The two things an indoor cat needs from its furniture are somewhere to scratch and something that moves. Splitting those across two objects means two things taking up floor space, and the chase toy usually ends up under the sofa within a week of arriving. Putting the ball on a track around the base of the post keeps it exactly where the cat already goes, and keeps it out from under the furniture.

Wood and sisal do the work here. The column is sisal wrapped, which strips the dead claw sheath cleanly and wears down evenly rather than tearing into hanging strips, and the base is wood rather than moulded plastic, so it is heavier and stays put when a cat swipes hard at the ball. The bear motif is the only finish offered, and it is understated enough to leave out in a living room rather than hide in a utility.

• Wooden base with a sisal-wrapped vertical post
• Rolling ball track built into the base
• Bear design, one finish only
• Approximately 500g
• Supplied as one unit

It is a small piece. At around 500g this is a compact scratcher rather than a full-height post, and the manufacturer publishes no height for it at all. A cat that stretches right up the door frame needs something taller as its main post, so use this as the one in the second room or as a kitten's first.

Who it's for: Kittens, indoor cats who have to entertain themselves during the working day, and small flats where a full-size tower is out of the question.