Ragdoll cats are a whole lot of cat with a whole lot of claws. These cats still need their exercise to stay happy and healthy, but many scratching posts just don’t measure up. We’ve scoured the reviews to bring you a few of the top scratching posts for Ragdoll cats. We hope that this roundup will help you compare options and find the perfect scratching post for you.
The 9 Best Scratching Posts for Ragdoll Cats
Best Overall – Hepper Hi-Lo Scratcher
There’s nothing better to your Ragdoll than the satisfying rip of scratching paper. With its sleek modern design, adjustable angles, and tantalizing but sturdy cardboard scratch zones, we found the Hepper Hi-Lo Scratcher to be the best overall scratching post for Ragdoll cats. It is designed around a smoothly curved scratching surface that allows cats to stretch as they scratch. The post is also highly adaptable, with several assemblies available. Each play mode allows your Ragdoll to scratch at a different angle so that they are working new muscles and engaging their brains as they scratch and play. The variety of scratching angles also makes it last longer than other cardboard scratching posts, with space for wear and tear spread out over the whole surface of the scratcher. The 21-inch height combined with the angled design makes it ideal for large cats, with plenty of room to stretch.
The Hepper Hi-Lo Scratcher is a great choice for most Ragdoll cats, but it might not be the right choice for all. Cats who prefer an entirely vertical scratching experience might prefer a taller post-style scratcher.
Pros:
- Multiple cardboard scratch zones
- Five angles of scratching
- Wears out more slowly than other cardboard posts
Cons:
- No straight vertical section
Best Value – Way Basics Incline Scratcher
The Way Basics Incline Scratcher is another great option for cat owners looking for a cardboard scratcher. The Way Basics scratcher is a triangular-shaped scratching post that can be set against a wall for a near-vertical angle or put flat on the ground for a gentle incline. It features an exciting cardboard scratching surface that will make cats love to play and is scented with organic catnip to draw interest to the scratcher and away from your furniture. We found it to be the best value option on the market.
The cardboard construction does mean that it is less long-lasting than some of the other options available, especially if your Ragdoll has a preferred scratching area. It is also one of the shorter options on this list, with a height just over 17 inches, making it less ideal for larger Ragdolls.
Pros:
- Lower priced option
- Two adjustable angles
- Exciting cardboard scratch zones
Cons:
- May wear out quickly
- Too short for some Ragdolls
Best Luxury – PAWZ Road Cat Tree & Condo
If your kitty likes to live the high life, the PAWZ Road Cat Tree & Condo is the best luxury option out there. As a combination of scratching post and perch, this cat tree can fill many of your Ragdoll’s needs in one. Two vertical scratching posts form the main scratch zones for this tree, and if you have a really tall cat, the 41-inch taller post might be just what you need. The perch also includes a woven sisal mat to scratch and play with.
One disadvantage of this style of scratcher is that the sisal might become worn down over time, leaving the post a little less exciting. This combination item is also on the higher end of the price range for scratching posts.
Pros:
- Extra tall height
- Lots of options for scratching and climbing
- Two posts covered in sisal rope
Cons:
- More expensive option
- May lose interest over time
ScratchMe Cat Scratcher and Lounge Modcurve
For cats who prefer exploring a horizontal surface to vertical, the ScratchMe Cat Scratcher and Lounge Modcurve is a great choice. It features a unique curved shape that can be a comfortable perch or an exciting scratching playground. The Modcurve is made of layered cardboard that cats love, as it makes satisfying tearing noises as they scratch. The curve can also be flipped for more scratching surfaces and a new set of curves. Although it is only 12 inches tall, making it not suitable for vertical scratching, its 23-inch length means that even the biggest Ragdolls will have space to stretch and scratch.
Pros:
- Reversible, exciting curves
- Satisfying cardboard to tear into
- Comfortable perch
Cons:
- No vertical option
PetFusion Vertical Cat Scratcher (Large)
The PetFusion Vertical Cat Scratcher is a sleek triangular scratcher made out of crunchy and satisfying cardboard. Its slightly concave sides make steep angles that many cats love to play on. The design also creates an interior cubby where cats can lounge and explore.
It comes in two sizes, with the large size topping out at just over 21 inches. The height plus the angle is a good combination, making it tall enough for almost all Ragdoll cats. It is also easy to rotate and flip, making the cardboard last longer.
One drawback to this design is the lack of variety in angles. Some cats are overjoyed to keep scratching at the same spot forever, but many cats will get bored and be less stimulated by the symmetrical design.
Pros:
- Concave angled sides
- Rotates for a longer lifespan
- 21-inch height makes it great for large cats
Cons:
- Fewer angles to explore
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
Another great choice for a flat-scratching cat, the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge features a great curved design with several different angles and surfaces. It is constructed of layered cardboard that cats will find fun and exciting to rip into. With a generous 34 inches length, cats of all sizes will enjoy stretching and scratching on its surface. The scratcher is flippable, stretching out its lifespan. The biggest drawback is the lack of vertical options, making it only ideal for cats who like scratching horizontally.
Pros:
- Curved surface for multiple angles
- 34-inch length for large cats
Cons:
- Only horizontal scratching options
Catry Modern Jute Cat Tree & Condo
With a 29-inch height, the Catry Modern Jute Cat Tree is a good compromise between a towering cat palace and a too-tiny scratching post. It features a cat condo and perch connected by 13 inches of jute-wrapped scratching post, placing the post at an attractive height for many Ragdolls. The highest point of the scratching post is 26 inches above the ground. The nook below and perch above are great for mid-sized cats to rest and explore, making it a great 3-in-1 deal.
Despite its advantages, this tree also has a few drawbacks. It only has one vertical scratcher, and if your Ragdoll really loves to stretch to reach it, that scratcher is only available from one side. That means that wear and tear will happen much faster. And although the tree is at a great height for bigger cats, many reviewers stated that the perch and condo were a little on the small side. This makes the functionality limited for the biggest cats.
Pros:
- Multiple functions—perch, condo, scratcher
- 29 inches of height for tall cats
Cons:
- Only one vertical scratcher
- Limited scratching angles
- Perch and condo are too small for large cats
Petlinks Sky Scratch Cat Scratcher
The Petlinks Sky Cat Scratcher is a sturdy vertical scratching post with a wide base to keep it from tipping. The scratcher is topped with a fluttery feather toy that gets cats engaged and excited to play. With one section of carpet and one section of sisal rope, this scratching post might be an exciting and fresh change of pace for your Ragdoll. This post is also made partially from recycled materials, making it a great eco-friendly post.
There are some drawbacks to this scratching post, however. It is on the shorter end with only 13 inches of height, making it less ideal for taller Ragdolls. Some reviewers also complained about difficulties assembling the post, with poor assembly leading to an uneven base that wobbled and discouraged cats from scratching.
Pros:
- Two types of scratching surfaces
- Exciting feather toy
- Base and core are from recycled materials
Cons:
- Too short for many Ragdolls
- Difficult to assemble
SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher
If your Ragdoll hates cardboard and wants something other than a vertical post, the SmartyKat Scratch Scroll is a great option. With a sisal weave section and a carpeted section, this horizontally curved scratcher will keep all kinds of cats busy. The scratcher also features a feathered toy to attract attention.
Despite these advantages, reviews on this scratcher were mixed, with some people saying that the construction broke down quickly compared to similar scratchers. In addition, the steep curves of the scroll shape were controversial among cats. A few owners reported that their cats loved it, but others said that the curves were too tight to be ergonomic.
Pros:
- Sisal and carpet surface
- Horizontal curves
Cons:
- Less sturdy
- Steep curves are less ergonomic
- Horizontal only
Read Also:The Best Cat Food for Ragdoll
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Scratching Post for Your Ragdoll Cat
When you’re looking for a scratching post, it can be hard to know what your Ragdoll will actually use. Ragdolls are big cats, so a sturdy scratcher that won’t wobble or tip is a must. It’s also important to have enough scratching space to be useful. On a traditional vertical post, this means that the post has enough height for your Ragdoll to stretch out fully. On an angled scratcher, that height can be slightly lower because the cat isn’t stretching to full vertical height. And on a horizontal scratcher, more length is better. If your Ragdoll is attacking unwanted areas in your house, you can often measure their favorite height to know how much space is needed.
Along with height, every cat has different preferences when it comes to scratching. Cats scratch to sharpen their claws and get good exercise. Most cats like to stretch while they are scratching, and they usually enjoy some angles more than others. Cats also have material preferences that vary from cat to cat.
Types of Cat Scratchers
There are lots of different options for claw sharpening. Scratchers and scratching posts are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. Scratcher is an all-purpose term for a toy meant to sharpen claws. A scratching post refers to a tall vertical post that is made for a cat to sharpen claws on. Scratching posts let cats stretch out, but they can be frustrating for older cats and boring for all kinds of cats. Poor quality scratching posts are also likely to wobble or be too short for good sharpening. Scratching boxes or pad scratchers are often made of cardboard and full of angles and shapes meant to keep cats entertained. Wall scratchers attach to or lean up against walls, and scratching mats go on the floor. Finally, cat trees are combination toys that incorporate perches or hiding places into their design and can have scratching posts or other types of scratchers built in.
Cat Scratcher Materials
There are many options for scratcher materials. Sisal is one of the most common materials. Sisal is a natural fiber that is very tough, making it ideal for long-lasting scratching posts. It can be woven into a fabric or sisal rope might be coiled around a post. Some cats like sisal, but many cats find it too rough for their tastes. Jute is a similar fiber, but it is softer and less durable. It’s a great choice for cats with sensory issues. Cardboard scratching posts are usually made out of many layers of dense cardboard glued together. Most cats love the sound and sensation of ripping through paper, so cardboard scratching posts are a hit. But unlike sisal, cardboard does wear out fairly quickly. Cardboard scratching posts can also leave shreds around the area, requiring occasional sweeping out. Finally, carpet is often used on cat trees. Cats who hate the loudness of cardboard often like soft carpet. Carpet scratching posts are sometimes harder to find.
How Long Do Scratching Posts Last?
No toy is immortal, and scratching posts, in particular, are not going to last forever. Cardboard scratching posts are usually advertised as consumable, but a good cardboard scratcher should still last anywhere from a few months to a few years. Other types of scratching posts should last a few years, with sisal posts being the longest lasting. This is one reason why cat trees usually have sisal coverings. When buying scratchers, check the sturdiness of the construction. A high-quality scratching post should last until the scratching zones are worn down, but a low-quality post will often become wobbly and unsafe long before then.
Conclusion
No matter what your Ragdoll prefers, these scratching post reviews will help you choose the right scratcher to fit your needs. We found the best overall scratcher to be the Hepper Hi-Lo Scratcher because of its great design and five setup options. If you’re trying to cut expenses, the Way Basics Incline Scratcher is our favorite value option. And if you’re willing to splurge a little and want a tall cat tree with lots of perches, the Frisco Modern Cat Tree & Condo is the perfect premium choice.
