Dogs must bark, birds must fly, and cats must scratch. While you adore your kitty for their cuddly demeanor, playful nature, and angelic face, you probably don’t like it when they scratch your furniture. Of course, if you were to rank the possessions in your life that have meaning, your cat takes priority over a sofa or lounge chair. After all, your cat is a member of the family, your snuggle buddy, and your lifelong companion.
That said, you still need to address the scratching issue.
When a cat starts using furniture as their personal toy, this is when many owners start seeking a solution—like a scratching post. But which kind is best for a large cat? Here are reviews of the top scratching posts for cats that weigh 12 pounds or more.
If you’ve got bigger cats at home, the Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher is what you’ve been searching for, which is why it’s the best scratching post for large cats. It’s not just about looks, though; its sturdy plywood frame gives strong stability and support for large cats. It can handle their weight and energy, making it a smart choice for those big furry companions.
The Hi-Lo Scratcher is also adaptable, with three different positions (high, low, and lower), so it offers lots of angles for stretching, scratching, and keeping the cat’s muscles in good shape.
The scratching part uses strong B-flute cardboard, which is just right for those powerful claws. It’s built to last (and has cardboard pad replacements available when the scratcher is scratched out) and gives a satisfying scratching experience. Right now, cardboard is the only option, but Hepper hopes to explore other materials in the future. If you want the best for your big kitty, the Hi-Lo Scratcher brings together durability, fun, and comfort.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so we can benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Pros
Can be placed at three angles
Curved design encourages cats to stretch
Made with solid birch plywood
Keeps cats entertained and exercised
Modern design
Cons
Cardboard option only
2. Frisco 21-in Sisal Cat Scratching Post With Toy — Budget Buy
If you are unsure if your cat will use a scratching post and do not want to spend a lot of money finding the answer, the best scratching post for large cats for the money is the Frisco 21-in Sisal Cat Scratching Post With Toy. This general scratching post may only be 21 inches in height, but it is suitable for large cats. The size also makes it easier to fit into any part of your home. The dual texture of the scratching post encourages your cat to playfully scratch at it or rub against it.
The base is covered with a soft material to prevent causing damage to uncarpeted floors. However, the base is not weighted, so there is the potential for it to tip if your cat tackles it. Adding some weight to the base will help ensure that this post stays sturdy for your big feline to scratch.
Pros
Budget friendly
Easy to assemble
Good size for small living space
Cons
Could tip over
Sisal rope can fray
3. Vesper High Base 47.8-in Modern Cat Tree & Condo
Sometimes, you want to treat your cat to something special. The Vesper High Base 47.8-in Modern Cat Tree & Condo comes with several posts for your cat to scratch, as well as two lounging platforms with memory foam pads and a cubby hole. The cubby hole is large enough for your big kitty to climb in and curl up for a nap. The base is sturdy, ensuring that your cat can play safely on all levels.
One downside to this cat tree is that it is large and heavy: It weighs about 43 pounds. While the overall weight makes it stable for a big cat, it will be harder to move if you decide to change its location in your house or apartment. Make sure that you have space for this condo before purchasing.
Pros
Entertaining for cats
Sturdy, will not tip over
Cons
Heavy
Takes up a lot of space
4. SmartCat The Ultimate 32-in Sisal Cat Scratching Post
While many scratching posts use durable cardboard, other posts have stuck with a more traditional covering that cats love: sisal fabric. Our choice for the best sisal-covered large cat scratching post is the SmartCat The Ultimate 32-in Sisal Cat Scratching Post. The woven sisal-covered post is square-shaped, enabling your cat to choose which side they want to scratch. Sisal fabric does not fray as quickly as the rope form does, which is a plus. With a solid square base and a height of 32 inches, this is ideal for a large cat to scratch and stretch to their heart’s content.
The 16 x 16-inch base is wooden but not covered. This could lead to scratches on your wood floor. This scratching post is best suited for carpeted floors.
The MUTTROS Cactus Cat Tree 40″ Cat Tower is an impressive four-in-one tower system with a condo, hammock, batting ball, and scratching post that looks like a cactus. The whole set is a lovely green sage color that will look especially nice in a catio or by a window. The post is wrapped in sturdy sisal, and the rest is covered in soft carpet. The base is made of plywood, and given all the other features, this tower is heavy enough that you won’t have to worry about it tipping over while your cat plays on it.
The 40-inch scratching post is tall enough for most cats, but the hammock technically only supports cats up to 15 pounds, which leaves out heavier kitties. Assembly is also more complicated than advertised.
Give your big feline a bit of modern luxury with the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge, Reversible Infinity Scratcher. Made from recycled ultra-dense cardboard, it was designed to be flipped over once one side has been thoroughly used, ensuring a longer-lasting toy, as the cardboard cannot be replaced. When your cat is not scratching away, they can stretch out and lounge on this toy. The 34-inch length and wide base make it an ideal resting place for a large cat.
This scratcher is a neutral color that can blend into the room’s surroundings, and it comes with U.S.A. organic catnip. It’s a bit on the wide side, so it should be placed where it will not get in your way.
Dimaka 34″ Tall Cat Scratching Post is a fun yet straightforward scratching toy for your cat. Ideal for large cats, this tall scratcher enables your feline to stretch, play, and scratch. Covered with natural woven sisal and chemical-free plush, the scratcher has a toy attached at the top of the post. This encourages your large cat to stretch their muscles and bat at the dangling plush ball. They get exercise and entertainment, a perfect combination! Another positive feature of this scratching post is that the sisal rope can be replaced, so you do not need to buy a brand-new one when it gets worn out due to use.
Keep in mind that sisal rope does fray, leaving sharp fibers around the post. Also, due to the post’s height, extra weight might need to be added to the base to ensure that it remains stable while your large kitty is having fun.
Pros
Sisal can be replaced when worn out
Height is excellent for large cats
Cons
Needs extra weight at base for stability
Sisal rope does fray
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Scratching Post for a Large Cat
Why Are Scratching Posts Important?
Scratching is a part of a cat’s nature, but it is often misunderstood by their owner. They are not tearing at the furniture out of spite, but rather for instinctual reasons. For physical purposes, scratching enables your cat to stretch and strengthen their muscles and sharpen their nails. It’s also a way for them to mark their territories and relieve anxiety. For indoor cats, furniture and carpets are often the most accessible items to scratch. But instead of punishing your cat by getting them declawed, which can lead to negative long-term effects, provide them with an alternative: a suitable scratching post.
Tips When Buying a Scratching Post
After looking at these reviews of the top scratching posts, you might still have questions about what to look for in a product. Here are additional tips to help you with your first (or second) scratching post purchase.
Additional Tips:
Check the materials. Scratching posts are mostly made with natural sisal or cardboard. Both materials have pros and cons. Sisal is an excellent scratching material that cats love. Sisal fabric is a better option than sisal rope because the fibers are sharp and might deter your cat from using the post. Cardboard is a popular option because it can be made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice. Some scratchers can have the cardboard pad replaced when it gets worn out; however, others cannot be replaced. This means you will need to buy another brand-new scratching post, which is not budget-conscious.
Know that some assembly is required. Most scratching posts will require assembly. Some only take a few minutes to put together, while others require more effort. While you are ready to do anything for your favorite feline, consider how much time and physical effort you can invest in putting together the scratcher.
Consider getting more than one scratching post. Cats like variety in their activities. Having one scratching post is a good start, but if you can afford two, this is an even better option. If you can, buy different ones. For example, you can have one vertical, free-standing scratching post and one scratcher-and-lounge combo. Having a variety will help strengthen different muscles and keep your kitty entertained.
Note that an expensive scratching post is not always the best one. Have you ever bought your cat an expensive bed made with organic Egyptian cotton, and they still chose to sleep in the bathtub? Think about this when you are considering a scratching post. There are luxury ones out there that can cost over $100, but there is no guarantee that your cat will love them.
How We Selected Our List of Scratching Posts for Large Cats
Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the scratching posts. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with scratching posts. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!
Conclusion
Getting your cat a scratching post is an excellent way for your pet to act on their instincts. It will also keep your furniture safe! There are so many kinds of scratching posts on the market for large cats, but our top pick is the Hepper Hi-Lo Modern Cat Scratcher due to its versatility and durability. If budget is on your mind, we recommend trying the Frisco 21-in Sisal.
Regardless of what you choose, we hope that this list of reviews has helped you find the best cat scratcher for your big kitty.
Featured Image Credit: Evgenia Terekhova, Shutterstock
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
