Cats with claws will always have a natural urge to scratch. Therefore, a cat’s instinct to scratch things means that they’ll need some sort of scratching posts, unless you want to surrender your favorite furniture to your feline. Once you start shopping for cat scratchers, you’ll quickly realize that there are so many different kinds outside of the standard cat pole.
Kittens may need more specialized scratching posts because of their small size. It’s important to find a stable and sturdy scratching post so that you don’t have to worry about them knocking them over and hurting themselves.
We’ve written some reviews of the best scratching posts for kittens so that you can find one that your kittens can feel confident using while keeping them safe.
A Quick Glance at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Hi-Lo Scratcher
5 adjustable positions
Fun texture for kittens
High-quality materials
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Best Value
Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post
Ball attachment
Fun and unique shape
Plush top for climbing
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Premium Choice
ZEZE Paradise Cat Scratching Post
Has a perch
2 ball toy attachments
Good for multi-cat homes
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Pet Adobe Cat Scratching Post
Very sturdy
Comes with a perch
Multiple scratching posts
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Frisco 32-Inch Real Carpet Wooden Cat Tree
Uses neutral colors
Solid wooden pole
Uses household-grade carpet
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The 10 Best Scratching Posts for Kittens
The Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher is a uniquely shaped cat scratcher that can fit all sorts of scratching preferences. It has a curved baseboard made with durable cardboard, which gives a fun texture that your kitten will love to scratch. The baseboard rests on a metal stand with anti-slip rubber grips, so you don’t ever have to worry about your cat’s safety.
Height: 24 inches
Main Material: Cardboard
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It also has an adjustable feature. You can change the position of the scratcher in five different ways. This feature helps your kittens stay interested and curious and provides a fun and different challenge for them.
This scratching post also uses high-quality materials. Therefore, it can withstand the wear and tear of energetic and enthusiastic kittens and last a long time.
At PetKeen.com, 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!
Pros
5 adjustable positions
High-quality materials
Fun texture for kittens
Durable and long-lasting
Cons
Relatively expensive
The Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post functions as a fun piece of room decor and an entertaining toy for your kitten. It doesn’t take up too much space, and it’s a good size for kittens.
5 adjustable positions
High-quality materials
Fun texture for kittens
Durable and long-lasting
- 5 adjustable positions
- High-quality materials
- Fun texture for kittens
- Durable and long-lasting
Relatively expensive
- Relatively expensive
Height: 22 inches
Main Material: Sisal
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However, some kittens, especially larger cat breeds, may end up outgrowing it. It has a plush top, so if your kitten prefers to stretch out and scratch, it may not be able to do this as it grows into adulthood.
We still believe this option is one of the best scratching posts for kittens for the money because it’s an unintimidating size and comes with several fun features. It has a solid baseboard that can support a kitten as it scratches the sisal post. The material of the arms on top is plush, so kittens will enjoy climbing on them. It also comes with a ball toy for cats to swat around.
Pros
Ball attachment
Plush top for climbing
Fun and unique shape
Good size for kittens
Cons
Kittens may outgrow it
Not for large cat breeds
The ZEZE Paradise Park 32-in Carpet Cat Scratching Post is a super scratching post with many additional features. Some cat owners will love the bright and vibrant colors. However, others may not like how it’ll be difficult to place it in a room without the colors clashing with the other furniture.
Ball attachment
Plush top for climbing
Fun and unique shape
Good size for kittens
- Ball attachment
- Plush top for climbing
- Fun and unique shape
- Good size for kittens
Kittens may outgrow it
Not for large cat breeds
- Kittens may outgrow it
- Not for large cat breeds
Height: 32 inches
Main Material: Sisal and carpet
Regardless of design preferences, there’s no denying that this is a fun scratching post. It has three sisal posts and two platforms with a ball toy each. It also has a spacious perch where your kitten can sit and observe or lay down and lounge. It’s also an excellent option for multi-cat households because it has enough features to keep a couple of cats entertained at the same time.
Pros
2 ball toy attachments
Has a perch
Good for multi-cat homes
Cons
Very bright colors
- Pet Adobe 19.3-Inch Cat Scratching Post with Toy
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Height: 19.3 inches
Main Material: Wood and polyester
The Pet Adobe 19.3-Inch Cat Scratching Post with Toy comes with three rope-covered pillars for your kitten to scratch. It also has three different ball toys made with various materials, so your kitten won’t get bored easily. Since the structure gets support from three pillars, it’s difficult to knock over. Once your kitten finishes scratching and playing with the toys, it can rest and lounge on the perch on top.
2 ball toy attachments
Has a perch
Good for multi-cat homes
- 2 ball toy attachments
- Has a perch
- Good for multi-cat homes
Very bright colors
- Very bright colors
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Height: 19.3 inches
Main Material: Wood and polyester
We also appreciate how this scratching post uses neutral colors, so it blends in well in most rooms.
One thing to note is that due to the shorter size, kittens can end up outgrowing this scratching post, especially if they’re larger cat breeds.
Pros
Neutral color and design
Multiple scratching posts
Very sturdy
Comes with a perch
Cons
Not for large cat breeds
- Frisco 32-Inch Real Carpet Wooden Cat Tree
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Height: 32 inches
Main Material: Sisal
The Frisco 32-Inch Real Carpet Wooden Cat Tree is perfect for kittens who also like to climb and perch. The pillar is a good height for stretching and scratching, and the perch is soft and plush. It’s the perfect place for kittens to lounge in after playing.
Neutral color and design
Multiple scratching posts
Very sturdy
Comes with a perch
- Neutral color and design
- Multiple scratching posts
- Very sturdy
- Comes with a perch
Not for large cat breeds
- Not for large cat breeds
Height: 32 inches
Main Material: Sisal
The color’s neutral, and the size is relatively narrow, so it can fit inconspicuously in small spaces. The pole is also one solid piece of wood, so it’s sturdy, and cats will have difficulty knocking the post over.
This carpet cat scratching post tends to cost more than its competitors, but it contains high-quality material, so you definitely get your money’s worth.
Pros
Uses neutral colors
Solid wooden pole
Uses household-grade carpet
Comes fully assembled
Fits in small spaces
Cons
Pricey
The first thing that we love about the Catry Sunflower 23.2-Inch Sisal Cat Scratching Post is its fun design and shape. Plants bring liveliness into a room, and this scratching post blends in well with homes with houseplants.
Uses neutral colors
Solid wooden pole
Uses household-grade carpet
Comes fully assembled
Fits in small spaces
- Uses neutral colors
- Solid wooden pole
- Uses household-grade carpet
- Comes fully assembled
- Fits in small spaces
Pricey
- Pricey
Height: 23.2 inches
Main Material: Jute fiber and sisal
Jute fiber wraps the base, so your kitten can enjoy scratching while stretching. The flower itself is sisal and also functions as a bed. You can adjust the angle of the flower to fit your kitten’s preferences. There’s also a bee attachment to the flower on this cute cat scratching post, so your kitten has something to swat and keep itself entertained for longer.
Some customers have mentioned that the structure can be a bit wobbly and unsteady after heavy use. Therefore, this scratching post is a better fit for kittens and smaller cat breeds.
Pros
Different scratching positions
Flower functions as bed
Comes with swatting toy
Cons
Not for large cat breeds
Can be wobbly
- Penn-Plax Playtree 18-Inch Sisal Cat Scratching Post
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Height: 18 inches
Main Material: Sisal
Although the Penn-Plax Playtree 18-Inch Sisal Cat Scratching Post scratching post has a unique design, it doesn’t require any assembly. So, you can conveniently let your kitten play with it as soon as it arrives.
Different scratching positions
Flower functions as bed
Comes with swatting toy
- Different scratching positions
- Flower functions as bed
- Comes with swatting toy
Not for large cat breeds
Can be wobbly
- Not for large cat breeds
- Can be wobbly
Height: 18 inches
Main Material: Sisal
It has four arms so your kitten can enjoy climbing from a safe height. Each arm also has a toy dangling on it, which will entice your kitten to stalk and pounce.
The sisal doesn’t run the whole length of the pole, so cats may end up enjoying the toys more than the scratching post. Therefore, you might be better off finding another scratching post if you’re trying to deter and redirect your kitten from clawing at furniture.
Pros
Great for climbing
Comes with 4 toys
Wide, sturdy base
Cons
Not enough sisal
The K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Window Scratcher Kitty Sill Cradle is a unique option for cat owners to consider. The base is cardboard, which is a fun texture for cats to scratch. It’s curved to promote comfortable scratching, and the shape also cradles your cat.
Great for climbing
Comes with 4 toys
Wide, sturdy base
- Great for climbing
- Comes with 4 toys
- Wide, sturdy base
Not enough sisal
- Not enough sisal
Height: Not applicable
Main Material: Cardboard
This board attaches to glass windows. It can support up to 50 pounds when installed properly, so even big cats can use it. Along with scratching, cats can lounge on it and observe outdoor activity safely from indoors. When your kitten isn’t using it, you can conveniently flip it up, so it takes up less space.
We would recommend this product for homes with multiple pets and young children. If your cat’s looking for some privacy away from dogs or children, you can attach this scratching board to a spot on a window that’s difficult for them to reach.
Overall, this is a simple design without any additional features. However, it’s a great option for curious cats that like to observe what’s happening outside.
Pros
Good for cats wanting privacy
Doesn’t take up space
Can support large cat breeds
Cons
No additional features
- Frisco Animal Series Cat Scratching Post
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Height: 25.6 inches
Main Material: Sisal
The Frisco Animal Series Cat Scratching Post caught our eye because of the fun and unique design. It does require some manual assembly, but it’s a fairly easy and straightforward process. The sisal-wrapped post is extra wide so that cats can get a nice grip to scratch. The size of the post also allows for more extended use as cats have more areas to scratch.
Good for cats wanting privacy
Doesn’t take up space
Can support large cat breeds
- Good for cats wanting privacy
- Doesn’t take up space
- Can support large cat breeds
No additional features
- No additional features
Height: 25.6 inches
Main Material: Sisal
The baseboard is extra fluffy, so it’s a comfortable and cozy place for your kitten to rest on in-between playtimes.
Although this scratching post doesn’t come with any additional features, we appreciate the aesthetic design. It uses neutral colors, but it still adds a unique flair to any room.
Pros
Cute and unique design
Wide post for long-lasting use
Comfortable baseboard
Cons
No additional features
Requires some assembly
- Frisco Wall Sisal Cat Scratcher
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Height: 27 inches
Main Material: Sisal
The Frisco Wall Sisal Cat Scratcher lies flat and can also attach to walls. It’s an excellent option for heavy scratchers because it’s immovable and doesn’t shift once it’s hanging on a wall. It’s also a good alternative to a traditional scratching post because it takes up less space and can fit in small living spaces.
Cute and unique design
Wide post for long-lasting use
Comfortable baseboard
- Cute and unique design
- Wide post for long-lasting use
- Comfortable baseboard
No additional features
Requires some assembly
- No additional features
- Requires some assembly
Height: 27 inches
Main Material: Sisal
This product is one of the best options for redirecting cats from scratching furniture because it has a wide surface area. Since you can determine the height you want to hang it from, you can ensure that your cat can get a good stretch while scratching.
Keep in mind that this product requires permanent mounting, so it includes hooks to screw into a wall. It also comes with Velcro so that you can test out the height before committing.
Pros
Good for small spaces
Withstands heavy scratching
Unnoticeable
Cons
No additional features
Requires permanent installation
Good for small spaces
Withstands heavy scratching
Unnoticeable
- Good for small spaces
- Withstands heavy scratching
- Unnoticeable
No additional features
Requires permanent installation
- No additional features
- Requires permanent installation
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Scratcher for Kittens
After reading our reviews of several ideal scratching posts for kittens, you may have noticed that there are some themes or components that they have in common. When you’re shopping for a scratching post, you’ll want to keep the following three factors in mind.
Broad Base
Make sure that the scratching post has a broad base. Kittens can be very energetic and active, so you don’t want to buy a scratching post with a small base that your kitten can easily knock over.
If you have a kitten that consistently knocks over a scratching post, you might want to consider a wall-mounted option, such as the Frisco Wall Sisal Cat Scratcher.
Weight
A heavier scratching post may be inconvenient at first, but it can save you a lot of hassle from returning a light scratching post. Lighter scratching posts may not be able to withstand an active kitten’s energy. They might move across the floor or get knocked over if you have a kitten that scratches a little more aggressively than others.
A scratching post should have substantial weight to prevent it from sliding around. A good rule of thumb is to buy a scratching post that’s heavier than your cat’s weight.
Height
Make sure to observe your kitten’s scratching habits and preferences because some cats like to stretch and scratch. You’ll want to buy a scratching post that has sisal or cardboard that reaches an appropriate height or length so that your cat can stretch and still be able to scratch its claws.
If you have a larger cat breed, such as a Maine Coon or Ragdoll, make sure to buy a taller scratching post that they can grow into so that you don’t have to buy a replacement.
Scratching Materials
Some cats can be picky about the scratching material and only scratch on certain surfaces. Typical textures include sisal, cardboard, carpet, and wood. Observe your cat to understand their surface preferences so as to have the best chance of finding a scratching post they’ll actually like and use.
Additional Features
Kittens can get bored easily, so they can benefit from scratching posts that come with other features and attachments, such as hanging toys and perches. These features can help cats become more attracted to their scratching post, which would end up distracting them from scratching furniture. Also, it’s always nice to see cats appreciating and growing attached to the things you buy for them.
Conclusion
The Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher is the best scratching post for kittens out of all our reviews. The design and additional toys make it a great fit for many different kinds of kittens.
The Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post comes at a close second because of its unique design and ideal height, and it’s budget friendly.
Scratching posts can play a crucial role in maintaining your kitten’s wellbeing, so use our reviews as inspiration to find one that your kitten loves.
See also:
- Can Cats Be Allergic to Humans? Everything You Need to Know!
- Why Do Cats Have Belly Pouches (Primordial Pouch)?
Featured Image Credit: Chewy
