Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy

June 23, 2011 2:42 pm | By Zootoo Editor Flinn D.

A multi-function cat toy that also saves your furniture, the Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy uses a potent combination of track ball, scratch pad, and catnip to hypnotize felines and keep them playing for long stretches of time.

The design of the Bergan Turbo Scratcher is deceptively simple. The circular track surrounding the central scratch pad contains a small ball that cats can bat back and forth. And the size of the track – 16 inches in diameter – ensures that cats can keep the ball in motion with their paws, without having the toy take over your living room.

And if the track portion of the Bergan Turbo Scratcher isn’t enough to keep your finicky feline satisfied during playtime, the center of the track’s ring contains a scratch pad. Cat owners who watch in dismay as sofa arms and furniture backs get torn to shreds will appreciate this clever addition -- especially since the combination of the scratcher and track ring reinforces appropriate scratching behavior. And the scratch pads are replaceable, a nice bonus if your cat takes to the pad as much as our tester felines did. In fact, if your furniture is the usual backup for your cat’s claws, you may want to keep a few replacement pads on hand just in case.

The Bergan Turbo Scratcher also includes catnip for that rare feline who isn’t already enchanted by the track and scratcher.

At a price of under $14 during some online sales, the Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy is a solid value, giving cats the chance to enjoy interactive play while satisfying their urge to scratch with an appropriate outlet.

Pros: Track ball, scratch pad, and catnip combine to keep cats hypnotized.

Cons: Cats may love it too much… and run through the scratch pads quickly.