How to Choose the Right Scratcher for Your Cat — And Why Play Matters More Than You Think

Scratching is often misunderstood as a behavioral problem. In reality, it is one of the most essential expressions of a cat’s physical and mental well-being.

To choose the right scratcher for your cat, it’s not enough to look at materials or price. You need to understand why cats scratch, how they play, and what kind of environment allows these instincts to surface naturally.

This guide explores scratching from the cat’s perspective — and helps you choose a scratcher that truly supports their needs.

Why Do Cats Scratch? It’s More Than Just Claws

Scratching serves several core purposes in a cat’s life:

1. Physical Maintenance

Scratching helps cats shed the outer layer of their claws, keeping them healthy and sharp. Without appropriate scratching surfaces, claws can overgrow or splinter.

2. Muscle Stretching and Body Awareness

A full-body scratch engages the shoulders, spine, and hind legs. It’s one of the few movements that allows cats to fully extend their bodies — essential for joint health and mobility.

3. Emotional Regulation and Stress Relief

Scratching releases tension. Cats often scratch more when they are excited, anxious, or adjusting to changes in their environment.

4. Territorial Communication

Cats mark territory visually and through scent glands in their paws. Scratching is how they say, “This space is part of me.”

A good scratcher doesn’t suppress this instinct — it gives it the right outlet.

Scratching and Play Are Deeply Connected

Scratching is not an isolated behavior. It sits at the intersection of play, hunting instinct, and environmental interaction.

In the wild, cats scratch after waking, before hunting, or after bursts of activity. Indoors, scratching often appears:

• After naps
• During zooms
• Near window or high-traffic areas
• Next to favorite resting spots

This is why scratchers that double as play or movement tools — such as vertical posts, angled boards, or scratchers integrated into cat trees — tend to be used more consistently.

A scratcher that supports play doesn’t just protect your furniture. It becomes part of your cat’s daily rhythm. 

Understanding Your Cat’s Scratching Preferences

No two cats scratch exactly the same way. Observing your cat’s natural habits is the first step toward choosing the right scratcher.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Scratching

• Vertical scratchers are preferred by cats who like to stretch upward, often scratching sofas, door frames, or table legs.
• Horizontal scratchers suit who scratch rugs or lie down while scratching.

Many cats benefit from having both, especially in multi-room homes.

Texture and Material Preferences

Common scratcher materials include:

• Sisal rope – durable, satisfying resistance, ideal for vigorous scratchers
• Corrugated cardboard – softer, less expensive
• Carpet or fabric – less durable, not ideal for discouraging furniture scratching 

Cats often show a clear preference. Offering different textures helps you learn what they love.

Stability Matters More Than Size

A scratcher that wobbles will be ignored. Cats need resistance and stability to feel confident using it. Weight, base width, and construction quality matter more than height alone.

How Play Needs Influence Scratcher Choice

Cats are both predators and observers. Their environment should allow them to:

• Climb
• Hide
• Observe
• Release bursts of energy
• Transition between play and rest

This is why many behaviorists recommend scratchers that are part of a larger activity system, such as:

• Scratchers integrated into cat trees
• Scratching posts with platforms and perches
• Modular scratchers placed along movement paths

For high-energy cats or indoor-only cats, a simple scratch pad may not be enough. Scratching should be paired with movement, elevation, and exploration.

Matching Scratcher Types to Different Cats

Kittens

• Prefer lower scratchers and softer materials
• Benefit from horizontal boards and small vertical posts
• Scratching is often playful and exploratory

Adult Cats

• Need full-body stretch support
• Prefer sturdy vertical posts and defined scratching zones

Senior Cats

• May prefer angled or horizontal scratchers
• Stability and easy access are key

Placement: The Most Overlooked Factor

Even the best scratcher will fail if placed incorrectly.

Effective placement includes:

• Near sleeping areas (cats stretch after waking)
• Along walking paths
• Close to windows or observation points
• Near furniture they already scratch (as a redirection)

Scratching is contextual. Placement tells your cat, “This is where scratching belongs.”

A Thoughtful Scratcher Supports a Thoughtful Home

Choosing a scratcher is not about buying more — it’s about choosing better.

When scratching surfaces align with your cat’s instincts and your home’s layout, behavior issues often resolve themselves naturally. Cats scratch where it feels right. Our role is to shape an environment where the right choice is also the easy one.

A well-designed scratcher:

• Supports physical health
• Encourages natural play
• Reduces stress
• Protects shared living spaces

Ultimately, it becomes part of a home where cats are not managed — but understood.

Discover Our Cat Trees & Climbing Structures Here.

Closing Thought

Scratching is not something to correct. It is something to accommodate with intention.

When you choose a scratcher that respects your cat’s need to play, stretch, and express themselves, you’re not just buying a product — you’re building a space where your cat can truly feel at home.