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10 Best Cat Scratching Posts in Australia in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

FUKUMARU 3 Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post

10 Best Cat Scratching Posts in Australia in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

FUKUMARU 3 Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post

Cat scratching posts are a great way for cats to burn off some energy and frustration while offering them an abrasive surface that they will enjoy scratching and that isn’t your furniture. They can also provide security and privacy as well as a place to lay low and sleep. From wall-mounted scratching pads to giant cat trees with multiple levels and several scratching areas, there is a massive selection of scratching posts to choose from.

Hopefully, our reviews below will help you choose the one that best fulfils your cat’s needs while also meeting your personal requirements.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Winners in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Midwest Homes Cat Scratching Post Midwest Homes Cat Scratching Post
  • Tall enough for large cats
  • Covered in sisal
  • Easy to put together
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Lean-it Scratching Post Wide Lean-it Scratching Post Wide
  • Ideal for horizontal scratchers
  • Can be placed up against the wall to save space
  • Cheap
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
  • Good looking
  • Very durable
  • Big enough for any cat
  • Best for Kittens
    MXiiXM Kitten Scratching Post MXiiXM Kitten Scratching Post
  • Perfect size for kittens
  • Includes a hanging ball toy
  • Reasonable price
  • Poils Bebe Cat Scratching Post Poils Bebe Cat Scratching Post
  • Tall enough for small to medium adult cats
  • Has three ball toys, including two on springs
  • Retractable column and foldable base
  • The 10 Best Cat Scratching Posts in Australia

    1. Midwest Homes For Pets Cat Scratching Post – Best Overall

    MidWest Homes for Pets Cat Scratching Post

    Dimensions 48.3cm x 48.3cm x 101.6cm
    Material Sisal
    Colour Brown

    The Midwest Homes For Pets Cat Scratching Post is a tall scratching post. The column is covered in sisal to give an abrasive, hard surface, that won’t cause injury or damage to your cats but does give them somewhere to scratch that isn’t the back of the chair or the wooden floor. Assembly is simple and the post includes all tools required to put it together.

    Although it is a little more expensive than some of the basic models, the size of the Midwest Homes For Pets Cat Scratching Post means that it is not only ideal for small cats and kittens but can also be safely used by larger cats.

    It is a basic design so it may not provide enough entertainment for all cats, but if your cat has toys or enjoys time outdoors, the combination of durability and size makes this one of the best cat scratching posts in Australia.

    Pros
    • Tall enough for large cats
    • Covered in sisal, which is abrasive but safe
    • Easy to put together
    Cons
    • Quite basic

    2. Lean-it Scratching Post Wide – Best Value

    Lean-it Scratching Post Wide

    Dimensions 10.2cm x 22.9cm x 50.8cm
    Material Carpet
    Colour Blue/Grey

    The Lean-it Scratching Post Wide is somewhat unusual in its design. While most scratching posts are vertical and come with their own base, this one is designed to lean up against a wall or placed directly on the floor. This means that it is suitable for cats that prefer to scratch horizontally or at an angle while stretching out. This wide version is easier for your cat to really get to grips with, and the extra width also provides greater stability, despite being cheaper than almost all other options on the list. It is this combination of unique design and low cost that makes this one of the best cat scratching posts in Australia for the money.

    Although it is inexpensive and beneficial for cats that prefer a more horizontal scratching style, it uses carpet as a covering material, rather than sisal. Not only does carpet scratch down more quickly but allowing your cat to scratch a carpet post may also encourage them to scratch the floor.

    Pros
    • Ideal for horizontal scratchers
    • Can be placed up against the wall to save space
    • Cheap
    Cons
    • Some cats naturally prefer a vertical scratcher
    • Uses carpet rather than sisal

    3. SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post – Premium Choice

    SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

    Dimensions 40.6cm x 40.6cm x 88.9cm
    Material Wood, Sisal
    Colour Beige

    Most manufacturers use a combination of engineered wood and cardboard to create cost-effective scratchers, but even the best engineered wood and reinforced cardboard prove flimsy when pitted against solid wood. The SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is a giant square post, made from wood and coated in durable sisal rope.

    It looks attractive enough to be put in any room and it will withstand heavy abuse even from the largest cats, but the durability and good looks do come at a cost, and this is the most expensive item on the list.

    The only problem with the wooden design is that the base has been left uncovered, and this means that some cats may slip on it when they are trying to get a purchase and really have a go at the sisal covering.

    Pros
    • Good looking
    • Very durable
    • Big enough for any cat
    Cons
    • Very expensive
    • Wood base can be slippery

    4. MXiiXM Cat Scratching Post For Kittens – Best for Kittens

    MXiiXM Cat Scratching Post

    Dimensions 30.5cm x 30.5cm x 15.2cm
    Material Plush, Sisal
    Colour Beige

    Kittens start scratching from a young age, and if you don’t have a post or a cat tree in place by this time, your little ball of fur is likely to turn its attention to chair legs or your legs as somewhere to sharpen its claws. That doesn’t mean you have to spend a small fortune and fill your room with a giant cat tree, though.

    The MXiiXM Cat Scratching Post For Kittens is a suitable size for kittens and small enough that it will fit in any space in your home. It is covered in a plush fabric that is gentle on your kitten’s paws and is wrapped in a sisal fabric that is abrasive enough that it will remove dead claws and help sharpen existing ones. It even has a hanging ball toy that your kittens will enjoy batting around and chasing.

    This reasonably priced kitten post is really only suitable for small kittens so you may need to replace it as your cat gets older, and the ball toy is easily unravelled even by tiny, albeit sharp, kitten claws.

    Pros
    • Perfect size for kittens
    • Includes a hanging ball toy
    • Reasonable price
    Cons
    • The ball is easily unravelled and demolished
    • Will need replacing when your cat gets bigger

    5. Poils Bebe Tall Cat Scratching Post

    Poils bebe Tall Cat Scratching Post

    Dimensions 38cm x 38cm x 97cm
    Material Wood, Sisal
    Colour Light grey

    The Poils Bebe Tall Cat Scratching Post is a wooden post that has been covered in natural sisal rope. It also has a hanging ball toy, as well as two spring balls that will keep your cat entertained, at least until they are damaged and broken off. The base and top are covered in a plush fabric that is soft and inviting. The base of the post can be folded for easy storage, while the column section is retractable so you can start out small with a kitten and then extend the post as your cat gets older. Installation is quick and simple, and all required tools are included with your purchase.

    Although it is sold as a tall cat scratching post, the 97cm height includes the ball toy, and the post is not likely tall enough for large adult cats that like to stretch up as high as possible when scratching. Also, the toys are more easily damaged than the post itself so these will likely disappear at some point.

    Pros
    • Tall enough for small to medium adult cats
    • Has three ball toys, including two on springs
    • Retractable column and foldable base
    Cons
    • Not tall enough for large cats
    • Balls are liable to be pulled off

    6. SmartCat Combination Scratcher

    SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher

    Dimensions 6cm x 18cm x 61cm
    Material Sisal
    Colour Beige

    Most scratching posts and scratchers offer either a horizontal or, more commonly, a vertical scratching position, but not all cats like to scratch in the same position. Some do enjoy stretching up, in the same way as they would when scratching a tree or other surface outdoors, but some prefer a more prostrate position, making a horizontal scratcher the better choice.

    The SmartCat Combination Scratcher lets you decide the ideal position for your cat’s scratcher because it can be laid on the floor for horizontal cats or mounted to the wall for vertical scratchers. Mounting it to the wall also means that it can be placed low for small cats and higher up for large cats, but it does mean affixing it directly to the wall’s surface.

    It is on the expensive side for a scratching pad, and it has a somewhat chemical smell when it arrives, that will need masking with some catnip to encourage your feline friend to use it.

    Pros
    • Can be used vertically or horizontally
    • Sisal rope covering is abrasive and hard
    • Can be used for small or large cats
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Chemical smell

    7. FUKUMARU 3 Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post

    FUKUMARU 3 Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post

    Dimensions 24.9cm x 46cm x 52.8cm
    Material Recycled cardboard, Carpet
    Colour Brown

    The FUKUMARU is another scratching post with a difference. This one is shaped like a triangle which not only means that it can be placed in a host of positions, it also allows your cat to play in and around it, and when one side of the carpeted scratcher has been worn away, you can simply turn it over to extend its life further.

    The frame of the scratcher is made from corrugated cardboard, but it does seem reasonably strong, and it does look good, almost like a sculpture for your living room (although less so once it is scratched and frayed).

    However, the cardboard is not as robust as wood, and it is covered in a carpetlike material rather than natural sisal.

    Pros
    • Can be turned to prolong its life
    • Offers play as well as scratching opportunities
    Cons
    • Cardboard base
    • Carpet cover

    8. Advwin Cat Tree Multi-Level Scratching Post Tower

    Advwin Cat Tree 157 cm Multi-Level Cat Scratching Post

    Dimensions 65cm x 48cm x 157cm
    Material Wood, Plush, Sisal
    Colour Beige

    If you think that scratching posts don’t offer enough entertainment, and you have a lot of spare space, a giant cat tree could be the ultimate solution.

    The Advwin Cat Tree Multi-Level Scratching Post Tower has multiple layers of toys and entertainment. It includes a condo house, a hammock, a nest, and three platforms, as well as a hanging rope toy, a spring toy, and a scratching ramp. There are five sisal-wrapped scratching posts, too, so your cat will have plenty of surfaces to sharpen its claws and spread its scent.

    The size and complexity of the tower mean that this is an expensive piece of cat equipment, and it does take up a lot of room. Also, despite its overall size, the elements of the cat tree are quite small, so it is really only suitable for young cats and small adult cats.

    Pros
    • More expensive than a basic scratching post
    • Staples could cause injury to your cat
    Cons
    • Takes up a lot of room
    • Expensive
    • Not suitable for large cats

    9. Ruby Road Wall Mounted Cat Scratching Post

    7 Ruby Road Wall Mounted Cat Scratching Post

    Dimensions 14.5cm x 1.9cm x 55.9cm
    Material Wood, Sisal
    Colour Brown

    The Ruby Road Wall Mounted Cat Scratching Post is a modestly sized cat scratching pad that can be laid flat on the floor or mounted to the wall. Because it can be wall mounted, it is suitable for cats of all sizes, although it is quite narrow which means that your cat may end up clawing the wall next to it.

    Although it is more expensive than a basic scratcher, it does also include everything you need for installation including wall plugs and installation screws for wall mounting and rubber feet or use on the floor.

    Although it uses good quality wood as the frame, so looks good on the wall, it doesn’t look as attractive when frayed from regular scratching and the sisal is attached using staples so you will have to ensure they don’t get caught in your cat’s claws.

    Pros
    • Can be mounted to suit any size cat
    • Good looking when new
    Cons
    • More expensive than a basic scratching post
    • Staples could cause injury to your cat

    10. ASPCA Cat Scratching Post

    ASPCA AS Cat Scratching Post

    Dimensions 12.7cm x 15.2cm x 25.4cm
    Material Sisal
    Colour Grey

    The ASPCA Cat Scratching Post is an inexpensive cat scratching post that is made from particleboard and is half wrapped in sisal rope. The post is small but suitable for kittens and the design is simple. This is an official ASPCA product, which also means that between 3% and 5% of the purchase price goes to the ASPCA to fund their charitable work.

    However, the particle board is not durable and will break easily, while the weight of it means that the post is wobbly and easy to push around the floor. The sisal and the fabric covering also tend to come away quite easily.

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • A portion of the purchase cost goes to the ASPCA
    Cons
    • Lightweight and moves too easily
    • Wobbles
    • Easily torn

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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Scratcher

    A cat scratching post should be considered an essential purchase by any cat owner because it gives your cat exercise, provides somewhere to sleep, and provides a surface that they’re allowed to scratch, saving both your furniture and your sanity. However, not all scratching posts are equal and while some are built to last and suitable for cats of all sizes, others are small and only really suitable for young cats and small adults.

    Benefits of a Scratching Post

    There are multiple benefits to owning a cat scratching post, including advantages for your cat and you.

    Provide Exercise

    Cats need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Outdoor cats might get the opportunity to run around but they still benefit from having some kind of indoor activity that allows them to burn off excess energy. Indoor cats can especially benefit from a scratching post because, even if they charge around the house, they do not get the same amount of exercise. A simple scratching post provides limited exercise opportunities, while even the addition of a single perch, tunnel, or other extra feature can greatly increase the benefits that the scratcher offers your cat.

    cat climbing on a scratching post
    Image Credit: Chewy

    Claw Maintenance

    Cats don’t just scratch for fun or to destroy your furniture. They have a natural desire to do so. It allows them to mark their territory, allows them to relieve stress and anxiety, and it is an effective method of maintaining and sharpening their claws. When layers of their claw die, they can hang around on top of healthy claws. These can dig in and become uncomfortable and without the opportunity to safely get rid of the dead claws, your cat might not be able to climb as well. A scratching post gives them a surface that they are allowed to scratch so that they can remove dead claws and sharpen live claws, both of which are important to feline health.

    Security And Privacy

    Some cat scratchers incorporate a condo, cave, or tunnel. These allow your cat to hide from the outside world and to get a little privacy. They can also offer security to an anxious cat. Even if you have a basic post, once your cat has thoroughly scratched it and rubbed it, it will effectively be their property, and this instils a sense of belonging.

    Scratching Post Type

    There are various models, sizes, and styles of cat scratching posts ranging from the basic post to the complex cat tree or activity centre.

    The main types include:
    • Scratching Post – This might be the basic option, but your cat will still love it. Typically, a scratching post has a horizontal base made from wood or cardboard and a central column made from cardboard and covered in a sisal rope or carpet. Sizes vary and can accommodate cats of all sizes from kittens to large adult cats. Some basic posts include a hanging toy or a spring toy on the top to add to the level of activity it offers.
    • Scratching Board – A scratching board is placed horizontally on the floor, or some can be leant against the wall diagonally. Some boards have multiple sides, allowing you to turn them over when one side becomes badly scratched and damaged. These types of scratchers tend to be the preferred option for cats that like to scratch in a horizontal position rather than at a vertical stretch.
    • Wall Mounted Scratcher – A wall-mounted scratcher combines the benefits of a scratching post with the shape of a board, but rather than being laid out on the ground, it is affixed to the wall of your home using screws. These can be placed at any height, which means that any scratching board is suitable for any age or size cat but do consider the width of the board to ensure that your cat will be able to comfortably fit both paws up. Also bear in mind that these do require that you screw into your wall.
    • Cat Tree – A cat tree is a multi-level activity centre that has multiple scratching posts and incorporates perches, hammocks, condos, and toys. It is effectively like giving your cat its own room and it will encourage play as well as scratching. However, a cat tree is bigger than a post and takes up a lot more space in the room. They also tend to be more expensive than the basic products.

    cat paw divider

    Conclusion

    Cat scratching posts provide exercise, stress relief, and claw maintenance for your cat but they do come in many shapes and sizes, meaning that there is a huge range available to choose from. Hopefully, our reviews and guide have helped you find the one that best meets the requirements of you and your cat. We believe that the Midwest Homes For Pets Scratching Post is a reasonably priced, durable scratching post that offers very good value, but if you’re looking to spend a little less while still giving your cat a safe surface to scratch, the Lean-it Scratching Post costs less and can be leant up against the wall to provide a stable but enjoyable feline scratching experience.

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