It?s difficult to keep your furniture whole when you have a cat; we all know how much they love scratching anything they can put their paws on. They do it because they want to sharpen their claws and because they need exercise, just like humans. Although the list of supplies you need for a cat can be overwhelming, a cat scratching post is also recommended.
There?s not much you can do to stop the constant scratching because cats like to leave their visual markings everywhere. That way, they mark their territory leaving their scent and warnings for any other feline intruders. That is the reason why many cats choose to scratch furniture that is more prominent (like a sofa or an arm chair), so anyone who enters the room will know immediately whose territory they are in.
A scratching post should be a priority in every cat owner?s house because it is essential and provides the ideal format for a cat?s needs. A cat that isn?t allowed to scratch develops soft, atrophied muscles and it's also going to lack suppleness. Scratching also relaxes the cat and takes away the stress in every cat?s life. Scratching posts are usually more attractive to cats than furniture is, because posts get the job done and meet what the cat needs. Like human fingernails, cats? claws constantly grow and need regular attention. The front claws can easily be shortened and cleaned by hooking them in a material and pulling downward. That is the system a scratching post brings to the table, helping the cat take care of its nails all on its own.
First, you need to choose the right type of scratching post. You want it to look good and blend in well with the rest of the furniture and the general aesthetics of the house. If the scratching post is pretty, but not effective from a cat?s point of view it might end up sitting in a corner and just gathering dust. Many of the posts available to buy are covered in carpet - those are ineffective because they are too soft and won?t help the kitty sharpen its claws, and therefore posts should be covered in rough material.
You should also choose sturdy, tall posts that allow your pet to reach up and stretch while scratching. Place them around areas where your cat likes to sleep and slowly get a scratching routine started. You can do that by gently helping your cat do scratching motions on the post and reward them immediately. Also, every time the cat scratches any kind of furniture in the house, simply pick the pet up and put it on the scratching post so that it understands that?s where it should go when it needs to scratch. Consistency is the key here.
A scratching post is crucial for any cat because they need an outlet for their urge to scratch. Providing a scratching post can save your furniture, drapery and carpeting from destruction and it can make your cat?s life better. Obtaining a cat scratching post is vital to your pet's well-being ? as well as your home's.
Cat Scratching Posts ? A Short Buying Guide
When it comes to scratching posts, many cat owners find it very confusing to choose the right ones for their cats, considering that there are many different products on the market and cats are pretentious; if they dislike a thing, they will ignore it no matter what.
So? how do you know what scratching post is best for your cat?
The most important thing is to learn to know your cat. Some cats prefer horizontal surfaces, stretched along the floor, while others like vertical or even angled surfaces. Commercially available scratching posts provide all these options.
Another important thing to consider is the size of your cat. Choose a scratching post big enough to allow your cat to stretch out and sturdy enough to resist her strength, otherwise she will not enjoy using it.
Scratching posts are also different when it comes to the materials they are made from.
? Cardboard
Cardboard scratching surfaces are cheap, although they shred more easily and your cat can make a real mess spreading around all those bits of cardboard. But it is still a much better option than allowing her to ruin your couch.
The best thing about cardboard is that it can be replaced easily when it gets destroyed. You do not have to buy a new scratcher, but only a refill. Cardboard scratchers are designed to be attractive for cats; they have different shapes and holes where you can hide catnip or other treats. Many cats will use them not just to scratch and stretch but also to simply lie on top of them; which is good, meaning that it is their property now and they like it.
? Sisal rope
Sisal posts are more expensive, but very resistant. They offer some of the best long-lasting surfaces for cats to scratch, because this material is durable and provide pets with a tough surface, which feels great for them, even if it doesn`t have places to hide treats and catnip, like cardboard.
Destroyed posts can be rewrapped by owners interested in DIY projects, or replaced with new models.
? Carpet
Carpeted scratching posts are probably the most popular, because carpet can be attached to different surfaces, of many shapes and sizes. However, you should also consider the downsides before buying this type of scratching post:
- Your cat may switch easily from the post to your carpet, because? duh, it feels the same, right?
- Some cats prefer a particular carpet type, so you may have to experiment a bit
- Carpet is less durable than sisal rope, not to mention that it needs maintenance, otherwise it will retain dirt, dust and cat hair.
Newer models come with options to replace only the scratching materials and keep the base, which makes them more affordable.
? Wood is another great scratching material, although it is not as common as the other materials. Wood will last longer than sisal, it doesn`t retain dirt and provides the cat a natural experience.
Consider these aspects and choose the scratching post that fits you and your cat best.
