Rubric v1 · 532 products scored

Cat scratcher rubric

Every product in this category is scored against the same rubric. Weights sum to 100. A hit on any disqualifier forces a "skip" verdict regardless of the point total.

Criteria & weights

  1. 1. Height / stretch length

    Weight 20/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 1028+ inches (accommodates full adult-cat stretch)
    2. 520-27 inches
    3. 0Under 20 inches vertical or horizontal
  2. 2. Stability

    Weight 20/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10Weighted wide base with published stability spec
    2. 5Weighted base
    3. 0Light base, tips easily
  3. 3. Scratch material variety

    Weight 15/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10Three or more materials (sisal, cardboard, carpet, wood)
    2. 5Two materials (e.g. sisal + carpet)
    3. 0Single material
  4. 4. Angle options

    Weight 10/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10Three or more (vertical, horizontal, incline)
    2. 5Two angles (vertical + horizontal)
    3. 0One angle
  5. 5. Replaceable scratch surface

    Weight 10/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10Fully replaceable pads or sisal wrap with refill program
    2. 5Some replaceable inserts
    3. 0No replaceable parts
  6. 6. Durability

    Weight 15/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10Reinforced construction rated for aggressive scratchers
    2. 5Standard build
    3. 0Cardboard-only, no reinforcement
  7. 7. Footprint disclosure

    Weight 10/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10Full L x W x H dimensions disclosed
    2. 5Height only
    3. 0No base dimensions

Disqualifiers

Any of the following forces a "skip" verdict, no matter how well the product scores on other criteria. Non-negotiable.

  • Base tips under 10 lb load in published tests
  • Loose staples or nails reported
  • Recalled in the last 24 months

Verdict thresholds

Total score cutoffs for each public verdict tier. Sum of weighted criterion scores maps directly onto these bands.

Editors' pick
≥ 80
Solid buy
≥ 65
Situational
≥ 50

Below 50, or any disqualifier hit → verdict: skip.