Quality Handmade Cat Scratching Posts

JANUARY 2024 IMPORTANT UPDATE: ScratchyCats is temporarily CLOSED and is not currently accepting new orders. This is to enable us to launch our brand new web site.

A small selection of products are still available to purchase on our Etsy store here.

We are hoping to launch our brand new web site and re-open our order books again very soon - so please check back for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cat scratch?

All cats scratch! It's a natural behaviour and is actually necessary for the health of your cat. Scratching conditions a cats claws, provides a way for the cats to stretch and exercise. Most importantly, scratching removes frayed and worn outer claws, exposing new, sharper ones. It may be frustrating for cat owners when they scratch the furniture, but instead of trying to stop your cat from scratching you should provide them with a cat scratching post from ScratchyCats. This will ensure your cat will stop scratching your furniture and carpets and will give them a purpose built solution for their scratching needs.

How can I stop my cat scratching the furniture and carpet?

Keeping the cat away from the area that is being damaged by scratching is the simplest solution to the problem, although not always possible. Another solution is to make the area that is being damaged unattractive to your cat. Cats like to scratch rough, textured surfaces that they can sink their claws into. Therefore, if your cat likes to scratch the corner of the sofa - try and cover it with a smooth blanket for a few months. Textured wallpaper is another favourite place for cats to scratch, but covering the entire wall with a smooth surface is impossible without completely redecorating.

Many cats scratch the sofa, carpets and even wallpaper because they simply do not have another option to fulfil their scratching needs. All cats need to scratch and the best solution for both you and your cat is a good quality cat scratching post from ScratchyCats.

Why won't my cat use a scratching post?

We've put years of research into what cats like to scratch and along the way have heard hundreds of comments such as "my cat won't use them" or "my cat prefers the sofa". The simple answer to this is - you haven't tried a ScratchyCats cat scratching post yet.

Cats prefer to scratch a vertical surface tall enough to allow them to fully stretch up, arch their backs and really get stuck into it. Also high up the cats most wanted list is a sturdy, stable post that won't topple over when they're scratching it. All ScratchyCats products are handmade using superb quality materials. Specifically, our Sisal rope is a premium quality natural sisal and your cat will go mad for it. It's so much more attractive to your cat than the rope used on any other cat scratching post.

Should I use catnip on the cat scratching post?

The simple answer to this is that it depends on you and your cat. We have found that it's not necessary and your cat will scratch at our products without the need for catnip. However, if you have used catnip on scratching posts in the past, then you may have inadvertently trained your cat to respond to it, and in this case it may be necessary.

Where should I position the Scratching Post?

Usually, (in our experience) cats like to scratch after they wake up, after they eat and also to greet you when you enter your home. Therefore, you should ideally have a scratching post placed near to the front door of your home, near to where the cat eats and sleeps and where you spend the most time with your cat. This may require more than one scratching post.

I have more than one cat, do I need more than one scratching post?

Ideally Yes. Cats like to take ownership of things - especially scratching posts. If you have more than one, your cats will share them - but ultimately they'll have one each and will know who owns which.

How do I contact ScratchyCats?

There are many ways to get in touch with us here at ScratchyCats. All methods of contact are shown on our Contact Us Page

Where are ScratchyCats products made?

All our products are handmade by husband and wife team Martin and Clare at our small workshop in Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, Devon, UK to exacting standards.

Where are ScratchyCats products available to buy?

ScratchyCats products are not available to buy anywhere else - they are only available to buy directly from ScratchyCats.

I don't have a Paypal account, can I still buy one of your scratching posts?

You don't need to have a Paypal account in order to pay for our products. At the payment screen choose the option to pay using my debit/credit card. If you'd prefer, we also accept a bank transfer, cheque and cash - please see our payment options page for details.

What if I buy a scratching post from ScratchyCats and my cat doesn't use it?

Here at ScratchyCats, we've spent years developing what we believe are the best Cat Scratching Posts available in the UK today. Not only are the products we produce well made and built to last - but they're also built to be functional and that's why every single one of our products comes with our unique to the industry CATISFACTION GUARANTEE.

If you or your cat are not entirely satisfied with your product and you answer NO to either of the 2 questions below then you're covered by our CATISFACTION GUARANTEE.

In the extremely unlikely event that you have answered no to either question, simply return the product to us unused and undamaged within 14 days for a full refund!* We regret that we cannot refund any postage charges associated with returning a scratching post.

What makes a ScratchyCats scratching post different to all the others on the market?

All of our scratching posts are handmade by us in the UK to exacting standards. We only use premium grade Sisal Rope and unlike any other post on the market, we hand wind the rope onto the post. Furthermore, we fix the rope to the post all the way up so it's guaranteed not to unravel. We only use the softest luxury fleece which provides comfort and warmth for your cat. We use the best materials from sustainable sources in the UK and are keen on recycling wherever possible. All of our products are our own designs and not available to buy anywhere else. Some scratching posts may look the same - but if it's not a ScratchyCats product then your cat will know the difference!

How long should a ScratchyCats cat scratching post last?

This is a 'how long is a piece of string' scenario and will depend on many factors such as how many cats you have, how old they are, how active they are etc. However, we would expect a ScratchyCats product to outlast any other post on the market due to its superior quality rope and high quality construction.

Can I come and see the products for myself?

Yes. You are welcome to visit our workshop (by appointment only please) at ScratchyCats, Unit 8, Ruby Farm, Abbotskerswell, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 5NQ.

Can I choose a different colour material that isn't listed on the web site?

Yes. If you have a specific request please get in touch and we'll see what we can do.

Can I choose a different height that isn't listed on the web site?

Yes. If you have a specific request please get in touch and we'll see what we can do.

I have an idea for my own cat scratching post, can you custom build it for me to my specifications?

Yes. If you have a specific request please get in touch and we'll see what we can do.

Can I buy spare parts for your products

Yes. Providing you bought a post from us in 2015 onwards - spare parts are available here. Posts bought pre-2015 will be of 1-piece construction and spare parts are not available for these products.

Why is there a postage and packaging charge?

Our products are heavy. The sisal rope itself is a significant weight. We therefore cannot afford to offer free shipping. Remember, we are a small company that sells direct to you. We don't have the volume sales required for postage discounts with couriers. The price you pay is the price we have to pay.

How long will my order take to arrive?

Every ScratchyCats scratching post is handmade by us from scratch. Following your order and full payment your order will be added to our build queue - the size of our build queue varies. Typically you can expect to receive your order in under 14 days. Some custom made orders may take longer but we will keep you informed of the progress along the way. Once handmade, delivery time is usually between 1 -3 days. We will supply you with tracking information so that you can keep an eye on your delivery.

Which courier company do ScratchyCats use?

From January 2018, we are using DPD for all of our deliveries. DPD offer a superb service to you, and are one of the most forward-thinking courier companies in the UK today. Winner of the Queen's Award for Enterprise 2015 (in the Innovation category) for its unique one hour delivery service - we're confident that DPD will provide a faultless delivery service.

What if I want to specify a different courier for my order?

No problem. All we ask is that you cover any additional cost of your preferred service.

I want to buy more than one of your products, can I get a postage discount?

This depends on what you buy as the postage cost is calculated based on weight. Please contact us for a quote.

I want to buy several products, can I get a bulk buy discount?

We do offer bulk buy discounts on 10 or more posts. Please contact us for a quote.

Do you post to outside of the UK?

Due to postage costs and restrictions, we only offer postage to UK residents at this time. However, if you're willing to pay the shipping costs then we can ship outside of the UK in certain circumstances. Please contact us for a quote.