detail.
A lot of sisal scratching posts have similar designs that are nearly indistinguishable from each other. Instead of going by appearance or relying on the manufacturer's description, dive into the user reviews to make sure you're buying a quality product.
The rope used for scratching posts is usually 1/4 or 3/8 inch sisal. 1/4-inch is less durable because it's thinner, but it's easier to use for repairs because it's more flexible. Manila and hemp rope are also available, and there's not much difference between them all.
Sisal fabric is sometimes called sisal carpeting, but for scratching posts it's a bit tougher. It's still less durable than rope, but it sheds less, too.
Regardless of the outer material, many scratchers have a core. Some are heavy-duty cardboard tubes, which are obviously not good for outdoor use. If you want a scratching post for a catio look for one with a heavy wood core.
Cats pull really hard when they scratch; remember, the whole point of scratching is to remove their old dull outer-claw sheath. A top-heavy or unstable scratching post can scare the cat and make them lose interest, or worse, cause injury.
For an uprights scratcher, look for a low center of gravity and heavy base. For other shapes, see if it can be fastened securely to a wall or the floor. Some are designed so the weight of a cat sitting on it keeps it in place.
Many people think of a "post" shape, naturally, but in addition to tree-like objects, cats love to scratch in different positions, too!
Vertical posts are great tree substitutes. They let your house panther get a full stretch! It's recommended to get a post that is 20 inches tall for kittens and about 40 inches for adult cats. Of course, taller posts need wide, stable bases.
Shorter heights are fine for a horizontal or angled post. It's a great idea to offer a variety of shapes, as they work different muscle groups when your cat scratches.
A lot of cat trees come with sisal rope posts, but many scratchers have extra features that can attract your cat and keep it busy.
If you get one with a hammock or toys, look for ones that are sturdy and safe. It's hard to predict what your cat will like, but for kittens, almost any dangling toy will do! You can even consider a DIY addition if you have a toy, some string, and a staple gun!
Another fun feature for your cat is materials and surfaces which can act as "scent-soakers." If you're a fan of Jackson Galaxy, you've heard him talk about how cats feel secure when they smell themselves in their territory. (That's why they rub on your legs, too!) Look for absorbent surfaces your cat might enjoy rubbing on while scratching.
This takes the simple common sisal rope scratching post up a level. With a branch that can be installed upwards or down, it offers your jungle kitty a naturally attractive surface to go wild on. It's also safe, passing the strict European REACH standards for chemical use.
Some reviewers were disappointed to find missing parts when they tried to assemble it, but the customer service gets high marks for responding quickly to address any issues. Most say they, and especially their cats, are very pleased with it. Their kitties love climbing the branch, and cats of all sizes seem to enjoy it.
This adorable sunflower post has two surfaces for scratching: a sisal rope post and a jute-fiber pad. The felt petals will encourage your feline's instinct to rub its head on things to leave its scent. In addition, the tilt of the flower can be changed for use as an angled scratching pad or a flat shelf bed.
Some say the bed feature is a bit too wobbly for their chonky cats but note that smaller kitties like it. We think it's better as a scratching surface, anyways, and it seems many cats prefer it like that too.
Owners say the only improvement would be to add more weight to the base, but overall they highly recommend it for its practicality and aesthetics.
Couch protector scratching posts are a great idea in theory. If that's where your kitty does damage, why not just cover it with the right surface? But sofas come in all shapes and sizes, so it's tough to find one that fits your furniture.
This one is so simple it should work well with almost any couch, with recliners being a possible exception. The base simply slides under the leg of the sofa, and you're done!
Some reviewers say the construction could be improved; the screws are weak and it falls over too easily. However, others say it's held up great and gets a lot of use. They mention it can also work to protect bed corners and table legs, too!
If you have a big Maine coon or a giant orange tabby, you need a jumbo-sized scratching post that allows them to stretch out fully. This one should do the trick for all but the biggest beasties! The heavy, sturdy base keeps it stable, and it's available in five colors to suit your decor.
Although virtually all say their cats like it, some reviewers found the quality lacking. The base connection was mentioned as a weak point. It's made of a cardboard tube, so it's not as tough as other designs.
But for owners of large breeds, it was a literal furniture saver. They were happy to find a post tall enough for their big boy or girl. Several say that it gets so much use they need to replace it, and they like it enough to keep re-purchasing this same one!
This woven sisal board comes with hardware to mount it on the wall, so you can place it at the exact height your cat prefers. It also has rubber feet, so you can use it as a horizontal scratcher, too. The woven sisal is durable and rough, so it's very likely to attract your cat.
A few reviewers said the mounting hardware was adequate, but only just so. Most were very pleased with the quality and the stylish look of the scratching board. Some mounted it to a cat tree, and others loved how it can go on a wall to take up no space at all. They say once it's hung, it's sturdy and doesn't move.
Cats love sisal rope, but they also love scratching on other materials too. This cute cactus has sisal topped off with a heavily textured carpet material. And if that's not enough to get your feline interested, it also has a teaser toy!
Reviewers love the design, but some say the base isn't heavy enough. You can add weight to it if that's a problem. Others were concerned that it fell apart - after two years! We think that's pretty good for a scratching post, and remember sisal rope can be replaced.
Many said their cat started using it before they could even finish assembly, and since assembly is very simple, that's saying a lot.
This little scratcher is perfect for active, curious kittens. With a variety of surfaces and shapes, it will be hard to keep them away from it. Kittens naturally enjoy wrestling with their littermates, so a horizontal post is a good substitute. However, this may be too small for adult cats.
A few reviewers said it fell apart easily, but those complaints were rare. More often, they complained that their cat showed no interest in the scratcher. But for owners of kittens, it was a different story. They say their little spaz furballs absolutely love it! (And in fact, many adult cats did, too.)
With three posts to claw to shreds, two balls, and one dangling mouse toy, don't be surprised if your cat never leaves this spot. The design means it also sports a strong, elevated perch suitable for even the biggest of chonks.
The negative reviews mostly involved the toys coming off too easily. Cats are tough on the things they love. Buyers who were satisfied said all the cats in their household loved this post and seat set. Assembly was easy, and the finished product is sturdy and solid.
In addition to a vertical and horizontal scratcher, it's a good idea to have an inclined one to help your kitty get exercise for different muscle groups. Also, some cats actually like to scratch while they're lying down. This one is made of durable sisal fabric and wood. Plus, it has rubber feet to stop it from sliding.
Some reviewers were surprised at the size, saying it was smaller than they expected; many others said it lifted up too easily. Some said they affixed it to a heavier base or stapled it onto a board, and after that, their cats loved it.
It may a better choice for kittens or cats who are light scratchers. Consider putting it next to their sleeping spot so they can use it for a morning stretch. There's also a "scroll" wave-shaped version that your cat may like, too!
Some say the quality control was lacking and this made assembly difficult or impossible. However, the vast majority had no issues and could put it together in minutes. They say it's large and recommend choosing a spot for it before you buy. Many commented that the post has held up for years.
The whole point is to save your furniture, walls, and carpets, so you need to convince your kitty that the great scratching post you bought just for them is a better choice!
Absolutely consider the location first. If your cat has attempted to scratch your sofa before, put a scratching post in front of the couch. Try putting it near their favorite sleeping spot so they can use it for a good stretch when they wake up.
As scratching is also a territorial behavior, it's a good idea to have posts in areas where they can leave their mark as a sign of their presence. Cats' paws have scent glands, so they leave a message to other cats anywhere they walk or scratch.
Examples of territorially-significant areas include places where humans and other animals pass by, such as hallways and doorways. The bedroom is important to a cat because your smell is strong there, so they love to mix in their scent by scratching something in the bedroom.
Most of the time, it's not hard to get a cat interested in a new scratching post. You can also try rubbing some catnip on it! Give them time and just let them check it out. Oddly enough, though, if you act like you're using it yourself, sometimes they'll get the message!
Now that your cat is leaving your furniture unscathed, treat them to some other things they need and enjoy!
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