Maine Coon cats are a whole lot of cat with a whole lot of claws. These gentle giants 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 Maine Coon cats. We hope that this roundup will help you compare options and find the perfect scratching post for you.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher
Multiple cardboard scratch zones
Five angles of scratching
Wears out more slowly than other cardboard posts
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Best Value
Way Basics Incline Scratcher
Lower priced option
Two adjustable angles
Exciting cardboard scratch zones
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Best Luxury
Frisco Modern Cat Tree & Condo
Extra tall height
Lots of options for scratching and climbing
Two posts covered in sisal rope
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Frisco Cat Scratcher & Lounge
Reversible, exciting curves
Satisfying cardboard to tear into
Comfortable perch
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Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree
Tall vertical scratching posts
Four sturdy towers
Easy to assemble
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The 10 Best Scratching Posts for Maine Coon Cats
There’s nothing better to your cat 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 Cat Scratcher to be the best overall scratching post for Maine Coon 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 Maine Coon 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.
Height: 21 inches
Material: Cardboard
Scratching Angle: Five angles from horizontal to near-vertical
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The Hepper Hi-Lo Scratcher is a great choice for most Maine Coon 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
Note: At Pet Keen, 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!
Multiple cardboard scratch zones
Five angles of scratching
Wears out more slowly than other cardboard posts
- Multiple cardboard scratch zones
- Five angles of scratching
- Wears out more slowly than other cardboard posts
No straight vertical section
- No straight vertical section
The Way Basics Incline Cat 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.
Height: 17.3 inches
Material: Cardboard
Scratching Angle: Two angled options
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The cardboard construction does mean that it is less long-lasting than some of the other options available, especially if your cat 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 Maine Coons.
Pros
Lower priced option
Two adjustable angles
Exciting cardboard scratch zones
Cons
May wear out quickly
Too short for some Maine Coons
If your kitty likes to live the high life, the Frisco Modern 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 Maine Coon’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.
Lower priced option
Two adjustable angles
Exciting cardboard scratch zones
- Lower priced option
- Two adjustable angles
- Exciting cardboard scratch zones
May wear out quickly
Too short for some Maine Coons
- May wear out quickly
- Too short for some Maine Coons
Height: 41 inches
Material: Sisal rope
Scratching Angle: Vertical
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
- Frisco Cat Scratcher and Lounge Modcurve
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Height: 12 inches (27 in length)
Material: Cardboard
Scratching Angle: Horizontal curves
For cats who prefer exploring a horizontal surface to vertical, the Frisco 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 27-inch length means that even the biggest Maine Coons will have space to stretch and scratch.
Extra tall height
Lots of options for scratching and climbing
Two posts covered in sisal rope
- Extra tall height
- Lots of options for scratching and climbing
- Two posts covered in sisal rope
More expensive option
May lose interest over time
- More expensive option
- May lose interest over time
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Height: 12 inches (27 in length)
Material: Cardboard
Scratching Angle: Horizontal curves
Pros
Reversible, exciting curves
Satisfying cardboard to tear into
Comfortable perch
Cons
No vertical option
- Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree
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Height: 41 inches
Material: Sisal and faux fur
Scratching Angle: Vertical
With four perches and four scratching posts, the Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree is the perfect choice for a cat who likes height. Each support beam is covered in sisal rope, making it a great choice for scratching and climbing. And because the scratching posts reach as high as 41 inches, even the biggest Maine Coons will be able to scratch to their hearts’ content. Reviewers also say the tree is easy to assemble and well-liked.
Reversible, exciting curves
Satisfying cardboard to tear into
Comfortable perch
- Reversible, exciting curves
- Satisfying cardboard to tear into
- Comfortable perch
No vertical option
- No vertical option
Height: 41 inches
Material: Sisal and faux fur
Scratching Angle: Vertical
Like any scratching tree, the sisal rope and fur won’t hold up forever, especially if your cat is a heavy scratcher. In addition, this all-vertical design won’t appeal to every cat. Without any variety in angles, some cats will grow bored and move on to more challenging scratching areas—like your furniture.
Pros
Tall vertical scratching posts
Four sturdy towers
Easy to assemble
Cons
Only vertical options
May lose interest over time
The PetFusion Large 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.
Tall vertical scratching posts
Four sturdy towers
Easy to assemble
- Tall vertical scratching posts
- Four sturdy towers
- Easy to assemble
Only vertical options
May lose interest over time
- Only vertical options
- May lose interest over time
Height: 21.2 inches
Material: Cardboard
Scratching Angle: Angled curves
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 Maine Coon 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
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.
Concave angled sides
Rotates for a longer lifespan
21-inch height makes it great for large cats
- Concave angled sides
- Rotates for a longer lifespan
- 21-inch height makes it great for large cats
Fewer angles to explore
- Fewer angles to explore
Height: 10.5 inches (34 inches length)
Material: Cardboard
Scratching Angle: Horizontal curves
Pros
Curved surface for multiple angles
34-inch length for large cats
Cons
Only horizontal scratching options
- See also: 10 Best Scratching Post for Maine Coon Cats in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks
With a 29-inch height, the Catry Modern Jute Cat Tree & Condo 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 Maine Coons. 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.
Curved surface for multiple angles
34-inch length for large cats
- Curved surface for multiple angles
- 34-inch length for large cats
Only horizontal scratching options
- Only horizontal scratching options
Height: 29.7 inches
Material: Jute
Scratching Angle: Vertical
Despite its advantages, this tree also has a few drawbacks. It only has one vertical scratcher, and if your cat 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
The Petlinks Sky Scratch 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 cat. This post is also made partially from recycled materials, making it a great eco-friendly post.
Multiple functions—perch, condo, scratcher
29 inches of height for tall cats
- Multiple functions—perch, condo, scratcher
- 29 inches of height for tall cats
Only one vertical scratcher
Limited scratching angles
Perch and condo are too small for large cats
- Only one vertical scratcher
- Limited scratching angles
- Perch and condo are too small for large cats
Height: 13 inches
Material: Sisal and carpet
Scratching Angle: Vertical
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 Maine Coons. 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 Maine Coons
Difficult to assemble
If your cat hates cardboard and wants something other than a vertical post, the SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher 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.
Two types of scratching surfaces
Exciting feather toy
Base and core are from recycled materials
- Two types of scratching surfaces
- Exciting feather toy
- Base and core are from recycled materials
Too short for many Maine Coons
Difficult to assemble
- Too short for many Maine Coons
- Difficult to assemble
Height: 7 inches (18.5 inches length)
Material: Sisal and carpet
Scratching Angle: Horizontal curves
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
Sisal and carpet surface
Horizontal curves
- Sisal and carpet surface
- Horizontal curves
Less sturdy
Steep curves are less ergonomic
Horizontal only
- Less sturdy
- Steep curves are less ergonomic
- Horizontal only
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Scratching Post for Maine Coon Cats
When you’re looking for a scratching post, it can be hard to know what your cat will actually use. Maine Coons 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 cat 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 cat 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 Maine Coon 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.
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
