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The Best Cat Scratcher in Canada in 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

by Véronique Raymond
Published: Last Updated on
Cat Scratcher

Table of Contents

Every cat owner knows how much their cat loves to scratch things, but you may not appreciate them causing damage to your furniture, floors, or walls. In order to allow your cat the freedom to do this necessary behaviour, you should offer them a cat scratcher.

These products will naturally attract the cats and give them a durable, safe place to use their claws.

Plus, many models are designed in a way that allow multiple cats to interact at once, and they even offer engaging toys to help your felines burn off even more energy and stay happy.

Every cat will have a different scratching preference, so it is important that the market is diverse enough to satisfy the needs of every feline. However, this means there is a lot of choice out there and limited guidance.

To help you find the best cat scratcher for your furry friends, we have analyzed 32 products over 26 hours and considered 765 consumer reviews. We prioritized price, versatility, scratch material, and durability to bring you the best Canada has to offer.

Following our last update, we recommend the PetFusion 3-sided vertical cat scratcher and post for its durability, versatility, and overall value.

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post (Standard Size, Warm Gray)

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Cat Scratcher Comparative Table

Product Summary Rating Price
TOP PICK
PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post (Standard Size, Warm Gray)

  • The Best Overall.
  • Cats can use it as a mat or post scratcher
  • Made of safe, non-toxic materials (recycled cardboard and corn starch glue)
  • 6-month warranty
  • 18” x 10.5” x 16”
  • Allows cats to climb/perch and play in the cubby
  • 4.2 lbs
  • Comes with some organic catnip leaf to attract cats
9.4/10

Read our Review

See price on Amazon
UPGRADE PICK
PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge

[New] PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge (White) - Can Fit Up to 4 Adult Cats

  • High Performance.
  • Can fit up to 4 adult cats at once
  • 11.2 lbs
  • 39” x 11” x 14.3”
  • Reversible for double the longevity
  • 6-month warranty
  • Made of recycled carboard and non-toxic corn starch glue
  • Two levels for interactive play
  • Multiple styles of use
9.7/10

Read our Review

See price on Amazon
BUDGET PICK
Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher

Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratchers 3 Pieces, Cat Scratching, Cat Scratch Pad

  • Budget Pick.
  • Comes in a pack of three
  • Mat style
  • 18” x 10” x 1.5”
  • Made of recycled cardboard
  • 1 lb
  • Scratcher is reversible
  • Suitable for any size of cat
  • Quite durable
8.8/10

Read our Review

See price on Amazon

Our Pick for The Best Cat Scratcher

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post Review

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post (Standard Size, Warm Gray)

The Best Overall
PetFusion

If you’re in the market for a durable, reliable, and enticing cat scratcher to improve the welfare of your feline, the PetFusion 3-sided vertical cat scratcher and post is the ideal product for you. Your cat can use it in a number of different ways in order to stay engaged and healthy.

See price
on Amazon

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post Video Review

 

What We Think of The PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post

This PetFusion cat scratcher is a triangular shaped model composed of recycled cardboard. It is held together with toxic free corn starch glue, so you can be sure that your pet will be unharmed even if they eat small bits of the cardboard that they shred off. However, with the durability of this product, we don’t expect they’ll be doing too much damage.

The unique shape of this cat scratcher means that cats can use it as a mat or a post. The slight curvature on the edges allows them to choose their favorite scratching angle, and the thick corners give cats and kittens alike a great place to perch. You can rotate this cat scratcher frequently in order to extend its lifespan in your home as well. The center hole acts as a great hiding place for smaller cats.

I bought this triangle-shaped scratcher for my foster kittens. The two of them have a great time running up the sides and perching at the top, especially when I get their feather toy out. This is a great enrichment tool for cats learning how to live in a home, and I’m sure other cats would love it as well. It is pretty steady and seems to be very durable. The included catnip was a big hit, too.

henry q.

While this cat scratcher isn’t ideal for cats that prefer horizontal scratching above all else, it is one of the more versatile and engaging designs out there. It is quite solid at 4.2 lbs, so can support even a large cat, and its 6-month warranty coverage puts a lot of faith in its durability and overall quality. With a fairly affordable price and catnip leaf included, we have no reason to steer you away from this scratcher.

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat-Scratcher and Post PetFusion Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post PetFusion - 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post Specifications

  • Dimensions: 18” x 10.5” x 16”
  • Weight: 4.2 lbs
  • Scratch Material: Recycled cardboard
  • Style: Versatile
  • Warranty: 6 months

 

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post Pros and Cons

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Pros

Pros

  • Cats can use it as a mat or post scratcher
  • Made of safe, non-toxic materials (recycled cardboard and corn starch glue)
  • Comes with some organic catnip leaf to attract cats
  • Allows cats to climb/perch and play in the cubby
img-13

Cons

Cons
  • Not ideal for cats that prefer horizontal scratching

 

Our Final Opinion about the PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

Overall, the PetFusion 3-sided vertical cat scratcher and post is one of the most flawless products on the market today. It won’t be great for cats that prefer horizontal scratching, but otherwise, it has all the features of a great scratcher. Your cat will thank you.

See price
on Amazon

Our Upgrade Pick for a Cat Scratcher

PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge Review

[New] PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge (White) - Can Fit Up to 4 Adult Cats

The High Performance Pick
PetFusion

For multi-cat households, cat scratchers don’t get better than the PetFusion jumbo cat scratcher lounge. It’s large size and oblong shape ensures that every cat in your home can make use of it in the way they prefer. Plus, it is a great place for felines to interact and play with one another.

See price
on Amazon

PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge Video Review

What We Think of The PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge

Whether you live in a multi-cat home or you only have one feline ruling the house, this cat scratcher lounge is an amazing product that your kitty will certainly appreciate. It is a large 11.2 lb scratcher that will take up a significant amount of floor space, but with its two level design and ability to support up to 4 adult cats at once, it is a must have for owners with the space for it.

Its unique oblong shape allows cats to lounge, stretch, scratch, and play with one another. Plus, when you feel the cats are starting to wear down the surface a bit too much, you can simply turn the scratcher over onto its other side to bring up two fresh surface for scratching, doubling the longevity of this model. Since it comes with a 6-month warranty, you won’t need to worry about replacing it any time soon.

My three cats have an absolute blast on this lounge. I have one who loves to sit on top, and another likes the inner little tunnel best. They basically use it as a jungle gym and it is the most comical thing I have ever witnessed. If you have rambunctious cats or you’re looking for something to attract them away from your couch, I don’t think there is a better product than this one.

amelie p.

Since this cat scratcher is made using completely non-toxic materials, your cats are free to play with this lounge however they wish to. The corn starch glue is completely harmless, and the corrugated recycled cardboard provides a highly attractive, durable surface for your cats to maintain the health of their nails and relieve all of their negative emotions like stress and boredom.

PetFusion - Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher-Lounge PetFusion Jumbo - Cat Scratcher-Lounge PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge

PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge Specifications

  • Dimensions: 39” x 11” x 14.3”
  • Weight: 11.2 lbs
  • Scratch Material: Recycled cardboard
  • Style: Versatile
  • Warranty: 6 months

PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge Pros and Cons

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Pros

Pros

  • Made of recycled carboard and non-toxic corn starch glue
  • Two levels for interactive play
  • Reversible for twice the longevity
  • Can old up to 4 large cats at once
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Cons

Cons

  • Top end of the price range

 

Our Final Opinion About the PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

All in all, if you are the type of owner that likes to spoil your cats, the PetFusion jumbo cat scratcher lounge is the ideal choice. Your cats will be able to play, lounge, and scratch in style. You’ll have to pay some extra money for the luxury, but your cats are worth it, right?

See price
on Amazon

 

Our Budget Pick for a Cat Scratcher

Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher Review

Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratchers 3 Pieces, Cat Scratching, Cat Scratch Pad

The Budget Pick
Kitty City

If you have a cat with simple needs or you’re shopping on a budget, you don’t want to be looking at the fanciest cat scratchers available. Instead, this Kitty City XL wide corrugate cat scratcher will do the trick. It is a simple product with a great lifespan and an even more appealing price tag.

See price
on Amazon

 

Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher Video Review

 

What We Think of the Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher

When it comes to cat scratchers, simple is often the way to go. Not only is it the most affordable option, but cats are usually just as happy with a scratcher like these Kitty City ones, when compared to a fancier style. This corrugate cat scratcher is essentially a rectangle of recycled cardboard. It comes in a hard case in order to protect your floor, and allow you to add catnip without making a mess.

You will get three separate cat scratchers with this purchase, and since each one is reversible, you essentially have 6 cat scratchers all for one highly affordable price. Each one weighs only 1 lb, and is large enough to accommodate the scratching and stretching needs of large adult cats. The simple mat design isn’t ideal for encouraging play, but it is incredibly convenient and unobtrusive.

I was looking for something really simple and affordable to replace my old cat tree scratcher. The big unit doesn’t fit in my new apartment and I wanted to be able to make good use of my space. This three pack is awesome; each scratcher is reversible so I basically got 6 scratchers for the price of one, and I didn’t even need to entice my cat to it. Highly recommend it!

joyce e.

With an 18” x 10” scratching surface, this cat scratcher can be tucked away anywhere that is convenient for you, but it won’t limit the options for your cat. Since you get three at once, it is the perfect way to spread out scratching opportunities throughout your home to deter cats from scratching furniture, or to appease multiple cats at once. The durability is quite impressive for its budget-friendliness, as well.

Kitty City - XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher Kitty City - XL Wide Corrugate Cat-Scratcher Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat-Scratcher

Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher Specifications

  • Dimensions: 18” x 10” x 1.5”
  • Weight: 1 lb
  • Scratch Material: Recycled cardboard
  • Style: Mat

Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher Pros and Cons

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Pros

Pros

  • Scratcher is reversible
  • Suitable for any size of cat
  • Quite durable
  • Comes in a pack of three
img-27

Cons

Cons
  • No opportunities for play

 

Our Final Opinion About the Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Overall, the Kitty City XL wide corrugate cat scratcher is the best product for budgeted shoppers. It doesn’t offer a lot of play or engagement opportunities, but this multipack can take care of any cat’s scratching needs. With a solid bottom and reversible scratcher, it is great quality for the price.

See price
on Amazon

Alternative Products to Consider

PAWZ Road Cactus Cat Scratching Post Review

PAWZ Road Cactus Cat Scratching Post with Natural Sisal Ropes, Interactive Ball, Cat Scratcher for Cats and Kittens Brown

The Engaging Pick
Pawz

Whether you have cats that are easily bored or you just want to elevate their play time to a new level, the PAWZ road cactus cat scratching post is exactly what you need. It is durable, engaging, and even highly affordable to fit into every budget. It’ll become a conversation starter with your guests as well.

See price
on Amazon

 

PAWZ Road Cactus Cat Scratching Post Video Review

 

What We Think of the PAWZ Road Cactus Cat Scratching Post

This is one of the most unique scratching posts currently available on the market. It’s bright colours and cute design make it appealing to both cats and humans alike. The multi-cactus design gives cats options for play and scratching, and the ball that hangs from one of them is even more fun. One thing to keep in mind is that this cat scratcher will disrupt your décor scheme, no matter how you’ve decorated.

The sisal ropes that envelop the two taller cacti allows cats the ability to scratch and stretch on a durable surface. Their claws will not easily tear through this material, so you can count on the longevity of the scratcher. Surprisingly, this engaging product is incredibly affordable, so you can enjoy the durability and attractiveness of this model without going over your budget.

If you’re looking for something super fun to get for your cats, I highly recommend this cactus scratching post. It is one of the most unique cat products I have ever seen, and my little tabby is absolutely mesmerized by the little ball that hangs down. She loves scratching the rope, and when I add some catnip spray into the mix, she has the best play!

travis w.

The great thing about this model is that it can accommodate multiple cats at once, ad can provide a new and exciting place for them to get rowdy. You can be sure that your cats will choose this cat scratcher over unwanted areas like walls and furniture. Since this model only weighs 5.2 lbs, it will be fairly easy to move around the home, but we don’t recommend traveling with it.

PAWZ - Road Cactus Cat Scratching Post PAWZ - Road Cactus Cat-Scratching-Post PAWZ Road-Cactus Cat Scratching-Post PAWZ-Road-Cactus-Cat-Scratching-Post PAWZ Road Cactus Cat Scratching Post

PAWZ Road Cactus Cat Scratching Post Specifications

  • Dimensions: 13” x 13” x 22”
  • Weight: 5.2 lbs
  • Scratch Material: Natural sisal ropes
  • Style: Post

PAWZ Road Cactus Cat Scratching Post Pros and Cons

img-34

Pros

Pros

  • Has multiple posts and a ball for play
  • Can accommodate multiple cats at once
  • Scratch surface provides a great workout for cats
img-35

Cons

Cons
  • Aesthetic is hard to match to décor

Our Final Opinion About the PAWZ Road Cactus Cat Scratching Post

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Overall, the PAWZ road cactus cat scratching post is one of the most unique products on the market. Not only does it have a great visual design, but it incorporates multiple ways for cats to play and de-stress. Depending on your décor the bright colors may clash, but it will certainly appeal to your cats.

See price
on Amazon

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post Review

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

The Best-Post Pick
SmartCat

If your cat loves to scratch up your walls, but you aren’t as much a fan of that, the SmartCat ultimate scratching post is the solution to your troubles. It is highly durable and stable, so no matter how hardcore your cat gets while scratching, this post can take the damage like a champion.

See price
on Amazon

 

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post Video Review

 

What We Think of The SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

When it comes to post scratchers, there is no better model that this SmartCat scratching post. With a sturdy 16” x 16” base, it is essentially impossible for your cat to tip it over or send it wobbling. This ensures that your home stays safe, and your cat can get the proper stretch and scratching it needs for its wellbeing. It assembles easily with only two screws, so it is simple enough for anyone to put together.

This scratching post weighs only 2.2 lbs, but it has a height of 32”. This guarantees that even the largest cats will be able to achieve a full vertical stretch, and can scratch at whatever height they prefer. If your cat prefers other scratching types (like digging into the carpet) this isn’t an ideal choice, but for cats keen on vertical scratching, it truly does not get better.

This is honestly the best scratching post I’ve ever bought for my cats. The base is large to keep this thing really steady, even with my two cats pulling on it at once. The sisal rope is great quality, and it barely even looks used after a few weeks. I expect it to last for quite some time. It would be cool if there were some toys hanging or something, but overall, it is pretty perfect for my kitties.

josie v.

The natural sisal rope that encases this post is an incredibly durable and naturally attractive material for cats. If your cat doesn’t immediately take to the post, you can use some catnip spray to entice them. Once they get a feel for the benefits of this scratching post, they’ll never go back to their old habits. This model is a bit more expensive than others, but for the quality, most cat owners will find it worth it.

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching-Post SmartCat - Ultimate Scratching Post SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post Specifications

  • Dimensions: 32” x 16” x 16”
  • Weight: 2.2 lbs
  • Scratch Material: Sisal rope
  • Style: Post

 

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post Pros and Cons

img-41

Pros

Pros

  • Highly durable
  • Tip-proof and wobble-proof thanks to large base
  • Assembles easily with only 2 screws
  • Height gives cats a great stretch
img-42

Cons

Cons
  • Only suitable for cats that like vertical scratching

Our Final Opinion About the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

Overall, the SmartCat ultimate scratching post is the best product to get if your cat is a vertical scratcher. It assembles easily and is tall enough to give even large cats a great place to stretch. The large base adds a lot of stability, so you’ll never have to worry about your cat pulling it over.

See price
on Amazon

FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher Mat Review

FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher Mat, 23.6 X 15.7 Inch Natural Sisal Cat Scratch Mats, Horizontal Cat Floor Scratching Pad Rug, Protect Carpets and Sofas

The Natural Pick
Fukumaru

Anyone in the market for a safe and environmentally friendly cat scratcher should set their sights on the FUKUMARU cat scratcher mat. It is made of completely safe and natural materials, but is still durable enough to hold up for months at a time. It is highly affordable, too.

See price
on Amazon

 

What We Think of the FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher Mat

While many cat scratchers these days are made from recycled materials, there aren’t many that can boast a biodegradability of one hundred percent. This scratcher mat from FUKUMARU is one that can make such a claim with confidence. Every component of this mat, from the latex to the sisal rope, is natural and biodegradable, so you won’t need to have a guilty conscious when it’s time to throw it out.

Weighing only 1.1 lbs but measuring 23.6” x 15.7”, this mat is more than large enough to accommodate even the largest cats, or multiple cats at once. The durability of this mat is also unquestionable. The sisal rope is incredibly tough, so your cat won’t be able to shred it even with frequent use. The women pattern also increases the longevity of this scratcher mat.

I was looking for something new to add to my home to keep my cat busy, since he likes to find trouble when he gets bored. This mat is really well made considering its price, and it is holding up really well to daily use by my active boy. It doesn’t move too much while he’s using it, so he can get a great stretch as well. I like that I can easily hide it out of sight when I have guests over, too.

john d.

The latex that covers the bottom of this mat helps keep the mat in place. The anti-skid properties will help your cat achieve an effective stretch, and will also prevent them from playing with it and batting it around the house, as cats like to do. It also helps protect your floors. If you’d like to add catnip spray or leaf to the mat to make it more attractive to your cat, you can be sure it won’t leave the confines of the sisal rope.

FUKUMARU - Cat Scratcher Mat FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher Mat FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher-Mat FUKUMARU Cat-Scratcher-Mat

FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher Mat Specifications

  • Dimensions: 23.6” x 15.7”
  • Weight: 1.1 lbs
  • Scratch Material: Sisal rope
  • Style: Mat

FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher Mat Pros and Cons

img-48

Pros

Pros

  • Highly affordable
  • Very safe and environmentally friendly
  • Anti-skid latex on the bottom keeps the mat in place and protects your floors
  • Completely natural and biodegradable
img-49

Cons

Cons

  • Only one way for cats to scratch

 

Our Final Opinion About the FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher Mat

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

All in all, the FUKUMARU cat scratcher mat is the best choice if you’re looking to bring an all natural product into your home. It is completely biodegradable, so you won’t have a heavy heart or a guilty conscious when it is finally time to throw this cat scratcher away.

See price
on Amazon

 

Navaris Cat Scratch Mat Sofa Protector Review

Navaris Cat Scratch Mat Sofa Protector - Natural Sisal Furniture Protector Scratching Pad for Cats - Scratch Carpet for Couch, Sofa, Chair - Left

The Furniture-Saving Pick
Navaris

If you are on your last leg of patience and you’re desperate for a way to stop the destruction of your furniture, the Navaris cat scratch mat sofa protector is the ray of sun on your rainy day. It attaches to the arm of your couch to give your cat a positive place to relieve their stress and boredom.

See the price
on Amazon

 

What We Think of The Navaris Cat Scratch Mat Sofa Protector

This Navaris sofa protector mat is another fairly unique product on the market. Rather than having a traditional mat or post style, this model is a mat that attaches directly to the arm of your couch, in order to protect the arm and side of the couch from claw damage. If your cat naturally prefers to scratch your couches over everything else, this sofa protector is the best way to curb the damage.

Obviously, if your cat doesn’t already scratch the couches, we don’t recommend this product as it may actually instigate this unwanted behaviour. Weighing in at 1.9 lbs, this 2” thick mat will not let even the tiniest claw prick touch your couch material. The sisal rope that covers the mat is very durable and resistant to wear and tear, so it can be a long-lasting addition to your décor.

This sofa protector has literally saved my couch. My two cats basically destroyed my last couch, and now that I’ve bought a new one I was not going to let it happen again. Rather than closing them off from the room, I invested in this Navaris scratch mat. Both of my cats absolutely love it, and it does a great job at making sure their claws don’t go through to the couch surface. What a relief.

steph r.

Since the design of this scratcher type cannot be perfect, you should be aware of some things. First of all, it can clearly only be used on a sofa with an arm, so if you have a unique style of couch, it won’t be very effective. Also, it may not attach securely to different material types, so it may slide around more than is desirable. If you have the right furniture setup though and it is constantly becoming a cat toy, this sofa protector is exactly what you need.

Navaris - Cat Scratch-Mat Sofa-Protector Navaris Cat Scratch Mat Sofa-Protector Navaris Cat Scratch Mat Sofa Protector Navaris - Cat Scratch Mat Sofa Protector

Navaris Cat Scratch Mat Sofa Protector Specifications

  • Dimensions: 14.6” x 11.8” x 2”
  • Weight: 1.9 lbs
  • Scratch Material: Sisal
  • Style: Sofa mat

Navaris Cat Scratch Mat Sofa Protector Pros and Cons

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Pros

Pros

  • Secures to the arm of your couch to protect it
  • Natural sisal attracts cats
  • Affordable
img-56

Cons

Cons

  • Cannot be used in different areas of the house
  • Only one scratching option
  • Not ideal for every furniture material

 

Our Final Opinion About the Navaris Cat Scratch Mat Sofa Protector

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

All in all, the Navaris cat scratch mat sofa protector is the best way to protect your furniture from unwanted claw damage. Its natural sisal rope will attract your cat away from the soft fabric of your couch to a surface much better suited to the wear and tear of frequent scratching.

See price
on Amazon

 

Why Should You Trust Us?

All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks.

The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.

What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?

  • Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
  • Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
  • Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
  • Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?

In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.

In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.

 

Things to Know Before Buying a Cat Scratcher

Why Is Scratching Important for Cats?

Scratching is one of the most important and beneficial behaviours that a domestic cat will perform in your home. First off, scratching and stretching can help cats warm up their body for a play session.

It is also a great way to get some exercise if the scratch surface is tough enough. For indoor cats, this can help manage weight gain quite significantly, especially in cats who are otherwise fairly inactive in the home.

Scratching also helps cats relieve stress, so it is very important that you do not limit their access to their scratcher.

Scratching is also a great activity for relieving boredom; it may even deter your cat(s) from finding trouble in your home when you aren’t there to supervise.

 

How Do I Get My Cat to Use a Cat Scratcher?

While the scratch material is a natural draw for the feline companions out there, some cats will still prefer to use your carpet, walls, or furniture to relieve their boredom or stress.

In order to break these unwanted habits and attract your cat to the scratcher instead, you can start by placing the scratcher in locations where your cats already frequently go to perform this behaviour.

If that isn’t enough, you can add some catnip leaf or spray to the cat scratcher. We doubt there is a cat out there that would be able to resist.

 

How Do I Know What Style of Cat Scratcher My Cat Will Like Best?

The best way to know what type of cat scratcher your cat will like best is to pay attention to their natural scratching habits. Do they like to dig their nails into your carpet?

Then a mat scratcher will be best. Do they like to scratch your couch or walls? Then a post scratcher will be ideal. There are even models that allow cats to choose the style they prefer at each scratching session in case they like to change it up depending on their mood.

 

How to Properly Choose Your Cat Scratcher

Cat Scratcher

  1. Price.

There isn’t a lot of price variability when it comes to cat scratchers; they will all be within $90 of each other. At their cheapest, around $35, you can expect a simpler design and typically a mat style. They can be made of any type of scratch material.

If you prefer a higher end model, you can expect to spend at most $125, and these cat scratchers will be quite engaging and complex in design.

  1. Durability.

Since you don’t want to be buying new cat scratchers on a monthly basis, the durability of the scratch surface and the scratcher as a whole is an important consideration.

Cheaper models will be the least durable, but you should still get some solid months of use out of them. We feel it is worth it to spend the extra money on more durable cat scratchers, in order to save you the hassle of replacing them frequently.

  1. Style.

There are a number of different styles for cat scratchers. The two most common ones are a mat and a post style. Mat scratchers can be placed anywhere in your home and are suited to cats that love to dig their nails into your carpet.

Post scratchers are better suited to cats that enjoy vertical scratching, and they can also be placed anywhere in your home. Aside from these standard models, there are also ones that come in unique shapes.

These models offer your cats the ability to play and interact with another, to simply choose their scratch angle. The final style is a couch protector type, which can be secured to the arm of your couch.

We recommend purchasing this style only if you have a cat already keen on scratching your couch, otherwise you may be attracting them to an unwanted behaviour.

  1. Scratching Material.

There are two main types of scratch materials that are used on cat scratchers. The more common option is corrugated cardboard, most often made from recycled materials.

Sometimes, this cardboard type will not hold up to a lot of scratching, but there are better quality models out there that can last for more than a year with minimal wear and tear. The second main scratch material is sisal rope.

This is an incredibly durable material that is often woven into mats or spiraled around posts. Both materials naturally encourage cats to scratch, so you shouldn’t have any worry about your animal choosing their cat scratcher over home destruction.

  1. Size.

Cat scratchers can essentially come in any size. Some models will only be suited to one cat at a time, others can hold up to 4 easily. Mat scratchers will be quite unnoticeable, and other more sophisticated post scratchers or unique styles will take up a significant amount of space and will likely turn into a focal point of the room they occupy.

No matter what aesthetic you’re going for or how much space you have, you can find a scratcher that meets your needs and pleases your cat.

  1. Attractiveness to Cats.

While the styles and materials used in cat scratcher design will naturally encourage cats to scratch, your pet may still want to make use of your walls, carpet, or furniture. Models that allow interactive play in multi-cat households will be more attractive, as well as scratchers that offer cats the opportunity to play with toys as well.

  1. Warranty.

Since cat scratchers are designed for wear and tear on a daily basis, there are many lower quality models that won’t come with any warranty protection at all. However, some companies will offer at least a 6-month guarantee. We place a lot of trust and confidence in these companies and encourage you to do the same.

 

We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of cat scratchers allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.

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