Stop Your Cat Ruining Your Furniture: 12 of the Best Cat Scratchers and Climbers (UK)
Is your cat scratching the sofa? Why cats scratch, how to stop it, and 12 of the best cat scratch posts, wall climbers and cat trees, from £19.99.
Malmo Cog Step Wall Climber
A simple wall step that turns a wall into a climbing route.
- Very cheap
- Saves floor space
- Great for climbers
Helsinki The Ball Cat Scratch Tree
A stylish small scratch post with a fun ball.
- Stylish
- Compact
- Good price
Malmo Viewing Pod Wall Climber
A cosy pod on the wall for cats who like to watch.
- High lookout spot
- Saves floor space
- Reduced price
Malmo Hammock Wall Climber
A wall hammock for relaxing up high.
- Comfy napping spot
- Saves space
- Works with other Malmo pieces
Malmo Sleep & Scratch Wall Climber
A wall piece for scratching and sleeping.
- Scratch and sleep in one
- Saves floor space
- Reduced price
Malmo Scratch & Climb Wall Climber
A tall scratching surface on the wall.
- Tall scratching surface
- No floor space needed
- Reduced price
Malmo The Everything Wall Climber
Climbing, scratching and resting in one wall unit.
- Lots of activities
- Space-saving
- Reduced price
Back to Nature The Basket Cat Scratch Tree
A natural-look scratch tree with a basket bed.
- Natural look
- Scratch and sleep
- Sturdy
Back to Nature The High Rise Cat Scratch Tree
A three-level tree for climbing and scratching.
- Three levels
- Tall for full stretches
- Natural look
Back to Nature The Duo Cat Scratch Tree
Room for two cats to climb and rest.
- Good for two cats
- Sturdy
- Natural materials
Helsinki The Dome Cat Tree
A designer-style cat tree that looks like furniture.
- Stylish design
- Scratching and resting
- Good quality
Back to Nature The Penthouse Cat Scratch Tree
A four-level cat tree for the ultimate climbing frame.
- Four levels
- Lots of activities
- Great for indoor cats
Scratching is completely normal for cats. It keeps their claws healthy, stretches their muscles and leaves their scent. The problem is when they choose your sofa, carpet or door frame.
The answer isn't to stop your cat scratching. It's to give them something better to scratch. Below we explain how, and pick 12 of the best scratchers, wall climbers and cat trees from Lords & Labradors.
How to stop your cat scratching furniture
- Put a scratcher right next to the furniture they scratch. Cats like to scratch in the same places, often near where they sleep or by doors.
- Choose the right type. Some cats like scratching upwards on a tall post. Others prefer flat or angled scratchers on the floor.
- Make it tall and steady. A post that wobbles won't get used. It should be tall enough for your cat to stretch out fully.
- Reward them. Praise your cat or give a treat when they use the scratcher. Rubbing a little catnip on it helps too.
- Cover the old spot. Use a throw or double-sided tape on the furniture for a while, until the new habit sticks.
- Never punish. Shouting or spraying water makes cats stressed, and stressed cats often scratch more.
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The quick picks
- Cheapest: Malmo Cog Step Wall Climber, £19.99
- Best small scratcher: Helsinki The Ball Cat Scratch Tree, £39.99
- Best for small homes: Malmo wall climbers, from £19.99
- Best cat tree: Back to Nature The Penthouse, £249.99
What to look for in a cat scratcher
- Material. Sisal rope is the classic scratching surface and lasts well. Cardboard is cheap and many cats love it.
- Height. A post should be tall enough for your cat to stretch at full length.
- Stability. A heavy base or wall fixing stops it tipping over.
- Space. Wall climbers save floor space in small flats. Cat trees give lots of climbing and sleeping spots, but need room.
- Several cats? Give at least one scratcher per cat, in different rooms.
Common questions
Why does my cat scratch the sofa?
Cats scratch to keep their claws healthy, stretch and mark their territory with scent glands in their paws. A sofa is tall, sturdy and in a busy room, which makes it very tempting.
Where should I put a scratch post?
Next to the furniture your cat already scratches, and near where they sleep. Once they use it, you can move it slowly to where you'd like it.
Do wall climbers really work?
Yes, for cats that love to climb. They're great in small homes because they don't take up floor space. Fix them securely into the wall.
How often should I replace a scratch post?
When the sisal or cardboard is badly worn. Many cats actually prefer a well-used post, so don't replace it too soon.
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Every pet is different. If you're worried about your pet's health or behaviour, speak to your vet.
- We researched popular options sold by major UK retailers.
- We compared features, specifications and verified buyer reviews.
- We checked prices across several stores so you can see where it is cheapest.
Malmo Cog Step Wall Climber
Wall steps let your cat climb and perch without taking up floor space. Add a few to create a climbing route across a wall.
✓What We Like
- Very cheap
- Saves floor space
- Great for climbers
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Needs fixing to a wall
- Not a scratcher on its own
Helsinki The Ball Cat Scratch Tree
A compact scratch post with a playful ball design that looks good in a living room. Ideal to place right next to the sofa.
✓What We Like
- Stylish
- Compact
- Good price
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Smaller cats may prefer it more than big cats
Malmo Viewing Pod Wall Climber
Cats love high places where they can watch the room. This wall-mounted pod gives them a safe lookout and a place to rest.
It's currently £39.99, down from £59.99.
✓What We Like
- High lookout spot
- Saves floor space
- Reduced price
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Needs fixing to a wall
Malmo Hammock Wall Climber
A comfy hammock that fixes to the wall, giving your cat a high place to nap. Combine it with steps for a full climbing wall.
✓What We Like
- Comfy napping spot
- Saves space
- Works with other Malmo pieces
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Needs fixing to a wall
Malmo Sleep & Scratch Wall Climber
This wall climber combines a scratching surface with a place to rest, so it does two jobs in one small space.
It's currently £49.99, down from £69.99.
✓What We Like
- Scratch and sleep in one
- Saves floor space
- Reduced price
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Needs fixing to a wall
Malmo Scratch & Climb Wall Climber
A great alternative to a floor-standing post. Cats can scratch upwards and climb, which helps protect your furniture.
It's currently £59.99, down from £79.99.
✓What We Like
- Tall scratching surface
- No floor space needed
- Reduced price
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Wall fixing needed
Malmo The Everything Wall Climber
The "everything" wall climber combines several activities in one piece, a good choice if you can only fit one wall unit.
It's currently £59.99, down from £79.99.
✓What We Like
- Lots of activities
- Space-saving
- Reduced price
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Needs a sturdy wall
Back to Nature The Basket Cat Scratch Tree
Back to Nature trees use natural-look materials that blend into your home. This one adds a cosy basket for napping.
✓What We Like
- Natural look
- Scratch and sleep
- Sturdy
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Takes floor space
Back to Nature The High Rise Cat Scratch Tree
A taller tree with three levels, great for active cats who love to climb and scratch.
✓What We Like
- Three levels
- Tall for full stretches
- Natural look
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Needs space
Back to Nature The Duo Cat Scratch Tree
With two levels and plenty of scratching space, the Duo is a good choice for homes with more than one cat.
✓What We Like
- Good for two cats
- Sturdy
- Natural materials
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Higher price
Helsinki The Dome Cat Tree
The Helsinki range is designed to look good in a modern home, so you don't have to hide it away.
✓What We Like
- Stylish design
- Scratching and resting
- Good quality
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Premium price
Back to Nature The Penthouse Cat Scratch Tree
The Penthouse is a large four-tier cat tree with lots of places to climb, scratch and sleep, perfect for indoor cats.
✓What We Like
- Four levels
- Lots of activities
- Great for indoor cats
✕What to Keep in Mind
- Large
- Expensive
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