scratching post

American  

noun

1. a block or post of wood, usually covered with carpeting, on which a cat can use its claws.

---

Etymology

Origin of scratching post

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Outside the corral, a Red Angus peered in before ambling over to use a tractor for a scratching post.

From Los Angeles Times

The first thing I do at the hotel is to set up the room for him: the litter box against the wall a good distance from the door, the feeding station by the mini-fridge, the cardboard scratching post next to the bed.

From Salon

Is it likely to see condensation rings from stray cups, or do you have a kitten at home that would love to use the side of an ottoman as a scratching post?

From Seattle Times

The cat’s wants, however — say a scratching post — are not.

From New York Times

Design-wise, the only “downside” is that my cat thinks the fabric cover is his personal scratching post.

From The Verge