Scratching post or cat tree?

What is the difference between a scratching post and a cat tree?

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.

Do you need a scratching post if you have a cat tree?

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.

Scratching post or pad?

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.

Cat tree or shelves?

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.

Does an indoor cat need a cat tree?

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.

How many scratching posts does a cat need?

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.

Which should you buy?

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.