THE QUICK ANSWER
A scratching post is bought on height and kept because it does not move. Post height, base weight, base footprint, sisal wrap tension, assembly fit and packed carton volume are the six things that decide both the review score and the landed cost — and four of them are dimensions you can put in a quotation.
1. Post height against the target cat
A post that does not allow a full stretch gets ignored in favour of the sofa. Height is the primary purchase driver, so grade it deliberately rather than defaulting to one size.
2. Base weight, not just base size
Stability comes from mass and footprint together. State the base weight as a specification item; it is also the single biggest contributor to freight on this product.
3. Tip test under lateral load
A cat pulls sideways, not down. Require a lateral load test at the top of the post and state the load, rather than accepting a general stability claim.
4. Sisal wrap tension and end retention
The wrap loosening is the main wear complaint. Check that the ends are mechanically retained, not only glued, and that the turns are even with no visible gaps.
5. Flat-pack assembly fit
Most posts ship flat and are assembled by the buyer. Bolt alignment and thread quality decide the review tone more than the materials do. Assemble the sample yourself before approving it.
6. Packed carton volume
Posts are bulky and light, which is the classic dimensional-weight case. Get the packed carton dimensions with the FOB price, or the comparison is not real.
A useful comparison
| Check | State as | Affects |
|---|---|---|
| Post height | Millimetres, per size | Whether it is used |
| Base weight | Kilograms | Stability and freight |
| Base footprint | Length × width | Stability |
| Lateral load | Force at post top | Tip resistance |
| Wrap retention | Mechanical end fixing | Wear life |
| Carton cube | Packed dimensions and weight | Landed cost |
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Sources reviewed 2026-09-13. Community excerpts are anecdotes. Manufacturer guidance applies to that manufacturer’s products. Shortlists are editorial comparisons without hands-on comparative testing or verified sales rankings.
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