Cat Scratching Barrels

A scratching barrel can provide a generous vertical scratching area while using relatively little floor space.

The best size depends on your cat and how you expect them to use the barrel.

Check the measurements on the individual product page rather than judging size from photographs alone.

Larger cats benefit from more generous dimensions, particularly when the barrel includes sleeping compartments or a top resting platform.

Check the barrel diameter, entrance measurements and usable platform area before ordering. A tall barrel is not automatically suitable for a large cat if the sleeping areas themselves are too small.

You can also compare our

large cat trees

if you need more extensive climbing and lounging space.

Some larger barrels have several dens or resting areas and may be suitable for more than one cat, but this depends on the individual design and the cats using it.

Check the product dimensions and any manufacturer guidance rather than assuming every scratching barrel is designed for several cats at once.

In a multi-cat home, it is also useful to provide additional scratching and resting options so one cat cannot control access to the only suitable resource.

Both can provide an appropriate scratching surface, but they suit slightly different needs.

Scratching barrels can use different outer materials depending on the design. Sisal is common because its coarse texture provides resistance when cats pull their claws through it, while some barrels use carpeted or mixed surfaces.

Individual cats have preferences, so pay attention to the materials your cat already chooses to scratch at home.

If your cat prefers horizontal cardboard, a

cardboard scratcher

may be a useful additional option rather than expecting one product to satisfy every scratching preference.

Put the barrel somewhere relevant to your cat rather than hiding it away in a room they rarely use.

Useful locations can include:

Give your cat time to investigate it rather than placing them directly onto the barrel or moving their paws across the scratching surface.

If they continue to ignore it, consider whether the location, height or scratching texture matches their usual preferences.

Moving the barrel closer to an area where your cat already scratches can help.

For more guidance, read our

guide to getting your cat to use a scratching post
.

Scratching is normal feline behaviour. Cats scratch to maintain their claws, stretch their bodies and leave visual and scent signals in their environment.

Appropriate scratching furniture gives cats somewhere suitable to perform the behaviour and can help redirect scratching away from sofas, carpets and other household items.

Read

why cats scratch furniture

for a more detailed explanation.