Hopefully, our reviews below will help you choose the one that best fulfils your cat’s needs while also meeting your personal requirements.
In this article
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners in 2026
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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Midwest Homes Cat Scratching Post |
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Best Value
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Lean-it Scratching Post Wide |
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Premium Choice
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SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Keygarzone Indoor Cat Scratching Post |
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MECOOL Basics Cat Scratching Post |
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The 10 Best Cat Scratching Posts in Australia
1. Midwest Homes For Pets Cat Scratching Post – Best Overall
| 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.
- Tall enough for large cats
- Covered in sisal, which is abrasive but safe
- Easy to put together
- Quite basic
2. Lean-it Scratching Post Wide – Best Value
| 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.
- Ideal for horizontal scratchers
- Can be placed up against the wall to save space
- Cheap
- Some cats naturally prefer a vertical scratcher
- Uses carpet rather than sisal
3. SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post – Premium Choice
| 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.
- Good looking
- Very durable
- Big enough for any cat
- Very expensive
- Wood base can be slippery
4. Keygarzone Indoor Cat Scratching Post
| Dimensions | 39cm x 39m x 81.3cm |
| Material | Wood, Sisal |
| Colour | Green, Tan |
The Keygarzone Cat Scratching Post is a sleek and durable option for cats to satisfy their scratching instincts without compromising on style. The reinforced base is covered in a plush fabric that is gentle on your cat’s paws. The heavy-duty column is wrapped in sisal rope that is abrasive enough to remove dead claws and help sharpen existing ones. It even has a hanging ball toy that your kitty will enjoy batting around.
It is available in two colours that blend seamlessly with various home decor. While it comes at a hefty price tag, the Keygarzone scratching post is worth the money and will last a long time.
- Stable and secure base
- Includes a hanging ball toy
- Easy to assemble
- Expensive
5. MECOOL Basics Cat Scratching Post
| Dimensions | 40.6cm x 40.6m x 86.4cm |
| Material | Wood, Sisal |
| Colour | Grey, Beige, Black, Green, Navy |
The MECOOL Tall Cat Scratching Post is a wooden post that has been covered in natural sisal rope. It also has two hanging ball toys, as well as one ball attached to a spring, that will keep your cat fully entertained. The base and top are covered in a plush fabric that is soft and inviting. It is available in five neutral colours that would complement various home decoration styles. Assembly is quick and simple, and all required tools are included with your purchase.
Although it is sold as a tall cat scratching post, the 86.4-cm height may not be tall enough for large adult cats that like to stretch up as high as possible when scratching. Also, users have reported that the design could be sturdier, as it tends to lean when cats scratch the post.
- Tall enough for small to medium adult cats
- Easy to assemble
- Has three ball toys, including one on a spring
- Might not be tall enough for larger cats
- Could be sturdier
6. SmartCat 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.
- Can be used vertically or horizontally
- Sisal rope covering is abrasive and hard
- Can be used for small or large cats
- Expensive
- Chemical smell
7. The Cat Ladies Scratching Poster
| Dimensions | 1cm x 42m x 71cm |
| Material | Sisal |
| Colour | Various artistic prints |
The Cat Ladies Scratching Poster is a unique wall scratcher pad that comes in various artistic prints. It offers a generously 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 and saves space, although users have reported that the sticky tape it comes with does not hold up well, so you may need to find an alternative adhesive.
This is a well-priced alternative to traditional scratching posts, and we love the creative designs and the high-quality sisal material.
- Saves floor space with wall-mounted design
- Generous scratching surface
- Affordable price
- Included adhesives are not strong enough
8. Advwin Cat Tree Multi-Level Scratching Post Tower
| 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.
- More expensive than a basic scratching post
- Staples could cause injury to your cat
- Takes up a lot of room
- Expensive
- Not suitable for large cats
9. MECOOL 4in1 Small Cat Tree Scratching Post
| Dimensions | 40.6cm x 40.6m x 52.1cm |
| Material | Sisal, Jute, Carpet |
| Colour | Beige, Black, Grey |
The MECOOL 4-in-1 Small Cat Tree is a multifunctional scratcher that provides your cat with various activities. The three posts are wrapped in sisal, jute, and carpet material to satisfy different scratching urges, while also offering a plush bed on top. Additionally, the attached massage brush is great for self-grooming, and the three hanging balls encourage playtime.
Measuring 40.6 cm in diameter and 52.1 cm in height, this scratching post is compact and suitable for smaller cats. However, there are reports that the top cat bed does not fit on the base properly and that the bottom has screws and parts that leave scratch marks on the floor.
- Combines multiple functions in one unit
- Compact design fits small spaces
- Includes hanging ball toys and grooming brush
- Not suitable for larger cats
- Top doesn’t fit base properly
10. Woochpet Cat Scratching Post for Indoor Cats
| Dimensions | 40cm x 40cm x 89cm |
| Material | Sisal, Flannel, Plastic |
| Colour | Green, Beige |
The Woochpet Cat Scratching Post is a tall post with a palm tree design that provides cats with a satisfying scratching experience. The post is wrapped in durable sisal rope that appeals to cats’ natural scratching instincts. The addition of hanging plush balls and a mouse in a hole will keep your cat engaged. The design also incorporates 3D monstera leaves, adding a touch of nature-inspired aesthetics to your home decor.
Users have reported that the base is unstable and the post is too thin, so it tips over easily. The base is also covered with fake grass that users say is messy, has a strange odor, and is quite rough to the touch.
- Includes hanging ball and mouse toys
- Aesthetically pleasing palm tree design
- Easy to assemble
- Unstable and tips over easily
- Rough fake grass on base is messy
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.
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.
- 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.
Our Best Cat Scratching Posts in Australia Selection Process
Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best Scratching Posts in Australia for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about Cat Scratching Posts in Australia. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.
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.
Featured Image Credit: Evgenia Terekhova, Shutterstock
