The Best Cat Scratch Posts
07.03.21 March 07, 2021 Owning a Cat

The Best Cat Scratch Posts

Scratching is something that every cat loves to do. There are a number of reasons that your cat scratches, the main one being to keep their claws in tip top condition. They also scratch to mark their territory as a sign to other cats, and can scratch when anxious too. If you don’t want your furniture or carpets to be ruined, then a scratch post is a must-have for every cat owner. You can then encourage them to scratch this and divert their attention away from your soft furnishings. Scratch accessories come in all shapes and sizes from small cardboard scratchers to large scratch posts and trees. Here we take a look at our favourite scratch posts from our Cat Emporium.   Our Favourite Cardboard Scratchers Cats like to scratch in different ways; some like to scratch vertically; some like to scratch horizontally and others like a mixture of both. If your cat likes to scratch horizontal surfaces (hopefully they haven’t taken to scratching your carpets just yet!), we have a brilliant range of cardboard scratchers. These can be easily moved around the home so that your cat can keep their claws sharp without ruining your flooring. Catit Lounge Cardboard Scratcher - This is a really good budget scratcher for cats. The whole surface is made of corrugated cardboard, which is enticing for felines and the shape is designed for cats to ‘lounge’ on when relaxing. The large size makes it ideal for all ages and breeds, and it will last a long time before it needs replacing. Catit Pirates Barrel Scratcher - This is a super fun choice! Part of the Pirates collection by Catit. It offers both scratching and lounging capabilities all in one novel design. We also love the fact that it comes in two sizes, so you can choose the small for a little kitten and the large for adults. The larger size measures 16.53” in diameter making it great for breeds such as Ragdolls and Maine Coons. Catit Senses 2.0 Oval Scratcher - This is part of the brilliant interactive Senses range by Catit. The scratcher itself is an oval shape and a great size for any age and breed of feline. What we love most is that it can be incorporated into a playground circuit along with some of the other Catit Senses products. Add a Play Circuit, a Food Tree and perhaps the Wellness Centre and your cat will have a whale of a time hunting, chasing and lounging.      Our Favourite Cat Scratch Posts & Trees If your cat is a vertical scratcher as most are, then a scratch post or tower is an essential accessory for your home. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you will find something to suit the space you have available and the breed of your cat. There are small scratch posts for kittens and large towers with multiple posts and platforms for larger breeds and indoor cats. It’s important to consider your specific cat when choosing a scratch post. If you have a cat who goes outdoors and doesn’t scratch that much in the house, then maybe a compact single post scratcher will be sufficient. If on the other hand you have an indoor cat who needs to sate all of their scratching needs in the house, then you will need to consider something much larger, with places for them to climb and lounge incorporated into the structure. Here we list a range of options for every kind of cat: Vesper Play centre Cat Scratcher - This a great miniature climbing frame for kittens by Vesper. Vesper makes premium quality cat furniture that looks stylish whilst offering practical solutions for scratching felines. Your kitten will enjoy climbing over this A-frame structure and can scratch and play too. It can be moved around and set in different positions to make playtime different for your cat. It features a scratch pad and a small scratch post as well as a memory foam pad for lounging and a catnip toy that they can ‘hunt’ and bat around too! It’s the perfect first scratch post for kittens. Rosewood Tarragon Cat Scratch Post - The Tarragon scratcher is a three-post design. Each post varies in length and has an attached catnip toy for added playtime fun. If your cat needs encouragement to scratch in the correct places, then these toys are just the thing to entice them. It will make a great first scratch post for kittens as it isn’t too big. The varying sizes will also give your cat chance to stretch and scratch as they grow into adults. Larger breeds may find this isn’t large enough once they are fully grown though. Ragdolls and Maine Coons for example may like something much larger, but this is an excellent choice for kittens, smaller cats and outdoor cats who don’t tend to scratch indoors that much anyway. Rosewood Catwalk Collection Zurich Cat Scratch Post - The Zurich has all of the same things that we love about the Tarragon, but in an exciting round shape with an added platform on top. Your little kitten will enjoy scratching and climbing over this mini frame and the dangly catnip toys will keep them coming back for more playtime fun. A brilliant scratch post for kittens and small cats Rosewood Catwalk Collection Cinnamon Scratch Post - Do you love the look of the Zurich scratch post, but have large adult cats? Then take a look at the Cinnamon scratcher. This has the same three post structure but on a much larger scale. It has a multi layered design too, which will appeal to your cat’s climbing instincts. It’s a great choice for those with an adult cat or multi-cat households. ​Trixie Galeno Scratching Post - This is more than just a scratch post. This design has a cosy hideout at the base with a post that stretches up to two platforms that sit at different heights. It will sate of your kitty’s scratching desires whilst also allowing them to hide away for a snooze when they want, or climb the tower to survey their domain! The hideaway and platforms are covered in a lovely soft plush faux fur too which will appeal to your kitty’s love of soft fabrics. A great option for one or two cats.   Trixie Ava XXL Cat Tower - The first thing to notice about this scratcher is the striking design. It has a contemporary, geometric style with cube-like structures bookmarking a wide scratch post. The bottom cube is a cosy hideaway that will provide your cat with a secluded spot for napping and sleeping. The top structure is an open top cat bed. Both are fully lined with plush faux fur and have the addition of reversible cushions. The scratch post is wrapped in jute as is the top bed giving plenty of scratching options. This a brilliant option for large breed cats including Ragdolls and Norwegian Forest Cats. They’ll love the generously sized lounging areas!   Vesper Box Large Cat Cube - Vesper is a brand that fuses style and practicality in a seamless way. They consider everything that a cat likes and work these practical attributes into well-designed, aesthetically pleasing pieces of contemporary furniture for the home. The Large Box Cube is a miniature climbing frame with lounging places, a scratch post and dangly toys all in one sleek structure. It’s ideal for kittens and will last well into adulthood. It’s large enough for multiple cats too who will enjoy chasing and playing with each other around the frame. It has removable pads - some for scratching and some for laying on that can be washed or replaced as needed. That’s one of the best things about this scratcher; Vesper makes spare parts, so if your cat wears the scratch post or pads out, you can purchase replacements to make it look as good again. Rosewood Charcoal Felt Double Cat Tower - If you’re looking for something sleek that will fit in to a modern home then this scratch tower might be just the style you’re looking for. Where the other posts have been crafted from cream fabrics and wooden accents this post is all grey. A stylish colour palette that will work seamlessly into any modern home. It features three scratch posts together with a tunnel, a round hideout and a top platform. It’s ideal for cats who love to climb and large enough for multi-cat households with two or three felines.   Trixie Humberto XXL Tall Scratching Tower - Are you looking for the ultimate scratch post? If you need an indoor playground with multiple places for your cats to scratch, play and lounge then this XXL scratch tower from Trixie may be just what you’ve been looking for. Standing at over 5 feet tall, this tower has 8 scratch posts, a large hideout in the middle, a platform on top and three hammocks; plus, a rope toy for added fun. It is ideal for any cat, but especially large breeds who will love the generously proportioned hammocks, and indoor cats who will get plenty of exercise climbing and playing around the frame. It is finished in a neutral colour palette of grey and cream so will look good in any home too. We hope you like our pick of the best cat scratch posts and trees. Which you choose will come down to the needs of your specific cat. If you’re looking for a small post for a kitten you might choose the Tarragon. If you want a moderate sized post for an adult cat who mainly goes outside, then the Galeno might be suitable. If you need a large tower for multiple indoor cats, then we’d probably suggest the Humberto. Whichever you choose, we think your cat will love it. If you need any more information regarding any of the products listed here, please do get in touch. We’re always happy to help!

By Zac Girdlestone

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Scratching is something that every cat loves to do. There are a number of reasons that your cat scratches, the main one being to keep their claws in tip top condition. They also scratch to mark their territory as a sign to other cats, and can scratch when anxious too. If you don’t want your furniture or carpets to be ruined, then a scratch post is a must-have for every cat owner. You can then encourage them to scratch this and divert their attention away from your soft furnishings.

Scratch accessories come in all shapes and sizes from small cardboard scratchers to large scratch posts and trees. Here we take a look at our favourite scratch posts from our Cat Emporium.

 

Our Favourite Cardboard Scratchers

Cats like to scratch in different ways; some like to scratch vertically; some like to scratch horizontally and others like a mixture of both. If your cat likes to scratch horizontal surfaces (hopefully they haven’t taken to scratching your carpets just yet!), we have a brilliant range of cardboard scratchers. These can be easily moved around the home so that your cat can keep their claws sharp without ruining your flooring.

Catit Lounge Cardboard Scratcher - This is a really good budget scratcher for cats. The whole surface is made of corrugated cardboard, which is enticing for felines and the shape is designed for cats to ‘lounge’ on when relaxing. The large size makes it ideal for all ages and breeds, and it will last a long time before it needs replacing.

Catit Pirates Barrel Scratcher - This is a super fun choice! Part of the Pirates collection by Catit. It offers both scratching and lounging capabilities all in one novel design. We also love the fact that it comes in two sizes, so you can choose the small for a little kitten and the large for adults. The larger size measures 16.53” in diameter making it great for breeds such as Ragdolls and Maine Coons.

Catit Senses 2.0 Oval Scratcher - This is part of the brilliant interactive Senses range by Catit. The scratcher itself is an oval shape and a great size for any age and breed of feline. What we love most is that it can be incorporated into a playground circuit along with some of the other Catit Senses products. Add a Play Circuit, a Food Tree and perhaps the Wellness Centre and your cat will have a whale of a time hunting, chasing and lounging.   

 

Our Favourite Cat Scratch Posts & Trees

If your cat is a vertical scratcher as most are, then a scratch post or tower is an essential accessory for your home. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you will find something to suit the space you have available and the breed of your cat. There are small scratch posts for kittens and large towers with multiple posts and platforms for larger breeds and indoor cats. It’s important to consider your specific cat when choosing a scratch post. If you have a cat who goes outdoors and doesn’t scratch that much in the house, then maybe a compact single post scratcher will be sufficient. If on the other hand you have an indoor cat who needs to sate all of their scratching needs in the house, then you will need to consider something much larger, with places for them to climb and lounge incorporated into the structure. Here we list a range of options for every kind of cat:

Vesper Play centre Cat Scratcher - This a great miniature climbing frame for kittens by Vesper. Vesper makes premium quality cat furniture that looks stylish whilst offering practical solutions for scratching felines. Your kitten will enjoy climbing over this A-frame structure and can scratch and play too. It can be moved around and set in different positions to make playtime different for your cat. It features a scratch pad and a small scratch post as well as a memory foam pad for lounging and a catnip toy that they can ‘hunt’ and bat around too! It’s the perfect first scratch post for kittens.

Rosewood Tarragon Cat Scratch Post - The Tarragon scratcher is a three-post design. Each post varies in length and has an attached catnip toy for added playtime fun. If your cat needs encouragement to scratch in the correct places, then these toys are just the thing to entice them. It will make a great first scratch post for kittens as it isn’t too big. The varying sizes will also give your cat chance to stretch and scratch as they grow into adults. Larger breeds may find this isn’t large enough once they are fully grown though. Ragdolls and Maine Coons for example may like something much larger, but this is an excellent choice for kittens, smaller cats and outdoor cats who don’t tend to scratch indoors that much anyway.

Rosewood Catwalk Collection Zurich Cat Scratch Post - The Zurich has all of the same things that we love about the Tarragon, but in an exciting round shape with an added platform on top. Your little kitten will enjoy scratching and climbing over this mini frame and the dangly catnip toys will keep them coming back for more playtime fun. A brilliant scratch post for kittens and small cats

Rosewood Catwalk Collection Cinnamon Scratch Post - Do you love the look of the Zurich scratch post, but have large adult cats? Then take a look at the Cinnamon scratcher. This has the same three post structure but on a much larger scale. It has a multi layered design too, which will appeal to your cat’s climbing instincts. It’s a great choice for those with an adult cat or multi-cat households.

Trixie Galeno Scratching Post - This is more than just a scratch post. This design has a cosy hideout at the base with a post that stretches up to two platforms that sit at different heights. It will sate of your kitty’s scratching desires whilst also allowing them to hide away for a snooze when they want, or climb the tower to survey their domain! The hideaway and platforms are covered in a lovely soft plush faux fur too which will appeal to your kitty’s love of soft fabrics. A great option for one or two cats.

 

Trixie Ava XXL Cat Tower - The first thing to notice about this scratcher is the striking design. It has a contemporary, geometric style with cube-like structures bookmarking a wide scratch post. The bottom cube is a cosy hideaway that will provide your cat with a secluded spot for napping and sleeping. The top structure is an open top cat bed. Both are fully lined with plush faux fur and have the addition of reversible cushions. The scratch post is wrapped in jute as is the top bed giving plenty of scratching options. This a brilliant option for large breed cats including Ragdolls and Norwegian Forest Cats. They’ll love the generously sized lounging areas!

 

Vesper Box Large Cat Cube - Vesper is a brand that fuses style and practicality in a seamless way. They consider everything that a cat likes and work these practical attributes into well-designed, aesthetically pleasing pieces of contemporary furniture for the home. The Large Box Cube is a miniature climbing frame with lounging places, a scratch post and dangly toys all in one sleek structure. It’s ideal for kittens and will last well into adulthood. It’s large enough for multiple cats too who will enjoy chasing and playing with each other around the frame. It has removable pads - some for scratching and some for laying on that can be washed or replaced as needed. That’s one of the best things about this scratcher; Vesper makes spare parts, so if your cat wears the scratch post or pads out, you can purchase replacements to make it look as good again.

Rosewood Charcoal Felt Double Cat Tower - If you’re looking for something sleek that will fit in to a modern home then this scratch tower might be just the style you’re looking for. Where the other posts have been crafted from cream fabrics and wooden accents this post is all grey. A stylish colour palette that will work seamlessly into any modern home. It features three scratch posts together with a tunnel, a round hideout and a top platform. It’s ideal for cats who love to climb and large enough for multi-cat households with two or three felines.

 

Trixie Humberto XXL Tall Scratching Tower - Are you looking for the ultimate scratch post? If you need an indoor playground with multiple places for your cats to scratch, play and lounge then this XXL scratch tower from Trixie may be just what you’ve been looking for. Standing at over 5 feet tall, this tower has 8 scratch posts, a large hideout in the middle, a platform on top and three hammocks; plus, a rope toy for added fun. It is ideal for any cat, but especially large breeds who will love the generously proportioned hammocks, and indoor cats who will get plenty of exercise climbing and playing around the frame. It is finished in a neutral colour palette of grey and cream so will look good in any home too.

We hope you like our pick of the best cat scratch posts and trees. Which you choose will come down to the needs of your specific cat. If you’re looking for a small post for a kitten you might choose the Tarragon. If you want a moderate sized post for an adult cat who mainly goes outside, then the Galeno might be suitable. If you need a large tower for multiple indoor cats, then we’d probably suggest the Humberto. Whichever you choose, we think your cat will love it.

If you need any more information regarding any of the products listed here, please do get in touch. We’re always happy to help!

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Engage All Ages Older cats may not be as energetic as kittens, but they still need stimulation. Cat toys for older cats, like soft chew toys or slower-moving interactive toys, can keep them entertained without overstimulating them. Top Cat Toys to Keep Indoor Cats Entertained The market is filled with toys designed to entertain cats, but these are our top picks for keeping your feline friend happy: KONG Catnip infuser: Perfect for cats who love catnip, this toy infuses the balls with catnip to keep them active and engaged. All For Paws Vintage Cat Tunnel: Ideal for exploration, hiding, and play. It even has play balls attached for added fun. Catit Senses 2.0 Circuits: These are the best interactive cat toys in our opinion. The range can all be used together to make the perfect interactive playground for your indoor cat. They are excellent for self-play and will keep your cat entertained for hours. KONG Cat Wubba Teaser Boa: There’s a reason this toy is such a hit. Cat Feather Toys are great because they mimic a bird in flight, making them perfect interactive play sessions. A bonus is that it’s infused with North American Catnip for an even more stimulating playtime. KONG Cat Active Tennis Balls: These Ball Toys for Cats are the perfect size for your favourite feline. Simple but effective, these rolling toys encourage your cat to chase and pounce helping to fulfil your cat’s chasing and hunting desires. Why Playtime is Important Regular play not only entertains your cat but also helps maintain their physical health. Activities like chasing a ball toy or pouncing on a feather toy improve muscle tone and agility. Additionally, playtime strengthens the bond between you and your cat, creating a happier home environment. Final Thoughts: How to Keep Indoor Cats Entertained Entertaining your indoor cat doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right combination of cat toys, interactive activities, and a stimulating environment, your feline friend will lead a happy, enriched life. Whether it’s a catnip ball, a cat tunnel bed, or a puzzle feeder, investing in quality toys and dedicating time to play with your cat ensures they stay entertained and healthy. Explore our full range of top cat toys, including interactive cat toys and catnip toys, at Lords & Labradors. Let’s make your indoor cat’s world as exciting as the outdoors!

    By Megan Willis

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  • Decoding Cats and Their Midnight Zoomies
    21.07.25 July 21, 2025 Owning a Cat

    Decoding Cats and Their Midnight Zoomies

    If you’ve ever lived with a cat, you’re probably all too familiar with that sudden burst of energy around bedtime. One moment, they’re quietly observing a dust particle drifting across the room, and the next, they’re darting from sofa to windowsill like they’ve got rocket boosters attached to their paws. This phenomenon is often referred to as the zoomies, and it’s as fascinating as it is hilarious. In this blog, we’ll explore what are cat zoomies, why do cats get the zoomies, and, most crucially, how to live harmoniously with your midnight sprinter. What Exactly Are Cat Zoomies? Before you begin to wonder if you’ve brought home a miniature cheetah, rest assured—cat zoomies are perfectly normal. Zoomies is a nickname for those sudden, frenetic bursts of energy that make your cat look like a furry tornado. They might come flying around the corner, tail puffed up, eyes wide, making you question if they’ve just had a major caffeine fix. While zoomies are often associated with a single playful cat or zoomie cat, they can happen to any feline. Even the most dignified, reserved cats can suddenly transform into track stars at odd times of the day. Why Do Cats Have Zoomies? So, why do cats have zoomies anyway? In many cases, zoomies are just another way for cats to burn off extra energy. Throughout the day, cats do a lot of resting (in fact, they can sleep up to 16 hours a day). When they do wake up, they may suddenly feel the need to stretch their legs and engage in a quick burst of high-intensity play. Think of it as a feline version of a quick jog around the block—except cats prefer an exuberant dash around the living room instead. Other factors might also play a role: Instinctive Hunting Behaviors: Domestic cats retain strong hunting instincts from their wild ancestors. Racing around the house could be the modern equivalent of pouncing on prey. Excitement or Anxiety: A cat might experience zoomies when it’s excited (like after you come home) or sometimes when it’s slightly stressed. Bathroom Ritual: Yes, this one might sound silly, but some cats experience zoomies after using their litter tray. It’s not entirely clear why, but one theory is that relieving themselves leaves them feeling lighter and energetic. Why Do Cats Get the Zoomies at Night? It’s one thing to watch your cat scamper around during the day, but a bit more perplexing (and sometimes inconvenient) to experience cat zoomies at night. If you’re muttering to yourself, “Why does my cat get the zoomies at night?” you’re not alone.Cats are typically crepuscular, which means they’re most active during dawn and dusk. When we’re winding down for bed, felines might be gearing up for their evening routine. Imagine the scenario: You turn out the lights, your home becomes quiet, and your cat suddenly decides it’s prime time for mischief. This is often attributed to: Unspent Energy: If your cat hasn’t had enough interactive play during the day, they may use the cover of night to release their pent-up energy. Natural Body Clock: Cats’ internal clocks might tell them it’s time to hunt—even if “hunting” equates to sprinting from room to room with no actual prey in sight. Kitten Zoomies vs. Adult Cat Zoomies While all cats can get the zoomies, kittens are a whole different ballgame. Kitten zoomies at night can be especially dramatic. Kittens have an abundance of energy to burn and are often in learning mode. Everything is new and exciting, from the rustling of a paper bag to the flicker of a light in the hallway. As a result, they might spring into action the moment something captures their attention—or, quite frankly, just because they feel like it! How Long Do Kitten Zoomies Last? If you’re wondering, how long do kitten zoomies last, the answer varies. A zoomie session might last from just a few seconds to several minutes. Generally, kittens experience these rapid-fire energy bursts more frequently than adult cats. Over time, as they mature, these episodes may become less frequent (though no less spirited). Why Does My Cat Get the Zoomies? Every cat has its own triggers—some are environmental, while others are biological. You might find yourself frequently pondering, “Why does my cat get the zoomies?” It can be for any number of reasons: from an exciting new cat toy or an unfamiliar noise outside, to simply a case of “I feel like running.” Keep in mind that zoomies, in themselves, are rarely a sign of a problem. However, if your cat’s behaviour suddenly changes—such as zoomies becoming extremely frequent or accompanied by aggression—it could indicate an underlying issue, and you might want to consult a vet or animal behaviourist for peace of mind. Coping with Your Cat’s (or Kitten’s) Nightly Olympics Dealing with cat zoomies at night can be challenging. After all, we humans aren’t quite as keen on spontaneous athletic feats after lights out! Here are a few tips to consider: Incorporate More Playtime During the Day:
Tire your cat out with interactive toys—like feather wands and teasers. By giving them a proper outlet for their energy, you’re more likely to stave off those midnight marathons. Establish a Routine:
Cats thrive on routine. Schedule mealtimes and play sessions for the same times each day. If your cat knows they’ll have an extended play session before bedtime, they might be less inclined to start sprinting the moment you tuck yourself in. Engage Their Brain:
Puzzle toys can help satisfy your cat’s natural hunting instincts. Toys that dispense treats or require your cat to “work” for a reward can keep them mentally stimulated and physically engaged. Our favourites are the Catit Senses circuits, they keep our felines entertained for hours! Offer a Calm Space:
Sometimes, cats get zoomies because they’re overstimulated or stressed. Providing a quiet, secure space—like a cosy cat bed in a low-traffic area—can make a huge difference. Treat them to a new luxury bed from Lords & Labradors, the plush high sides and the luxurious fabrics of our beds are perfect for your cat to snuggle up in and retreat from the world. Don’t Reinforce Unwanted Behaviours:
If your cat’s nighttime zoomies lead them to jump onto your bed and start kneading your face (much to your dismay), try not to reward them with attention. Gently redirect them to a toy or an area where they can safely channel that energy. When to Seek Help If your cat’s zoomies are so frequent or intense that they’re causing household disruption—or if your cat seems anxious or aggressive—there’s no harm in chatting with a veterinarian. A quick check-up can rule out any underlying health issues. Occasionally, hyperthyroidism or other medical conditions can manifest as restlessness or increased activity. Embracing Your Feline Friend’s Nighttime Shenanigans Ultimately, why do cats do zoomies? Because they’re cats! These charismatic companions are filled with playful energy and instinctive behaviours passed down through generations. While zoomies can be startling—especially at 2 AM—they’re also a reminder of how spirited and vibrant our feline friends can be. Yes, cats zoomies sessions might leave you wide awake on occasion, but these bursts of excitement are generally a positive sign that your cat is healthy and happy. With a bit of understanding, playtime, and a good sense of humour, you can come to appreciate the spontaneous sprints across your living room. So, the next time your adorable “zoomie cat” revs up those imaginary engines, take it in stride. Life with a cat is never boring—especially when they decide that every shadow on the wall invites a midnight chase. Instead of fighting it, embrace the occasional whoosh of fur and whiskers darting past you. After all, it’s their way of saying, “I’m alive, I’m playful, and I’m ready to party—even if it’s the middle of the night!” Final Thoughts Whether you’re dealing with kitten zoomies at night or your fully-grown cat’s sprint around the kitchen, these unpredictable bursts of energy are a normal part of feline life. If you’re in need of calming aids, interactive toys, or a plush cat bed to help your furry friend settle down after playtime, remember that Lords & Labradors is your one-stop shop for all your cat essentials. Here’s to peaceful evenings—and a happy, zooming cat!

    By Megan Willis

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