{
 "schema": "whattobuyfor/v1",
 "type": "comparison",
 "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/compare/scratching-post-vs-cat-tree/",
 "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/compare/scratching-post-vs-cat-tree.json",
 "publisher": "What to Buy For",
 "method": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/how-we-build-a-basket/",
 "pricesAsOf": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
 "priceNote": "Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.",
 "affiliateDisclosure": "Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.",
 "title": "Scratching post or cat tree?",
 "answer": "A scratching post first: every cat needs somewhere to scratch, and Cats Protection lists a sturdy post among the basics for a new cat. Add a cat tree for height, above all for an indoor cat: PDSA suggests a good cat tree for a cat that cannot go outside.",
 "published": "2026-10-02",
 "updated": "2026-10-12",
 "noindex": false,
 "kind": "format",
 "table": {
  "columns": [
   "",
   "Scratching post",
   "Cat tree"
  ],
  "rows": [
   [
    "Main job",
    "Scratching, which keeps claws in good condition and leaves the cat's scent",
    "Climbing and resting up high, with scratching posts built in"
   ],
   [
    "What the charities ask for",
    "A heavy, stable base and enough height for a full stretch",
    "A high place to climb and rest (RSPCA); a good cat tree for a cat that cannot go out (PDSA)"
   ],
   [
    "Where it goes",
    "Next to where the cat scratches now, or near its bed",
    "Against a wall, fixed with the anti-tip kit if it has one, like the tree picked here"
   ],
   [
    "Size of the pick here",
    "85cm tall on a 50 x 40cm base",
    "About 1.4m tall (the listing gives 137.7cm and 143cm) on a 55 x 45cm base"
   ],
   [
    "Who needs one",
    "Every cat, indoor or outdoor",
    "Indoor cats above all"
   ]
  ]
 },
 "sections": [
  {
   "heading": "What is the difference between a scratching post and a cat tree?",
   "paragraphs": [
    "A scratching post does one job: it gives the cat somewhere to scratch. Cats Protection says cats scratch to keep their claws in good condition and to leave a scent message for other cats, and that all cats need a scratching outlet, whether they live indoors or go out.",
    "A cat tree adds height. The RSPCA says cats like to run, jump and climb, often feel safest when high, and should have a suitable high place to climb and rest. A tree gives them that with scratching posts built in, which PDSA calls the added bonus of something to scratch that is not your furniture."
   ]
  },
  {
   "heading": "Do you need a scratching post if you have a cat tree?",
   "paragraphs": [
    "Usually, yes. A tree can stand in for the post only if one of its posts is tall enough for your cat to scratch at full stretch and stays steady while it does, the test Cats Protection and the RSPCA set for a post. Check how far the sisal runs between platforms before you count on it.",
    "Cats Protection also says to put a post next to the spot where your cat has been scratching, and a large tree may not fit there."
   ]
  },
  {
   "heading": "Scratching post or pad?",
   "paragraphs": [
    "A pad, if your cat scratches flat. Cats Protection suggests a scratching pad for a cat that prefers to scratch horizontally, such as one that goes for carpets and stairs. Otherwise it wants a post with a heavy, stable base that does not wobble, tall enough for a full stretch. PDSA suggests trying a variety of scratchers rather than only the standard post."
   ]
  },
  {
   "heading": "Cat tree or shelves?",
   "paragraphs": [
    "Both give a cat height. The RSPCA gives shelves as its example of a high place to climb and rest, and Cats Protection suggests plenty of cat-friendly shelves and things to climb on for an indoor cat. PDSA suggests extra shelves around the home, with treats hidden up high for the cat to find.",
    "Plain shelves give a cat nothing to scratch, so with shelves alone you still need a post. A tree puts posts, beds and perches on one footprint: the tree picked here stands on a 55 x 45cm base, only a little larger than the post's 50 x 40cm, and its listing says to attach it to the wall with the anti-tip kit in the box. Plan on a wall fixing either way.",
    "With two cats that do not get on, PDSA suggests putting up shelves and using high cupboards or wardrobes to give them extra room, along with separate resources for each cat."
   ]
  },
  {
   "heading": "Does an indoor cat need a cat tree?",
   "paragraphs": [
    "It needs somewhere to climb, and a tree is one way to give it that. PDSA says the main risk of keeping a cat indoors is that it misses natural behaviours such as climbing, jumping, hunting and exploring, and suggests a good cat tree if your cat cannot go outside. The RSPCA says tall, sturdy scratching posts are particularly important for indoor cats."
   ]
  },
  {
   "heading": "How many scratching posts does a cat need?",
   "paragraphs": [
    "One more than the number of cats. Cats Protection says to provide one scratching post per cat plus one extra, as with beds and litter trays, and that every cat should have its own post, in a different place to avoid conflict. Cats often scratch and stretch when they wake up, so it suggests one near the cat's bed."
   ]
  },
  {
   "heading": "Which should you buy?",
   "paragraphs": [
    "Buy the scratching post first and stand it where your cat scratches now. If that is the sofa, our page on a cat scratching the sofa sets out what to do in order, from covering the damaged arm to moving the post later.",
    "Add a cat tree if your cat lives indoors, or if you want to give it the high place to climb and rest that the RSPCA suggests, and you have floor space next to a wall."
   ]
  }
 ],
 "picks": [
  {
   "role": "A tall sisal post on a wide, heavy base",
   "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/compare/scratching-post-vs-cat-tree/#role-post",
   "pick": {
    "asin": "B0CT2RB4X7",
    "name": "Feandrea Cat Scratcher Pole",
    "amazonTitle": "Feandrea Cat Scratcher Pole, Sisal, 85cm, Thicker, Dove Grey, PCA041G01 | Cat Accessories, 50 x 40 x 85 cm, Stable Base, Protects Furniture, Indoor Cats, Dove Grey, Clawfy Collection, PCA041G01",
    "brand": "Feandrea",
    "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41kiQl5qmCL._SL500_.jpg",
    "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CT2RB4X7?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
    "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0CT2RB4X7.json",
    "price": {
     "amount": 22.09,
     "currency": "GBP",
     "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
     "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
    },
    "availability": {
     "status": "IN_STOCK",
     "amazonMessage": null
    },
    "subscribeAndSave": null,
    "signal": {
     "label": "Limited time deal",
     "note": null,
     "basis": "Amazon deal badge"
    },
    "amazon": {
     "source": "amazon.co.uk",
     "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T03:24:48.898Z",
     "rating": 4.8,
     "ratings": 1269,
     "boughtLastMonth": "100+",
     "categoryRank": {
      "position": 8,
      "category": "Cat Scratching Posts"
     }
    },
    "buyersSay": {
     "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
     "reviewsRead": 13,
     "readOn": "2026-09-27",
     "like": [
      {
       "text": "Solid and steady, even when large cats climb or swing on it",
       "count": 9
      },
      {
       "text": "Tall enough for big breeds to stretch out fully",
       "count": 7
      },
      {
       "text": "Most found it quick to put together",
       "count": 5
      }
     ],
     "watchOutFor": [
      {
       "text": "Fitting the heavy base is easier with a second person",
       "count": 2
      }
     ]
    },
    "ourName": "Feandrea sisal post, 85cm",
    "ourTake": "For the first scratching spot, by the sofa or near the bed. Cats Protection asks for a heavy, stable base and enough height for a full stretch; the listing gives 85cm of sisal rope on a 50 x 40cm base with extra wooden support battens, about 5kg in all. A spring pompom toy comes fitted."
   }
  },
  {
   "role": "A cat tree with sisal posts and an anti-tip kit",
   "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/compare/scratching-post-vs-cat-tree/#role-tree",
   "pick": {
    "asin": "B08XTMNMMZ",
    "name": "Feandrea Cat Tree Tower",
    "amazonTitle": "Feandrea Cat Tree Tower, 137.7 cm Multi-Level Plush Cat Condo | With 4 Scratching Posts, 2 Perches, Cave, Hammock, Pompoms, Dove Grey, CLAWFY Collection PCT161W01",
    "brand": "Feandrea",
    "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fxTwRxc+L._SL500_.jpg",
    "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08XTMNMMZ?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
    "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B08XTMNMMZ.json",
    "price": {
     "amount": 32.99,
     "currency": "GBP",
     "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
     "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
    },
    "availability": {
     "status": "IN_STOCK",
     "amazonMessage": null
    },
    "subscribeAndSave": null,
    "signal": null,
    "amazon": {
     "source": "amazon.co.uk",
     "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:49.812Z",
     "rating": 4.7,
     "ratings": 23327,
     "boughtLastMonth": "900+",
     "categoryRank": {
      "position": 3,
      "category": "Play Towers & Trees for Cats"
     }
    },
    "buyersSay": {
     "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
     "reviewsRead": 13,
     "readOn": "2026-09-27",
     "like": [
      {
       "text": "Quick to put together with clear instructions and tools included",
       "count": 9
      },
      {
       "text": "Feels stable once built, even with cats jumping on and off",
       "count": 11
      },
      {
       "text": "Cats take to it at once, with the top bed a favourite spot",
       "count": 4
      }
     ],
     "watchOutFor": []
    },
    "ourName": "Feandrea cat tree, 137.7cm",
    "ourTake": "For an indoor cat that needs height as well as somewhere to scratch, the case PDSA makes for a cat tree. The listing gives its height as 137.7cm in the title and 143cm in the details, over several levels, with two top perches, a cave, a hammock and four sisal-wrapped posts on a 55 x 45cm base. An anti-tip kit is in the box, and the listing says to attach the tree to the wall."
   }
  }
 ],
 "sources": [
  {
   "name": "Cats Protection: cats and scratching",
   "url": null,
   "checked": "2026-10-12"
  },
  {
   "name": "Cats Protection: our guide to indoor cats",
   "url": null,
   "checked": "2026-10-12"
  },
  {
   "name": "Cats Protection: preparing your home for a cat",
   "url": null,
   "checked": "2026-10-12"
  },
  {
   "name": "PDSA: how to stop my cat scratching",
   "url": "https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/how-to-stop-my-cat-scratching",
   "checked": "2026-10-12"
  },
  {
   "name": "PDSA: indoor cats",
   "url": "https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/indoor-cats",
   "checked": "2026-10-12"
  },
  {
   "name": "RSPCA: creating a good home for your cat",
   "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/environment",
   "checked": "2026-10-12"
  },
  {
   "name": "RSPCA: understanding your cat's behaviour",
   "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/behaviour",
   "checked": "2026-10-12"
  }
 ]
}