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Scratching Posts for Large Cats:

Strong and Sturdy for Big Kitties

by: Carrie Profenno / Author, Mainer, Maine Coon Mama!

Scratching Posts for Large Cats: this is an essential item in a household with a big cat(s).

Want to know what cat scratching furniture is hot right now? Look no further.

These are the best-reviewed cat posts we have found. We've sifted through the sea of choices, and we're happy to present these quality scratchers.

If your cat is given to tearing up the furniture, one of these just might be the answer! We've geared these choices to sturdy, high quality units suitable for big cats. On with the show...

#1: Ultimate Cat Scratching Post

SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Cat Scratching Post

The Ultimate Cat Scratching Post is easily our Top Pick. It boasts the finest materials and workmanship to guarantee the scratching post will remain attractive and useful for years.

This is the most-purchased scratching post on this site.

This post has seen a lot of use!

The redesigned base is two pieces for extra durability.

It is large, heavy, attractive, and sturdy with a wide base.

It is quite possibly the most popular one online and well-loved by cat owners. Stellar!

Features and Benefits:

• 32" height allows cats to stretch fully and tone muscles
• Sturdy 16" by 16" base eliminates tipping and wobbling
• Fibrous and durable woven sisal naturally inspires scratching
• Superior to carpeted posts that may snag nails
• Assembles with two included screws
• Attractive and neutrally toned

With over 22,000 reviews and counting, this sturdy 4.5 star cat scratching post has been on the top of our list for years! It's an all-round favorite.

Check current pricing and availability:

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

#2: PetFusion Infinity Cat Scratcher Lounge

PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge (Available in 3 Colors)

Scratch, Play, & Perch! Superior Cardboard & Construction, Significantly Outlasts Cheaper Alternatives. 1 Year Warranty

The PetFusion Infinity Cat Scratcher has it all - it's stylish, fun, great for lounging, scratching, and even has catnip!

The infinity shape is a naturally good choice when looking for scratching posts for large cats.

Features and Benefits:

• CATS LOVE IT: A scratcher, lounge, & SO MUCH MORE (see video on left). Incl premium USA organic catnip leaf. Natural scratching = healthy claws, great exercise, & stress reliever ... (better overall wellness)

• THOUGHTFUL DESIGN: Curves make for easier scratching & a more comfortable place to rest & play. Naturally attracts cats. Interactive

• GREAT VALUE: 34 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches. Reversible for 2x the use. Superior cardboard & construction lasts longer than other scratchers; preferred by felines (per the reviews). Large surface area to hold multiple or larger cats & provide generous scratching space.

• AWARD WINNER / BEWARE OF CHEAPER COPYCATS THAT BUY REVIEWS IN EXCHANGE FOR FREE OR HIGHLY DISCOUNTED PRODUCT: 2015 Eco-Excellence Award. Featured on Animal Planet's 'My Cat From Hell'. Top 19 Cat Products (2016 BuzzFeed viewer selection)

Cat Scratcher Reviews:

One reviewer has two 25lb Siberian cats, and recommends pushing two of these scratchers together, for a versatile bed! They love it, and it hold them no problem.

Another notes that this cat scratcher is as beautiful as a sculpture, and can be placed anywhere in the house.

One reviewer even mounted them to a wall, and it looks so stylish.

Check current pricing and availability:

PetFusion Infinity-Shaped Cat Scratcher

#3: Cat Condo Tree Tower

Amazon Basics Cat Condo Tree Tower with Hammock Bed and Scratching Post

Our next choice has to be this unit. It has so much going for it - attractive color, built in hammock which kitties just love, plus it's wide and sturdy (which is great for big cats), not to mention all at a very reasonable price!

Features and Benefits:

• Elevated cat hammock with dual scratching post pillars; durable, long-lasting construction

• Plush hammock provides a comfortable space for your cat to relaxHelps keep your cat from damaging carpets, furniture, curtains, and more

• Natural jute fiber help keep nails healthy

• Neutral color tones fit in with your home’s existing décor

• Dimensions: 15.75 x 15.75 x 19.69 inches; 8.95 pounds

Cat Scratching Post Reviews:

Reviewers note that it is sturdy enough to hold a large cat (17+lbs in the review), though they may have trouble getting comfy and "spill" out the sides.

Plenty of Maine Coons are under this weight, so it may fit perfectly for them.

Another noted the perfect height, where it comes right up to the windowsill. Nice!

Check current pricing and availability on these scratching posts for large cats:

Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post & Hammock

#4: 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post

Cardboard scratchers are here to stay! Cats love, love love them. And this one has a neat shape, inviting kitties to stretch up a bit but not so much that they could topple a scratching post over. Great design.

(This one is also available in an optional XL size)

Features and Benefits:

• CATS LOVE IT: (I) A scratcher, play area, & SO MUCH MORE. (II) Includes premium USA organic catnip leaf. (III) Natural scratching = healthy claws, great exercise, & stress reliever . . . (better overall wellness)

• THOUGHTFUL DESIGN: (I) Vertical based on your cat's preference or to compliment horizontal scratching; also features a cubby hole for exploration & play. (II) Curves provide numerous stretching & scratching angles. (III) Naturally attracts felines

• GREAT VALUE: (I) 24 x 10. 5 x 21. 1 inches. (II) Rotate for 6x the use. (III) Superior cardboard & construction lasts longer than other scratchers; preferred by kitties (please read our reviews). (IV) 6 MONTH : For any manufacturing defect or if you are not completely satisfied

AWARD WINNER: Cat Fancy Magazine 2014 Editor's Choice Award: #1 Best New Product

Check current pricing and availability:

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post

#5: Woven Sisal Scratching Post

Kitty City Premium Woven Sisal Scratching Collection, Scratching Post, Perch Cushion

Kitty City has been making cat furniture for a while, and they certainly have it down. These scratching posts for large cats are a good well-rounded choice for durability, size and price. It also has an available add-on perch.

Features and Benefits:

• Attractive and neutrally toned to fit any decor.
• Perfect, stable width and extra-tall height designed for cats
• Overall Size: 17.7"(L) x 17.7"(W) x 32"(H)
• Fun, jingle ball toy included at the top of the post. BV Pet Safety Certified

• Easy assembly: With 3 screws, the post conveniently and quickly mounts to the base.
• Premium Woven Sisal Carper Scratching Post + Fleece Cover Top

Check current pricing and availability: 

Kitty City Premium Woven Sisal Cat Scratching Post

#6: Easy Cardboard Scratching Pad

Coching Cat Scratcher Cardboard Cat Scratch Pad

-with Premium Scratch Textures Design Durable Cat Scratching Pad, Reversible

Again, this isn't exactly a "post," but it's for scratching, and cats just love it. These cardboard cat scratchers are really popular lately. Big cats can tear to their hearts content, and then you just refill it!

This one is super affordable, an easy choice.

Features and Benefits:

• Unique Design: Premium scratching textures design, our cat scratching pad more closely mimics tree bark. Different touching experience makes it more irresistible. More importantly with this design, The cat scratch pad is 50% more durable than the normal ones. Size reference: 15.7 L x 7.7 W x 2 H inches.

• Durable & Natural Material: Made of heavy duty corrugated and 100% recycled cardboard, so the cardboard cat scratcher is strong enough to resist the sharpest claws for a fair enough long time. It is also safe and non-toxic. Even the glue used in the construction is corn-starch. Perfectly healthy for cats.

• Reversible Feature: The cat scratcher cardboard is reversible, so two sides can be scratched, making the cat scratching cardboard life last longer and more cost-effective. We offer 3 patterns with two different sizes for customers to choose, simple and modern design fits for just about anywhere, including crates, floor and any room in your home.

• Warranty: As cat lovers and experts, we believe that every cat has its own personality. We are extremely positive of our cat cardboard scratcher. But we can’t be sure every individual cat will love it the same. So we are providing a 6 months warranty to this product. Feel free to contact us if you need any help of the product.

Check current pricing and availability: 

Coching Cat Scratcher Cardboard Cat Scratch Pad

#7: Natural Sisal Cat Scratch Mat

FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher Mat

Natural Sisal Cat Scratch Mats, Horizontal Cat Floor Scratching Pad Rug

Rounding out our top picks is this cat scratcher, sisal rug/mat combo. It has a non-slip backing, and is attractive enough to place anywhere. Your cat will appreciate having his own rug!

Features and Benefits:

• Safe & Non-toxic - The pet natural sisal cat scratching mat, for one, is environmentally and cat-friendly. It has not been treated with any harsh oils, chemicals, or other substances which may harm your cat or the environment around it
• Multi-Scene - The scratcher mat can not only be a cat scratch pad, play mat, but also a sleeping mat, a litter mat, of course, you can also use it as a mat of the door
• Anti-skid Design - Anti-skid latex at the bottom, increase its thickness and stability so that it is not easy to slide
• Environmentally Friendly - The pet natural sisal cat scratching mat (Scratching part) is made of 100% natural and biodegradable sisal material, so once you throw it out, it will degrade on its own.
• Satisfaction Guarantee - If you have any dissatisfaction with our products in 30 days after purchase, please feel free to contact us though Amazon. We will solve the problem for you within 48 hours. Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal.

Check current pricing and availability: 

FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher Mat

Using Scratching Posts for Large Cats:

If your cat is uninterested in your new sisal cat post at first, don't worry. Just take your cat over to the post whenever he starts to scratch elsewhere.

Hold his front feet gently and reveal his claws. Then, show him how it's done.

Two other things you can try are to rub the post with catnip, (this really interests them!) or try dangling a favorite toy all around and over the post.

Once your cat goes after the toy, the goal is to get him to grab hold of the post with his claws. Praise him and hopefully he'll find this quite fun!

The first step, of course, is to settle on a sturdy cat scratching post. Have you found a winner?

Scratching Posts for Large Cats: Fun Fact

Did you know that when cats scratch they are doing much more than sharpening their claws?

In addition to territory marking and providing stress relief, this action is also an important means of exercise and stretching. It's actually a vital activity!

Here are 5 ways the act of scratching is key for exercise and stretching:

Muscle Toning and Strengthening

When cats scratch, they engage a wide range of muscles in their bodies.

The act of digging their claws into a surface and pulling downwards or upwards involves the muscles in their legs, shoulders, back, and even their core.

This movement helps tone and strengthen these muscles, helping them remain agile and robust.

Full-Body Stretch

Scratching allows cats to perform a full-body stretch. Stretching is crucial for maintaining flexibility and preventing stiffness.

Just like humans stretch to alleviate muscle tension and promote blood flow, cats scratch to elongate their bodies and enhance their range of motion.

This stretching action helps to keep their joints and muscles in top condition.

Natural Reflexes and Coordination

Regular scratching activities help cats practice and refine their natural reflexes and coordination. The physical effort required to scratch involves precise control over their body movements, honing their balance and agility.

This is particularly beneficial for indoor cats, like most Maine Coons, who might not get as much physical stimulation as their outdoor counterparts.

Mental and Physical Stimulation

Scratching provides both mental and physical stimulation. The act of finding a suitable surface and engaging in a vigorous scratch session can be quite satisfying and stimulating for cats.

It mimics the natural behaviors they would perform in the wild, such as climbing trees or catching prey, keeping them mentally sharp and physically active.

Prevention of Obesity

By incorporating regular scratching into their routine, cats can burn off excess energy and calories, helping to prevent obesity. Obesity in cats can lead to various health issues, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart problems.

Making sure they have plenty of opportunities to scratch and stretch helps keep their weight in check.

🐾 To support these natural behaviors, it’s important for cat owners to provide appropriate outlets for scratching, such as scratching posts for large cats, cat trees, or mats.

This not only helps maintain their physical health but also protects household furniture from being used to scratch (hopefully).

Encouraging this natural activity ensures that our feline companions stay happy, healthy, and agile!

Related:

Maine Coon Scratching Post? Here, Michael asks us: "What would you recommend for a scratching tree?" and we share our opinion on some popular choices for Coonie owners.

Top of Cat Scratching Posts for Large Cats

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