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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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Laurie Bolewitz reads a spooky “tale” to sleepover guests as a black cat perches on a scratching post.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 10, 2026

The post of a cat clawing a scratching post reached 11,000, she said.

From Washington Post Mar. 9, 2022

Instead, we saw his food bowl, his scratching post, his toys.

From The Verge Apr. 25, 2021

For cat owners, pet-friendly features can be rearranged and swapped out, like a scratching post for the dryer.

From Seattle Times Sep. 6, 2014

Space savers spotted Tuesday included a tripod, several containers of kitty litter, a stroller, a cat scratching post, an air purifier and a laundry basket full of folded clothes.

From New York Times Dec. 29, 2010

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