I’ve loved this design ever since I first saw it many years ago when it was just an idea, and now it’s finally becoming a reality! It’s the Leo Scratching Post from James Owen Designs and it’s one of the finest examples of modern cat design I recall ever seeing. Talk about functional design! This gorgeous sculptural scratching post will make both cats and their owners very happy!
The Leo Scratching Post is made of laminated wood with a texture that’s designed to appeal to cats while disguising claw marks. The sleek wood form sits on top of a polished metal base with a slight curve that allows the posts to sway just a bit (correction: newest version does not sway, see comment from the designer below). Measuring about 25″ tall, the Leo Scratching Post will let cats get a good stretch while scratching.
James Owen Designs is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to finally bring the Leo Scratching Post to market. Please check out their Kickstarter page (including the video featuring a gorgeous feline!) and lend your support to make this project a reality!
I don’t know about this one. It’s laminated so it’s slick. Don’t most cats like rough surfaces to scratch on? And I don’t get the rocking part at all. I would think it wouldn’t be stable enough for a cat to consider it sratchable. Even in the wild, the trees don’t move as they scratch on the trunks. My cat’s favorite scratching posts are tall, stable and covered in sisal. They don’t budge no matter how hard she scratches.
While my initial reaction was, “WOW! Gorgeous!”, I have to agree with Pat DeWald posting before me on this one. It’s got style and panache, but it needs more thougtht — I’d like to see something clawable! and have it be very stable as well. Back to the drawing board, guys — it’s a good start!
I agree – it looks like a sculpture that your cats won’t even look twice at. Why would you design a wobbly scratching post? smh
Hi Pat, jmuhj, and kt42,
I’m James Owen and I’m the designer of this cat scratching post. Thanks for your comments and concerns! The surface of the cat scratching post actually isn’t slick. It’s pieces of real, solid wood glued together (and then lathed) which in manufacturing language is called “lamination”. It’s not at all like laminated flooring which might be what you’re thinking of. There is plenty of purchase on the surface of our prototype for cats to get a hold of!
Also, the Leo Cat Scratching Post does not wobble or rock. We modified the base after the first prototype and testing (which is what you see in the pictures) so that it does not rock and stays stable. Cat’s like a stable object to sharpen their claws on! In fact, most cats that we’ve tested it with love this scratching post!
It is stunning. But I think the photos and video should showcase the final design – not an earlier prototype. My first thought was that it is a gorgeous piece of design, but not feasible as a cat-scratching surface, because it not stable. Even in the video the cat isn’t scratching it. If you want generate enough funds to develop your product you probably need to show supporters that it is practical as well as beautiful. I hope to see another campaign with the final product featured, if this one is not successful. Good luck!
James, this is stunning.
I love the overall look of this especially since regular scratching posts tend to be bulky and quite frankly, ugly. I have one at the corner of my couch since that’s where my little girl, Charlotte, naps. That way, when she wakes up and stretches she goes right to her scratching post. Unfortunately, when I have friends or guests come to my house I’m constantly explaining what it is (unless they have a cat or I put it away). I’d love to have something like this there instead; it almost looks like a piece of art!
I still don’t understand the pieces of wood that are “lathed” together. The pictures make it look like a smooth surface. Perhaps different photos would help? Just an opinion! Otherwise, seems like an AMAZING product that I, or Charlotte, rather, would be interested in trying out.
Great scratching post an new view on how the cat would like it to be but also a pleasure to have. One first wonders what the object is made for.
As we have a young cat since december last, we have don some research on scratching pole’s and fond the DOG scratching post our best choice, one that not only for the cate is great pleasure but for us as well.
http://www.nlstudio.eu/design-shop/accessories/DOG-Scratchpost-Erik-Stehmann.html
We had seen it at a cat shelter where they were using it for 3 years with at least 10 cats at a time and there were no sign’s of wear.
Is it in production yet? Can I buy one?
Love this. Where can I get one in Australia?
Really gorgeous! My cat likes trees, rough and smooth, and I think he’d love this. I would too. Great idea and great design. I hope you get it on the market soon!
Maybe a close-up of the surface?
This is a terrible design. Many cats won’t scratch something that doesn’t feel sturdy and solid. They just can’t dig into it.
A beautiful piece of furniture – and a real treat for the kitties! Is it available?