Cats need to scratch. However, finding a cat scratching post that works for larger cats can be challenging. Often, smaller posts just knock over when larger cats put their weight on them, or they’re far too short for your cat to really get their back into it.

Luckily, tall cat scratching posts have become more and more available over the last few years. Companies have figured out that taller scratching posts are sorely needed by many cat owners. You can find some scratching posts that are nearly 70” tall, which is absolutely massive!

Still not all of these scratching posts are made equal. We’ve reviewed 11 of the best options on the market below, so you can finally find something that works for your cat.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 11 Best Tall Cat Scratching Posts

1. Hepper Hi-Lo Scratcher – Best Overall

While this scratcher may not look as “tall” as other brands we looked at, it has a curved construction that allows for the total extension needed for a good stretch. It’s also made with laminated B-flute cardboard that can withstand a cat’s claws for months on end. The scratcher can be set up in three different positions to offer your cat some great variety, and the solid plywood frame is sturdy and long-lasting.

We love that once your cat has thoroughly scratched the cardboard up, you can easily purchase replacement cardboard for it. So, while it’s certainly not the tallest scratcher on our list, it makes up for this by being curved, and taking up much less space than any other on our list, making it our top choice overall.

Disclaimer: At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

---

2. Frisco 35-in Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post – Budget Buy

Scratching posts can be surprisingly expensive, especially given that your cat will scratch them up. If you’re in the market for a cheaper scratching post, the Frisco Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post should be your first stop. It’s cheaper than most options on this list, but it’s still very tall and durable. The main difference is that it looks like your average scratching post—instead of featuring the more modern design that many higher-end scratching posts do.

This scratching post does feature sisal that’s wrapped all the way around. There is also a toy at the top, which may encourage your cat to use the scratching post. Several colors are available, but, again, none of them are particularly stylish.

At 35 inches tall, this scratching post towers above most. It’s easily the best tall cat scratching post for the money.

---

3. Frisco 33.5-in Sisal Cat Scratching Post

For many larger cats, the Frisco 33.5-in Sisal Cat Scratching Post works great. It’s a larger scratching post in terms of its height and width. The base is larger than you’d find in most scratching posts, helping it remain stable even when a larger cat uses it. It’s also wrapped all the way around with sisal, allowing your feline to use it from any direction. This feature increases its durability, too. With more sisal, your cat can spend more time scratching it.

This scratching post does require some assembly, but it’s relatively straightforward. It comes with all the tools you need.

---

4. SmartCat The Ultimate 32-in Sisal Cat Scratching Post

The SmartCat The Ultimate 32-in Sisal Cat Scratching Post isn’t the tallest scratching post out there, but it is very thick. The base is made of heavy wood and much wider than most, preventing the post from tipping and wobbling. If you have a larger cat that tends to constantly knock over the scratching post, this model is a great option.

The sisal is very durable and wrapped all the way around. Plus, this scratching post is much more attractive to look at than others. The wood helps it blend in with home décor. It does require some assembly, but this only involves two screws.

That said, this scratching post is more expensive than most. It’s easily double the price of cheaper scratching posts, but you’re paying for the extra material that makes it more stable.

---

5. MidWest Feline Nuvo Grand Forte 41-in Cat Scratching Post

The MidWest Feline Nuvo Grand Forte 41-in Cat Scratching Post is truly an oversized cat scratching post. It’s over 3 feet tall and features an oversized base. It’s both stable and very tall, making it perfect for larger cats. It features ultra-soft faux fur on the base and top, with nylon rope wrapped all the way around. It’s round, which does allow the cat to use more of the surface area.

That said, this scratching post is very expensive. It’s about as expensive as the previous scratching post we reviewed, but it isn’t made with wood or as stable. Therefore, while it isn’t a bad choice, it isn’t the best choice, in our opinion.

Some cats also don’t like the nylon rope. It was chosen likely because it is more durable. However, some cats don’t like the toughness.

---

6. Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post

The Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post is absolutely adorable. It features three posts wrapped in sisal that look like sisal. One of these cactuses is 33” tall, but the other two are shorter. These differing types work well for multi-cat homes where the cats are of differing sizes. However, a cat cannot use the whole post, as at least one size is blocked by the other posts.

If you’re looking for something a bit more stylish, this can be a cute option. It is more expensive, but you’re basically getting three scratching posts for the price of one, though two aren’t “tall” by any means.

The main reason this post wasn’t ranked higher was due to its impracticality. It isn’t as practical as other options, as the cat can’t use the whole scratching post. However, if this doesn’t bother you, it’s a great option.

---

7. TRIXIE Soria 31.5-in Plush Tower Cat Scratching Post

While it isn’t as tall as some other scratching posts, the TRIXIE Soria 31.5-in Plush Tower Cat Scratching Post is still taller than most, if only by a little bit. It’s covered on three different sides with sisal, while the fourth side is covered with plush. That side also features three openings with toys inside, which may increase engagement for some cats.

It’s also cheaper than most, making it a good option for those with medium-sized cats.

That said, you’re getting what you pay for. It’s not as well-made as some other options, and the plush material comes off in small pieces (making quite a mess). It just isn’t as high-quality, which is why it’s lower on our list.

---

8. MeCool 34” Tall Cat Scratching Post

The MeCool Tall Cat Scratching Post is a pretty straightforward scratching post. It’s very tall and wrapped completely with sisal, making it a great option for bigger cats. It also works very well for cats that like to climb. It comes with many balls, encouraging engagement from your cats.

It does require some assembly, but it’s pretty straightforward and basically involves inserting some screws.

While this scratching post looks great at first glance, it’s exceptionally thin. It isn’t as stable as other options, and larger cats may have a harder time using it. It isn’t nearly as thick as others on this list, so we ranked it lower. However, it may work for smaller cats.

---

9. Amazon Basics Tall Scratching Post

While you’d expect this scratcher to be cheaper due to the brand, it really isn’t. The Amazon Basics Tall Scratching Post is surprisingly pretty expensive, though it is also very tall. Its square design is also more modern, though it may make it more challenging for certain cats to use.

It comes with a toy that’s completely replaceable. Unlike most scratching posts, it’s made with jute and not sisal. For many cats, this may not matter. However, for others, they may not like the material. It’s all a matter of your cats’ preferences.

The sturdier wooden base is nice, but it doesn’t work as well as we’d like. This scratching post can still be tipped over by larger cats, especially if they’re particularly playful.

---

10. Kazura 34” Tall Cat Scratching Post

Compared to other scratching posts on our list, the Kazura Tall Cat Scratching Post is pretty inexpensive. It’s also very tall. However, it’s thin like many cheaper scratching posts, making it harder for bigger cats to use. In fact, the company advertises this post specifically for smaller cats that like the climb—not necessarily larger cats in need of a bigger scratching post.

All of that said, the sisal covering and include plush ball are great additions. They allow your cat to stretch and climb, especially if they are smaller.

---

11. Peekab 32” Tall Cat Scratching Post

 

The Peekab Tall Cat Scratching Post absolutely fits into the tall category. It’s 32 inches tall and includes several toys to increase engagement. There is even a ring around the top, theoretically allowing your cat to perch on top. This feature isn’t something we typically see.

However, this post doesn’t have the wide base we expect, especially if the scratching post is expecting felines to perch on top of it. It seems to lean over with just a slightly energetic cat. If you have several cats, they could easily knock it over together. The rope also comes off easily. If you’re looking for something to last a long time, this probably isn’t it.

This scratching post is likely best for smaller, lanky cats that enjoy climbing and stretching. However, we wouldn’t recommend it for larger cats, especially if you expect them to sit on the perch.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Tall Cat Scratching Post

Purchasing a scratching post that works for your cat shouldn’t be challenging, but it often is. There are tons of scratching posts out there, and they can have a range of different features. If your cat is larger, finding a good scratching post that can support him can be even more challenging.

In this section, we’ll go through everything you need to consider when picking the best scratching post for your feline.

How Big Should a Scratching Post Be?

A scratching post should be large enough for your cat to stretch. They shouldn’t just be able to barely scratch on it. Cats work out their muscles when scratching, and they can’t do this properly if the post isn’t high enough.

It’s important to remember that this is about your cat’s length, not weight. Just because your cat weighs a lot doesn’t mean they need a tall scratching post. However, if a cat is a healthy weight, their weight and height should be closely correlated. Maine coons often weigh more, and they typically need a taller scratching post.

If your cat is taller, we recommend looking for a scratching post that’s at least 32 inches, though these can be hard to find. We listed several of our reviews above that fall into this category. Some very large cats may need a post that’s over 40 inches, though. The exact size you need is going to depend on the size of your feline.

Don’t Forget About Stability

As things get taller, they tend to get less stable. A wobbly post can be challenging or even impossible for your cat to use. If they can’t put their full force on it without tipping it over, the post isn’t going to do them much good.

Some cats are more energetic than others. If your cat tends to launch themselves onto the scratching post, they’ll need something that’s extra-stable. Cats that climb often fit into this category, too. If the base isn’t wide enough, a climbing cat will surely tip the post over.

Posts made of cardboard tend to be lighter and easier to knock over. Posts with smaller bases are also easier to knock over. Sadly, less expensive scratching posts tend to have both of these traits, making them very unstable. On the other hand, posts made from real wood tend to be heavy and don’t move around quite as much. These posts are always preferable to others, but they can be incredibly expensive.

Material Matters

Most scratching posts are covered in sisal, a rough, natural fiber that cats often love. The vast majority of the scratching posts above have sisal that wraps all the way around the post, which is preferable to having only one side covered.

However, there are other options, too. Jute is popular. It’s softer than sisal, so it tends to wear down faster. Some cats like it more, though, especially if they are older. Nylon rope is sometimes used, but it’s a more inexpensive choice. Nylon tends to hold up well, but it’s very tough, and many cats cannot sink their claws into it.

Cardboard is another popular option, but it doesn’t seem to last as long for larger cats, especially if they love to scratch. It also isn’t typically found in post form. Usually, cardboard scratchers lay on the floor or hang on the wall. Carpet can also be used, but many cats prefer sisal over it. Carpet is just too soft for most of them.

Consider Other Features

Many scratching posts are versatile, allowing your cat to use them for other things, too. For instance, some may have perches on top or even enclosed condos for your cat to hide in. Most have a toy of some sort, which may help encourage your cat to use the scratching post.

These features are completely optional. Not all cats like perches or condos. If your cat absolutely loves one of these options, you may want to consider getting it for your cat. However, if your cat doesn’t use catios much, anyway, there is no need to purchase a scratching post with one.

Many of these extra features raise the price of the cat scratching post, too. In many cases, you can skip them, especially if you already have toys and hiding places for your cat around the house.

Style

Once upon a time, pretty much all scratching posts looked the same. Today, though, many companies are making them with a more modern look. Sadly, these posts are still very expensive. They can sometimes even cost hundreds of dollars.

We did include a few modern scratchers above that aren’t outrageously expensive. Often, these are square and made of wood, which makes them look more natural in your living room. It’s still obvious that it’s a scratching post, but at least they have some style.

Conclusion

Hopefully, our reviews helped you decide which scratching post works best for your feline. For most, we recommend the Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher. It may not be as tall as some other options, but it’s extremely versatile and takes up very little space.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, we also recommend the Frisco 35-in Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post. It’s inexpensive and extremely tall, making it work well for larger cats. However, it isn’t quite as stable, which can prove to be a problem for more energetic felines.

Related Read:

• Best Corner Cat Scratcher in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks
• How to Stop a Cat From Scratching Your Couch: Easy Guide

---

Featured Image Credit: Anatoliy Cherkas, Shutterstock