Krabton:
krabben, schuilen & slapen in één
Sturdy scratching barrel with sisal covering and soft inner cushions, scratching, hiding and sleeping in one compact piece of furniture. Ideal as a complement to a cat tree or as a standalone scratch and rest spot. Available in sizes for regular house cats to large breeds.
Scratching barrel: the compact scratch and hideaway for your cat
A scratching barrel combines scratching fun with a cosy hideaway in one compact piece of furniture. The outer side of woven sisal invites scratching, while the soft interior offers a safe scratch and sleeping spot. At Bopets you will find scratching barrels from ø 33 cm for small cats to ø 50 cm for large breeds. Ideal as a space-saving alternative to a cat tree, perfect for smaller homes or as an addition to your existing scratching furniture. Durable, stylish and loved by cats. Discover our buying guide ↓
Buying a scratching barrel: scratching & hiding in one piece of furniture
A scratching barrel is a cylindrical cat furniture piece, also known as a sisal barrel, with the outside fully covered in woven sisal. The inside contains one or more levels with soft cushions, connected by round peepholes through which your cat can climb and peek. The result: a compact scratching furniture that combines scratching, hiding and sleeping in a cosy scratch and sleeping spot. Thanks to the low centre of gravity, every cat scratching barrel also serves as a safe hideaway where your cat can retreat. At Bopets you will find scratching barrels in sizes from ø 33 cm to ø 50 cm, suitable for every cat, from kitten to Maine Coon.
Which scratching barrel suits your cat?
The right scratching barrel depends on the size of your cat and the number of cats in your household. Below you will find an overview.
| Barrel type | Dimensions (ø × h) | Suitable for | Number of levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | ø 33-40 × 70 cm | Cats up to 5 kg, kittens | 1-2 |
| Medium | ø 40 × 100 cm | Cats up to 7 kg, multiple small cats | 2-3 |
| Large | ø 50 × 100 cm | Large cats up to 10 kg, Maine Coon, Ragdoll | 2-3 |
| Double / XL | ø 40-50 × 115 cm | Multiple cats, households with 2+ cats | 3 |
| Corner / triangular | 45 × 45 × 90 cm | Corner placement, space saving | 2 |
Why choose a scratching barrel?
A scratching barrel offers advantages that a cat tree or cat bed alone cannot provide. Below are the four main reasons:
Scratching barrel vs. cat tree: what is the difference?
A cat tree is primarily designed for climbing and vertical scratching, with elevated platforms and an open structure. A scratching barrel combines scratching with hiding: the sisal outside provides scratching opportunity, while the enclosed inside offers a sheltered sleeping and resting place. Many cat owners opt for a combination: a cat tree as the primary climbing and scratching furniture and a scratching barrel as a resting spot and additional scratching surface.
Not sure? Browse our full range of cat trees or discover the Maine Coon cat trees if your cat needs a sturdy climbing furniture. Spare cat tree parts are also available if your current cat tree only has worn sisal.
Scratching barrel for large cats
Large breeds such as the Maine Coon, Ragdoll and Norwegian Forest Cat do not fit in a standard scratching barrel of ø 33 cm. Choose a scratching barrel of at least ø 50 cm with peepholes of 22 cm diameter or larger for these cats. Also pay attention to the load capacity of the internal platforms, for a cat of 8+ kg these must be sturdy enough to support the weight without sagging.
For shy or insecure cats
Shy cats and cats that have just moved to a new home look for sheltered places to feel safe. A scratching barrel offers exactly that: an enclosed, dark interior where your cat can retreat. Place the barrel in a quiet corner of the living room, away from bustle and noise. Put a familiar blanket or toy inside the barrel, your cat will discover the rest on its own.
For active climbers and playful cats
Active cats use a scratching barrel as a springboard, lookout and scratching board all at once. Choose a taller barrel with two or three levels for these cats, so there is enough climbing height. Combine the barrel with a cat tree and cat toys such as wand toys and balls to further stimulate your cat. A little catnip on top makes the barrel even more attractive.
For multi-cat households
In a household with two or more cats, a scratching barrel with multiple levels and openings provides each cat with its own hideaway. Cats do not have to compete for the same resting spot, each chooses their own level. An XL scratching barrel (ø 50 cm) with three levels is ideal for households with two to three cats. Also consider an extra cat bed as an additional resting spot.
For kittens and senior cats
Kittens love the round openings of a scratching barrel, playing hide and seek is their favourite activity. Choose a compact model (ø 33-40 cm) with low openings so small paws can easily get in and out. Senior cats appreciate the sheltered warmth of a scratching barrel as a resting spot. A model with soft, removable inner padding offers extra comfort for stiff joints.
Maintaining your scratching barrel
The sisal covering of a scratching barrel lasts an average of 2-4 years, longer than a freestanding sisal post because the scratching surface is larger and wear is distributed more evenly. The internal cushions are removable and washable at 30°C with most models. Regularly vacuum the sisal to remove dust and loose hairs. When the sisal becomes clearly frayed in certain spots, it is time to replace the barrel.
Reliable delivery across Europe
Bopets delivers quickly across Europe. Order before 2 PM and your package will be shipped the same business day. Free delivery from €70. Questions about which scratching barrel best suits your cat? Our team is available every day from 10 AM to 8 PM for personal advice.
Frequently asked questions cat scratching barrels