A scratching post is an essential outlet for your cat’s natural scratching instinct, but it doesn’t have to be ugly. Nowadays, more brands are producing modern scratching posts that serve your cat’s needs, but also look tasteful in your home. In this article, we’ll go over what to look for in a modern scratching post and give you our picks for the best modern scratching posts on the market today.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with the scratching post features that are most important to cats and cat parents alike. This list is based on consultation with a veterinarian, cat behaviorist, hundreds of online reviews, and our own experience as cat parents to determine which cat trees offer the best overall performance.
Tip: If you’re on the lookout for more stylish cat furniture, check out our list of the best modern cat trees.
Cheat Sheet: Best Modern Scratching Posts
1) tuft + paw Zip Scratching Post
| Pros | tall enough for any cat, durable sisal fabric, sturdy plywood construction, wide base for stability, easy assembly, stylish design |
| Cons | expensive |
| Materials | premium plywood with ash or walnut veneer, woven sisal fabric |
| Size | 36”H x 18"W x 18”D |
| Price | $249 |
2) Agile Designs Jett Plywood Perch
| Pros | decent height, durable sisal fabric, plywood construction, bed included, easy assembly, neutral design |
| Cons | top heavy design, faux fur components |
| Materials | pine plywood, sisal fabric, faux fur |
| Size | 28.3”H x 17.3"W x 15.0"D |
| Price |
$75 |
3) tuft + paw Tab Scratching Board
| Pros | vertical + horizontal options, sturdy plywood construction, durable carpet, wall-mount available, very space efficient, easy to clean, no assembly, stylish design |
| Cons | expensive, not super large |
| Materials | premium plywood, carpet, aluminum |
| Size | 28.5”L x 6.5”W x 1.5”D |
| Price | $149-219 |
4) SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
| Pros | tall enough for most cats, reasonably priced, durable sisal fabric, wide base for stability, easy assembly, neutral design |
| Cons | mediocre build quality, some accounts of wobbliness, fabric tends to sag, may wear out quickly |
| Materials | sisal fabric, engineered wood |
| Size | 32"H x 16"W x 16”D |
| Price | $50 |
5) PetPals Wafer Cat Scratcher
| Pros | durable sisal fabric, affordable, comes in 2-packs, doubles as a ramp, neutral design |
| Cons | needs corner for stability, narrow base, no reviews |
| Materials | laminated wood, sisal fabric |
| Size | 23”H x 11”W x 10”D |
| Price | $50 |
What Is a Modern Scratching Post?
A modern cat scratching post is designed to cater to both your cat's scratching instincts and your home's aesthetics. These posts go beyond mere functionality; they are sleek, stylish, and often blend seamlessly with contemporary decor. While they serve as a designated scratching surface, they can also function as a piece of modern furniture in your living space.
Tip: Check out our comprehensive list of the best cat scratching posts if you want to cast a wider net for your scratching post search.
What to Look for in a Modern Scratching Post
When shopping for a modern scratching post, consider the following factors to ensure you find the perfect balance between style and functionality:
Durable Scratching Materials
There are several different scratching materials you will commonly encounter when shopping for scratching posts. Each has its own pros and cons.
Sisal/Jute Rope
Sisal rope is a top choice for modern scratching posts. It offers a satisfying texture for cats to scratch, promoting healthy claw maintenance. Sisal rope is known for its durability, ensuring your post lasts. Some cats may not like the coarse texture of sisal rope, but most do. If they don’t take to it, you may want to try smoother scratching surfaces, like sisal fabric.
Sisal Fabric
Sisal fabric provides a similar level of durability to sisal rope but in a flat, woven form. It's made from the same plant fiber, but offers a smoother texture and is less prone to snagging. It’s a widely used material because most cats love it.
Carpet
Some modern scratching posts feature carpeted surfaces. While carpet can look nice at first, it may not be as durable as sisal and can show signs of wear over time. There is a wide range in carpet quality, and you can’t really assess a carpet’s durability from appearances. Be sure to read reviews for carpeted scratching posts before purchasing to get an idea of the quality. We should also note that carpet’s loopy texture makes it more likely to snag claws, which some cats don’t like.
Note: If you want to stop your cat from scratching the carpet, then a carpeted scratching post may be the perfect alternative.
Cardboard
Cardboard scratching surfaces are budget-friendly and can be attractive to cats, but they have nowhere near the longevity of sisal. It tends to wear out quickly and shed tiny pieces of cardboard. If budget is your main concern, cardboard is great, but otherwise we recommend avoiding it.
Frond Cat Tree by tuft + paw - Shop Here
Durable Structural Materials
The structural material of a scratching post is as crucial as the scratching surface. Opt for posts made from plywood over particle board, as plywood offers superior stability and longevity, especially for larger cats. Particleboard is cheaper, but it can weaken over time, especially when exposed to moisture. Some lower end brands use cardboard tubes for the main post, which makes them affordable but not very durable.
Stability
Any good modern scratching post should be stable. Cats won't use a wobbly post, and instability can even be a safety hazard. Look for a post with a broad or heavy base to prevent tipping during energetic scratching sessions. Wall mounts are another good option to improve scratching post stability.
@eatsleepmeow Can you tell they love their scratch post? #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #cat #cats #catsoftiktok #kitty #kitten #tuftandpaw @tuftandpaw ♬ original sound - Patty b
Height
The height of the post is vital to accommodate your cat's natural stretching behavior. Aim for a post that allows your cat to fully extend its body while scratching. Modern scratching posts often come in various heights, so choose one that suits your cat's size and preferences. If you have a large cat check out our list of the best tall scratching posts.
Stylish Design
One of the defining features of modern scratching posts is their stylish design. Consider how well the post complements your home decor. Many modern posts come in a variety of colors and shapes, allowing you to find one that not only pleases your cat but also enhances your living space.
Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Modern Cat Scratching Posts
- Modern design — Cats don't care much about aesthetics, but it sure is nice for cat parents! A modern scratching post should do its job well and be easy on the eyes.
- Durable scratching materials — We prefer sisal rope, sisal fabric, or high quality carpet over cardboard.
- Durable structural materials — We prefer scratching posts made from solid wood and plywood to those made from particleboard or cardboard.
- Stability – base width, weight, and how wobbly it is based on reviews.
- Size— this includes height and length of scratching surfaces to allow stretching.
- Other features — toys, wall-mount, etc.
- Ease of cleaning — look for easily vacuumed/wiped materials like wood and sisal fabric. Faux fur is generally harder to keep clean.
- Price
Deep Dive: The Best Modern Cat Scratching Posts
1) tuft + paw Zip Scratching Post
Price: $249
Rating: 4.5/5 with 51 tuft + paw reviews
Size: 36"H x 18"W x 18"D
Materials: premium plywood with ash or walnut veneer, woven sisal fabric
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own scratching post here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other scratching posts on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other product on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.
Our pick for best modern scratching post is the tuft + paw Zip Scratching Post. This piece has everything we look for, from design to build quality. It stands at 36 inches, which makes it tall enough for cats of any size, and the post is completely wrapped in high quality sisal fabric. The ends of the fabric are tucked inside the post itself, which prevents the ends from fraying or exposing staples. The base and post are both constructed from premium plywood and covered in a real wood veneer, which provides the look and durability of solid wood. We designed the Zip to have a slim and sleek silhouette, which belies the wide base and excellent stability. We also chose the gray sisal fabric, rather than the usual beige, to give it a more refined look than other scratching posts.
The main drawback of the Zip is its price point, as it falls on the higher end of the spectrum. However, for those looking for a premium option, its quality and design may justify the cost.
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2) Agile Designs Jett Plywood Perch
Credit: Agile Designs
Price: $75
Rating: 4.9/5 with 14 Agile reviews
Size: 28.3”H x 17.3"W x 15.0"D
Materials: pine plywood, sisal fabric, faux fur
The Agile Designs Jett Plywood Perch does double duty as a modern scratching post and a comfy perch. Like our number one pick, this post is made from sturdy plywood and the central pillar is wrapped in durable sisal fabric. At 28 inches it’s not the tallest on our list, but it’s big enough for medium size cats to get a good stretch in. At the top is a perch with a cushy bed for lounging and watching cat TV (i.e. the window). According to reviews it’s easy to assemble, and at $75 we think it’s a solid modern option for cat parents.
One potential concern is its top-heavy design, which might make it prone to tipping if during rambunctious scratching sessions. Additionally, some components feature faux fur, which may not be preferred by all cat parents due to the look and shedding.
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3) tuft + paw Tab Scratching Board
Price: $149-219
Rating: 4.6/5 with 20 tuft + paw reviews
Size: 28.5”L x 6.5”W x 1.5”D
Materials: Premium plywood, carpet, aluminum wall mount
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own scratching post here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other scratching posts on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other product on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.
When it comes to stylish versatility, the tuft + paw Tab Scratching Board is unmatched. It can be laid flat for cats who like horizontal scratching, leaned against a wall for diagonal scratchers, or even hung vertically with the optional wall mount. The wall mount is impressively secure and prevents any unwanted wobbling, but it still allows the Tab to be removed in seconds. Construction-wise, it’s made from a premium plywood body and wrapped in a densely woven carpet, which we extensively tested to make sure it could withstand the rigors of daily scratching. The design is incredibly space efficient as well, which makes it perfect for small living spaces. Cat parents also appreciate that it ships assembled.
Similar to our number one pick, the Tab’s main drawback is its high price tag. While it excels in the quality and design departments, it may not be within everyone's budget. Additionally, it may not be long enough for XL cats to get a full body stretch in, but the wall mount helps in that regard—you can always mount it high on the wall if your cat needs more real estate.
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4) SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Credit: Pioneer Pet
Price: $50
Rating: 4.7/5 with 28,300 Amazon reviews
Size: 32"H x 16"W x 16"D
Materials: sisal fabric, engineered wood
For cat parents who want a reasonably priced scratching post that’s not an eyesore, we recommend the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post. This post is enduringly popular, and for good reason. It’s decently tall at 32 inches, and the durable sisal fabric should last for many a scratching session. The base is wide enough to provide stability for energetic scratchers. Reviewers also appreciate the easy assembly and neutral design, which can easily fit in with most home decor. For $50, it gets the job done!
While the SmartCat post provides good value, some users have complained about the mediocre build quality. There are some issues with occasional wobbliness, which could be due to the particle board weakening over time. There are also mixed reviews on the sisal fabric, with a few users mentioning that it sags with use or it wears out quickly. As a budget option made from relatively cheap materials, some quality issues are to be expected.
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5) PetPals Wafer Cat Scratcher
Credit: PetSmart
Price: $50
Rating: N/A
Size: 23”H x 11”W x 10”D
Materials: Laminated wood, sisal fabric
The PetPals Wafer Cat Scratcher is another great budget option, especially for multi-cat households. Thrifty cat parents will love that it comes in packs of two for only $50. The main scratching panel is made from sisal fabric, while the outer body is made from laminate. It has a unique corner cut-out design which allows it to be leaned against corner walls or furniture for extra stability. It also doubles as a ramp thanks to its sloped structure, which can be really handy for cats with limited mobility. We like that the neutral design won’t clash with other furniture.
While the corner cut-out is handy, it also limits the possible locations this scratcher could occupy in the home. When not against a corner, the narrow base could lead to wobbliness. Additionally, there are limited reviews available for this product, so we can’t confidently say how durable it is.
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Modern Cat Scratching Post FAQs
What is a modern cat scratching post, and how is it different from a regular scratching post?
A modern scratching post is a contemporary take on the traditional scratching post. It combines functionality with sleek and stylish designs that complement modern home decor. However, a good modern scratching post should still prioritize cat needs over human preferences.
Are modern scratching posts sturdy enough for large cats?
Many modern scratching posts are designed to accommodate large cats. Look for models made from durable materials like plywood and sisal that can withstand the weight and activity of larger feline companions. They should also be tall enough for a large cat to get a full body stretch in.
How do I encourage my cat to use a modern scratching post?
Encouraging your cat to use a modern scratching post can be achieved through positive reinforcement. First demonstrate how to use it by scratching it yourself. Reward your cat with treats or praise when they scratch it. You can also use catnip or pheromones to make the scratching post more enticing.
How do I clean and maintain a modern scratching post?
Cleaning and maintaining a modern scratching post is crucial to ensure its longevity and cleanliness. Use a lint roller or vacuum cleaner to remove loose fur and debris, and use a damp cloth to wipe down smooth surfaces. Use scissors to clip off frayed edges or loose threads. Eventually, it may be worth looking into rewrapping the post yourself with sisal rope or fabric.
Conclusion
Choosing the best modern cat scratching post involves considering your cat's scratching habits, your budget, and your home's aesthetics. Each of the scratching posts mentioned above has its unique set of pros and cons. Our top pick is tuft + paw’s Zip Scratching Post for its excellent build quality, functionality, and elegant design. We also like the Agile Jett Plywood Perch for those looking for a scratching post/perch hybrid, or the tuft + paw Tab Scratching Board if versatility is what you need. For cat parents with limited budgets, the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post and PetPals Wafer Cat Scratcher will serve you well. So, explore the options, keep your cat's preferences in mind, and choose the modern scratching post that fits perfectly into your home. Good luck!
