Top 10 Best Cat Scratching Post to File Nails

Scratching is a natural habit for cats and they do this to sharpen their claws or to mark up their territory. There’s no doubt that you love your cat to the moon and back, however, scratching can be an annoying habit to deal with. The best cat scratching post to file nails will help the kitty file its nails in the safest possible way.

The post is like an alternative to the human furniture for the kitty, that’s meant to be destroyed eventually in the process. However, the goal is to get the one that will not be demolished in a matter of days.

Our Top Picks the for Best Cat Scratching Post to File Nails

SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post

If you’re looking for a scratching post for your cat that’s not so much expensive, then the SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate scratching post is the perfect choice for you. It’s tall, stable, and so durable that’ll last for years to come.

The height of the scratching post is very important for your cat. It works as chiropractic care and yoga rolled into one. This scratching post is one of the tallest with a height of 32 inches. So, your cats will be able to dig their claws into tall objects and stretch their bodies out to full satisfaction.

It’s made with sisal fiber and cats are naturally attracted to this fiber. The base plate and top plate holes have the same wide spacing design that prevents wobbling and scratching. Also, there are two screws included and you can swap the screws easily even though they’re slightly different.

The reason why we choose this scratching post as our top pick is because it’s made with high-quality materials. It’s durable enough and can easily accommodate multiple cats.

Pros

• Quick and simple installation
• 32 inches high
• Made with sisal fiber
• Strong and stable

Cons

• Sometimes releases a chemical odor

PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

]The Petfusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge is a natural scratching product that promotes exercise, healthy claws, and stress relief for any feline. It comes in three different colors: cloud white, slate gray, and walnut brown.

This cat scratcher lounge has an attractive design and neutral palette that will fit right in with your home. It’s constructed from recycled cardboard and with non-toxic cornstarch glue. So, this makes it not only cat friendly but also earth-friendly.

Another great thing about this cat scratcher is that it’s reversible for two times the use. You’ll be glad to know that all the materials of this product undergo rigorous safety testing to make sure it’s completely safe for your cat and for your home. Also, the design of the curb makes it a comfortable place for your cat to rest and play.

The reason why we’ve selected this cat scratcher lounge is because of its superior cardboard and construction lasts longer than other scratchers. The large surface area offers decent scratching space for larger cats or multi-cat households.

Pros

• Super affordable
• Reversible
• Unique design
• Can also use as a lounger

Cons

• Somewhat messy when your cat scratches the surface

PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge

Up next is another PetFusion model on our review of the cat scratcher that files nails. The PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge is one of the most top rated cardboard cat scratchers that are perfect for multi-cat households.

This jumbo cat scratcher comes in a white finish. The dimensions of the product are 39 x 11 x 14.3 inches with a weight of around 11.2 pounds. It’s made with high-quality corrugated cardboard that will last for years to come.

You don’t have to worry about the installation as it comes with no assembly required. The only thing you need to think of is cleaning up the flakes of cardboard. Also, there are no replacement parts or pieces, so if your cat is a vigorous scratcher then this something to be worried about. However, the good thing is that the cat scratcher can be flipped when one side gets worn out.

Overall, if you’re looking for a functional scratcher that will complement your décor, then the PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge can be a great option for you.

Pros

• Reversible
• High-quality materials
• Large enough for multiple cats
• No assembly required

Cons

• Large footprint

Catit Cat Scratcher Boards with Catnip

The Catit Cat Scratcher Boards with Catnip is one of the most leading scratchers on the market currently. It merges contemporary shapes and stylish patterns together; which is why it looks so appealing. Apart from being appealing, the design can also ensure that it’s capable of fitting in any form of home decoration easily.

The scratching surface of this board is corrugated. Therefore, your cat will have another surface to satisfy its natural instincts of scratching on. With this product, you can stay assured that your furniture will always have protection against damages caused by your cat’s claws

Since it’s made of uneven lightwood cardboard, it’ll begin shedding very soon. So, there’s a possibility of it causing you a huge mess, if your cat is very aggressive. Though it has a tendency to create a lot of issues, it’s pretty much easy to clean. Moreover, it’s equipped with catnip which most cats would love and enjoy

Overall, it’s perfect for those who own less aggressive, small cats.

Pros

• Reversible
• Lasts for 1 or more months
• Bought at an affordable price
• Functions as a lounger

Cons

• Quite small for most of the cats

AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts

The AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts is the perfect choice for cats that just love to scratch all day long. It comes with 7 scratching posts, along with 2 ledges and a round top platform. The posts are wrapped with sisal; while the ledges are for the cats to laze on and the platform can double as a bed.

This cat tree is very elegant in terms of appearance and is almost 50 inches tall. It’ll look good in any style house. You’ll be impressed with it once you see how sturdy it is. Its compact size makes it perfect for cat owners who have small spaces in their houses.

Moreover, it’s multi-functional and can provide your cat with a modern, scratch-friendly where it’ll be able to relax and entertain itself for hours after hours. Besides, with this product, you can expect your cat to stop damaging curtains, furniture, carpets. You can find it available in 3 different colors; beige, dark brown, and grey.

Overall, it’s the best choice for keeping your cat’s nails healthy.

Pros

• Stylish design
• Suits any style of home
• Well-made and sturdy
• Easy and quick to assemble

Cons

• Sometimes wobbles

4CLAWS Curve Scratching Pad

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly scratching pad to file the nails of your furbabies then take a look at the 4CLAWS Curve Scratching Pad. This post helps to keep the cat’s nails filed and well-groomed so that they don’t end up damaging your furniture.

It’s made with premium-quality pressed cardboard which is highly dense and durable. It can withstand daily wear and tear without deteriorating the quality of the material. The scratching pad is 100% recyclable and it’s also made with recyclable cardboard.

The scratching pad is reversible in two different configurations. This means you can alternate its position and double the longevity. It has a surface area of 10-inches that’s wide enough to accommodate cats of all sizes and breeds. The curved design of the scratching pad helps the cat sit comfortably while scratching.

Also, it doesn’t require any assembling which will save you some time and effort. It doesn’t come with any warranty from the manufacturer but the quality is really good that will last a long time.

Pros

• Compact design
• Extremely durable
• Made with recyclable cardboard
• No assembly required

Cons

• Doesn’t include a warranty

MidWest Cat Scratching Posts

The MidWest Cat Scratching Posts is undoubtedly the best cat scratching post to file nails for large active cats. It has an excellent design that provides tons of fun to the kitty without sacrificing the décor of your home.

Cats don’t go for walks like dogs on a daily basis. The vertical construction helps the cat to stretch and relieve stress at the same time. The base has enough resting spot so that the kitty can rest after playtime. It features a sturdy base with extra-durable and thick sisal wrapped around it. Sisal is a natural element that ensures the nails are filed to perfection.

It has a simple and hassle-free assembling process. You can set the post up within a few minutes. Also, it comes with all the tools you need to assemble the post. The best part is MidWest offers a 1-year guarantee with this product so that the cat can have fun scratching time with it and you receive the best value.

Pros

• Long vertical design
• Wrapped with natural sisal
• 1-year warranty
• Simple assembling process

Cons

• Slightly expensive

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post

The PetFusion Vertical Cat Scratching Post is an award winner cat scratcher by the Cat Fancy Magazine. It has a vertical design that will let the kitty have tons of fun while filing the nails on the scratcher. The vertical construction helps the kitty stretch and get a bit of an exercise while scratching.

This cat scratcher has a super sturdy design that doesn’t groan under pressure, even if a large cat jumps on it. The post has a durable cardboard construction that lasts quite a while without any dent or damage. On top of that, you’ll get a 6-months manufacturer’s warranty. You can return the product if there’s any defect or if you’re not satisfied with its performance.

The post comes with an organic catnip leaf to attract the cat towards it. Sometimes the cats are reluctant to file their nails on the post. However, the catnip helps to lure them to it and gradually develop the habit of scratching on the post.

Pros

• Unique vertical design
• Helps the cat stretch the muscle
• Made with superior quality cardboard
• Highly durable and files the nails properly
• 6-months warranty

Cons

• Releases slight chemical odor

ScratchMe Cat Scratcher Cardboard Lounge Bed

Are you searching for a solid-quality cat scratching post where your feline friend can rest and have the nails filed? Well, you’re in luck. The ScratchMe Cat Scratcher has a sturdy design that’s suitable for cats of all sizes and breeds. Along with filing the nails, it’ll work as a good source of stress relief too.

The ScratchMe Lounge Bed is made with 100% recyclable cardboard. It comprises five layers of corrugated cardboard and paper layer to ensure maximum durability. It uses non-toxic corn starch glue to hold everything together that not only makes it highly durable but makes it safe for the kitty as well.

The scratcher comes in a bed shaped design so that the cat can lie on it after playtime. It also includes a catnip that helps to naturally attract the cat. Your little furball can have hours of fun and game time with it. Do give this a try as it works as a stress buster and a cat scratcher that files nails to perfection.

Pros

• Files the nails effectively
• Sturdy construction
• Made with high-quality corrugated cardboard
• Excellent durability
• Works as a bed

Cons

• Short length

AmazonBasics Cat Condo Tree Tower and Scratching Post

If you’re looking for a scratching post to keep the cat active and entertained, then this one is the best choice for you. The unique and interactive construction of the tree tower will become an instant favorite of the kitty.

The post has a highly durable and long-lasting construction. The length of the post is long enough to let the cat enjoy clawing over the rope pillar. The post is made with natural jute fiber that keeps the nails in a healthy shape. It comes in two different colors: beige and gray to match up well with different home décors.

One of the best features of this cat condo is its no-mess-no-fuss design. It has a simple yet highly convenient setup that the kitty will surely fall in love with. It also includes a hammock bed where the kitty can rest and have a good nap in there.

Overall, this post is fun and entertaining for kitties of all ages and sizes. It will help them condition their nails and remove the deal layers effectively.

Pros

• Hassle-free setup
• Natural jute rope post for scratching
• Affordable
• Comes in two different colors
• Includes a comfortable hammock bed

Cons

• Not a good choice for multi-cat homes

Buying Guide

Size

When you’re out looking for a cat-scratching post, you must have your sights on one that is easy to use, efficient, well—built, and properly sized. If you end up buying one that is either too small or too big, there’s a possibility of it ending up looking awful or not working as intended.

The perfect size for a cat scratching post is approximately 32″ in height with a reasonable base. You can try going larger than this but it’s better to avoid going too small.

Base

Apart from the size, you must also think about the base. The base of a cat-scratching post has a lot to do with where the cat is going to be standing while scratching. It’s also related to the way it’s going to hold up due to applied pressure.

So, it’s important to spend your money on one that has a pretty much good, even, stable base. If you somehow buy one that has a very uneven base, your cat will easily topple over while pushing and clawing at the post. Not only that, it’ll fall and cause the end of your setup.

Area

A cat scratching post must have a large surface area for being useful. This is the main reason why you should invest your money in buying one that is large and equipped with multiple sides to it.

If you buy one without considering the surface area, your cat will wear down on it gradually and leave it unstable. So, it’s better to buy a large cat scratching post that has multiple sides to it. It’ll be able to last longer and allow your cat to scratch without any concerns.

Set up

Make sure that the cat scratching post you’re purchasing allows you to set it up easily. It won’t cost you any time to get everything into place as long as you remain careful. Otherwise, it’ll become a real headache for you quickly; which is the last thing you’d want to see happen.

Moreover, no matter how easy it is to assemble, you must double-check everything as it can topple over easily. You must ensure whether it’s fastened securely. Otherwise, it won’t hold up well and your cat will get hurt eventually.

Material

When you’re taking a sneak peek at different sorts of cat scratching posts, you must think about what kind of material it’s made of. Since it’s going to be the material your cat is going to scratch all day long, it has to be perfect. Some of these materials include; woven sisal, jute fiber, recycled cardboard, and more.

Cat-scratching posts made from these materials are easy to manage, consistent, and ideal for cats at home. You can expect them to be a safe solution for your pet. You can also expect them to give you impressive results.

Safety

Safety is an important factor to consider when purchasing a cat-scratching post. When you’re about to buy a new post, you must buy it thinking about your cat’s health first.

One of the primary concerns a cat-scratching post always have is snagging. It can lead to a considerable amount of discomfort from the cat and cause it to steer clear of the entire post.

In order to avoid such disastrous outcomes, you should invest your money in jute fiber or woven sisal cat scratching posts. With them, you won’t have to face these issues at all. They won’t cause any type of snagging once your cat starts to scratch away.

So, if you want to be selective and careful, you should start with materials that have a great reputation for being cat-friendly.

Benefits of Cat Scratcher

It’s a natural process for the cats to scratch, however, it can end up making damage to your brand-new furniture or the wall. A cat scratcher is a lifesaver that can save you from this situation.

Stretching

Like humans, the fur babies also need their share of stretching to stay fit and healthy. Tall scratching posts will help to keep the cat’s muscles and the paws in a tip-top shape. This is an excellent method of exercise as the cat need to stretch and dig its claws into the fiber of the post.

Suitable for Kittens

Learning to scratch on the post from an early age will help them to get adjusted to the process sooner. Kittens generally have a lot of energy and the post is a great source to burn off their energy. You can also get a scratching post with catnip to entice them to use it and file their nails.

Improve Health

Scratching can seem like a troublesome habit for humans but it has several health benefits for cats. Scratching on the post helps to file the nail and it’s a great method of exercise as well. This is highly recommended for indoor cats to relieve their stress.

Point of Interaction

This is come in handy if you have a multi-cat home and you’re looking for a way to help them bond. The scratching post will lure them towards it and help them grow a mutual interest. This will not only file their nails but act as a way of bringing the cats together all cats love to scratch regardless of their size or breed.

How to Attract the Cat to the Scratching Post?

It may take some time for the cat to get used to the scratching post. However, cats are intelligent animals and scratching is a natural habit for them. So, they’ll eventually get accustomed to the idea of the scratching post.

Placement

Placing the scratching post in the right area is very important. If the cat has any favorite spot around the house or any window, you should try keeping the post near that area. This will easily attract them towards it.

Treats

This may not work well with a fussy eater. However, if your furbaby is a treat-loving one then this method will be an instant hit. You can put treats near the scratching spot so that it can explore the post while enjoying the treat. Just throw a few kibbles around it and see the magic happen.

Play

Your kitty needs to get the idea that this is her own piece of furniture and she’s entitled to it. You can say some encouraging words or throw her favorite toy around the post. The cat will generate a sense of ownership around it and be more inclined to scratching on the post.

Start from Early Age

Like human babies, kittens also learn quickly at an early age. We recommend you to introduce them to the cat scratching post from an early age. This will help you save your furniture, walls, and other valuables from their destructive scratches.

FAQ

Q) Where should I put the cat scratching post?

Ans: If you’ve bought a cat-scratching post to put an end to your cat scratching some pieces of your furniture, you should place it close to those pieces of furniture. You can try putting it right next to the furniture, in front of it or on top of it.

Q) Should I familiarize my kitten with a cat scratching post?

Ans: Yes, you should. It’s a very wise thing to do. You should familiarize them from a very young age. In this way, you’ll be able to teach your kitten to scratch the post before it starts scratching your furniture. By instilling the habit of scratching a post, your kitten will be less likely to start scratching your furniture.

Q What features make a cat-scratching post the best?

Ans: The features that are responsible for making a cat-scratching post the best is the scratching material, the base, and the height. Sisal fabric is considered to be the best scratching material. It can give your cat a satisfying experience while it’s scratching on it.

As far as the base and the height, they should be large and close enough respectively. Therefore, the post will remain stable and your cat will have no problem stretching the whole length of her body.

Final Words

If your furbaby is notoriously scratching on the furniture or on the wall then it’s high time to get the cat scratcher. The cat scratcher will help to file the nails and help to relieve stress in the process. The scratchers we reviewed comes in many different sizes and shapes so that the kitty can have fun playtime as well.