Sisal Pole 8x5 vs 20x5: Which M8 Size for Your Cat?
By Cat Tree King | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Cat Tree King Sisal Pole 8x5 and 20x5 M8 Blackline components. Find out which height suits your cat's scratching habits and your cat tree setup.
Quick answer
Choose the 8-inch Sisal Pole for compact cat trees or smaller cats, and the 20-inch Sisal Pole for taller trees or cats that prefer a full-body stretch while scratching.
Height matters for scratching comfort
Cats scratch to stretch their muscles and mark territory. A pole that matches your cat's preferred stretching height encourages regular use. The 8-inch pole works well for kittens or cats that scratch low, while the 20-inch pole accommodates adult cats that like to reach up.
Space and tree compatibility
Both poles share a 5-inch diameter and M8 screw holes at top and bottom, so they fit any Cat Tree King cat tree with the same thickness and screw size. The main difference is height: the 8-inch pole saves vertical space on smaller trees, while the 20-inch pole adds more scratching surface without increasing the footprint.
Trade-offs at a glance
- 8-inch pole: Best for small cat trees, multi-level setups where you need a short post between platforms, or for cats that prefer scratching low.
- 20-inch pole: Ideal for taller cat trees, single-pole scratching stations, or cats that stretch vertically. Takes up the same floor space as the 8-inch but offers more scratching height.
- Both share the same diameter and M8 mount: You can swap them on the same cat tree base as long as the original post had 5-inch diameter and M8 screws. No extra adapters needed. Check your existing tree's post thickness and screw size before ordering.
Product facts
- Sisal Pole 8 inch x 5 inchØ - M8 (Blackline): 8-inch length, 5-inch diameter, M8 screw holes at top and bottom, glued sisal with ABS interior. Compact enough for low-profile cat trees or as a secondary scratching post in tight spots.
Sisal Pole 8 inch x 5 inchØ - M8 (Blackline) - Sisal Pole 20 inch x 5 inchØ - M8 (Blackline): 20-inch length, 5-inch diameter, M8 screw holes at top and bottom, glued sisal with ABS interior. Provides more vertical scratching area for cats that like to stretch fully, without needing a wider base.
Sisal Pole 20 inch x 5 inchØ - M8 (Blackline)
Which one fits your cat?
Best for
- Cats that scratch low or prefer a shorter post (8-inch)
- Taller cat trees or cats that enjoy a full stretch (20-inch)
Not for
- Cat trees with a different post diameter or screw size (neither pole will fit)
- Cats that need a very tall scratching surface beyond 20 inches
