The best cat scratching posts to save your furniture

If you want a cat scratching post that is simple and sweet, the Pizarro Play and Scratch Cat Post is ideal. With plush fabric on the base and top with an added pom-pom toy, this is a back-to-basics classic.

Tried and tested by TABP writer Ruby Barry: "My family has used this cat scratching post for ages and it's still holding its integrity almost six months after purchase. It doesn't draw attention to itself which is what we wanted and the cats love it. The rope hasn't come off the pole, and the base is easy to hoover".

If you have a larger cat or have noticed that your cat loves to stretch out their body, you may want to go for a taller post. The Giant Scratch and Stretch by Pets at Home is an extra tall sisal scratching post which will allow your cat to extend all their muscles.

Review: "My six-month-old kitten loves this, it's the first thing she uses when she wakes up in the morning and she loves climbing up it and being able to scratch all four paws at once. It feels sturdy although I wish the base was slightly heavier as our chunky kitten throws herself at it and nearly tips it over, although if your cat isn't as excited about it as ours I'm sure it will be fine :-) I've had it for a few months now and although it looks a bit scratched up I'm sure we will get at least another year or two out of it before happily replacing it."

If your cat manages to knock down every cat scratcher due to weight or energy, buying a chunky scratcher is the solution. Argos markets this post as "one of the biggest scratching posts available" to buy and is constructed with MDF sisal & fleece.

Customer review: "This is a large, strong and steady cat scratch post. My cat took to it straight away. It is large enough for him to climb up and sit on. Great purchase. Strongly recommend for cats of all sizes. Easy to assemble."

Cat scratchers don't have to take up much space, case and point, this Sisal Cat Scratching Board from Trixie is designed to be placed on a wall. As a bonus, you can place this scratching board next to say, your sofa or curtain that your kitty loves to claw and slowly ween them off by encouraging the use of the scratching board instead.

Customer review: "I've bought my cat several scratching boards which he uses for a while then stops. This is by far his favourite and he completely stopped scratching the sofa when I put this next to the sofa with a little bit of catnip. Now he loves it even without catnip. If I am to order a new scratching board, I'll probably get this one again."

If your cat has an affliction with your carpets, a floor scratcher is best. The PetKit 4-1 Cat Scratcher combines a scratching post, a ball track toy, fresh catnip and a bell. The thick corrugated cardboard can be replaced whenever worn out and is thick enough for your kitty to play and sleep on.

If you've tried everything, but your cat just cannot resist scratching your sofa, why not meet in the middle and purchase a sofa scratcher? This scratching post from BigPurr is designed to sit on the corner of your sofa and has four different colours available.

Customer review: "LOVE this! I was having a hard time finding something to protect my sofa and this was perfect. I was able to get a shorter height and a grey colour to match the fabric. My kitties love it!"

Cactus-designed cat scratching posts are very popular, and for good reason. They look both stylish and a little quirky and give your cat multiple levels to climb on. This cactus post from Argos is covered in jute and has a plush base.

Customer review: "I have been wanting one of these for ages always out of stock and now I have one I know why, our cat loves this scratch post which is THE most important thing, however, it also looks fantastic in the living room as a stand alone piece, delighted with this purchase."

You don't have to spend a lot of money on a cat scratcher if your cat is prone to ripping them to spreads within weeks. For cats whose life goal is to destroy scratching posts, your best bet is to buy a cheap and cheerful scratcher that you can easily replace, such as this option from Pets at Home.

Get your furry friend a floor-to-ceiling scratching post, and they are guaranteed a lifetime of fun. These extremely tall posts can simulate large trees in the wild, so your cat will be endlessly entertained with its five platforms (including a bed!). This PawHut scratching post is made with solid, P2-grade particle board, and its height can be adjusted to fit any room.

Customer review: "I felt compelled to leave a review as I'm so pleasantly surprised with how good this product and the service was great. Very good quality and a quarter of the price of some other trees on the market. Arrived the next day too. Top marks."