Cat Scratching Posts: How to Find the Right Scratching Post For Your Cat

It’s no secret that cats love to scratch. This is a natural urgebehaviour, as cats need to maintain their claws and keep them sharp, trimmed and prevent splitting, so should be encouraged.

Yet many new cat owners can be at a loss when it comes to how to prevent their cats from scratching the furniture or tearing cushions with their claws. The answer is, of course, their very own scratching posts dedicated to your cat’s daily pawdicures.

In this article, we will offer you a guide on how to choose the best scratching post for your cat.

What is a cat scratching post?

A scratching post is usually a vertical wooden post covered with different kinds of material. This material offers resistance to your cat’s claws, which makes the process of scratching satisfying for them and helps keep their claws in tip top shape.

Cat scratching posts come in different shapes and sizes. Some scratching posts are simple vertical pillars on solid wooden bases. Others can be shaped as cactuses or castles – anything you can think of, in fact. They can also have horizontal platforms attached to them at varying levels for your cat to climb and rest.

These do not have to be posts however. You can also get wooden of plastic frames with your cat’s favourite scratching material in their centre. These can be attached to the wall at a height your cat can reach, allowing them to scratch away to their heart’s content.

Why do cats scratch?

You might be wondering why all the scratching. There are many reasons why cats love to scratch: it keeps their claws in good condition, it helps them express how they feel, especially if something stresses them out. Cats scratching is also a way for them to mark territory or sometimes get your attention. This is why a scratching post is so important for the little scratcher in the family. And will help keep your furniture and carpets safe.

How to choose a cat scratching post, tree or other cat scratching furniture both you and your pet will love?

The most important factor when choosing a cat scratching post is material. Scratching posts come in various materials. The best scratching posts for cats actually differ from cat to cat depending on their preferences, so you may have to experiment a bit before you find a post your cat will love.

How tall should a cat scratching post be?

When choosing the best scratching post for cats, you can go as grand as you like. You can choose a simple vertical post or you can decide to install a cat tree that your cat can move around in with a variety of scratching opportunities and platforms to rest on.

It it is important to make sure your scratching post is not too short. Cats like to stretch their bodies upwards when they scratch, working out all their muscles. If your post is too small, it could deny them that exercise and thus a vital health benefit of scratching. Cats will also lose interest in small posts easily and find other places to scratch.

Posts that are taller than your cat’s length are the best scratching posts for cats. This will let your cat  stretch  as they scratches giving a full workout. Make sure the base on such posts is sturdy, and that there is no danger of it falling over when your cat is on it. Attach cat trees to the wall.

When should you renew a cat scratching post?

Replace a scratching post once your cat has shredded the material so that it longer gives any satisfaction. Some scratching posts, like those made of cardboard, would have to be replaced with a new one quite often.

Others posts can simply be renewed. In the case of the sisal rope, sisal fabric and carpet, you can just replace the material on the wooden post. 

Where should you put a cat scratching post?

• Inside the house: Cats usually tend to all their grooming requirements indoors – and this includes claw care.
• When cats scratch, they deposit their scent on the post, thus marking it as part of their territory. Scratching itself is part of the cat’s process of marking their territory. Thus, the best scratching posts for cats are placed inside the house, rather than outside.
• Place it near where your cat is already scratching: If your cat already has a specific spot where  they like to scratch, place the post near that spot or on top of it. This will direct their attention to the post and save your carpet and furniture from more damage.
• Place it in a safe place: It is important that the scratching post is not near any sharp corners that could injure your cat as they climbs or jumps. Counter edges or table corners could be harmful for your cat.
• Top spots: Near the bed or litter tray are often good places to place a scratching post, as cats are able to combine their activities in one space. Near the sofa is also a good place, as some cats love to mark their scent on furniture.
• Cat trees allow your cat to play, climb, jump, survey their territory and indulge in a good pawdicure all in one place.

Have several scratching posts around the house and check all regularly.

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the range of scratching posts out there. However, we hope this guide has shown you that there are only a few basic things to keep in mind when choosing the best scratching post for your cat. These posts can be as simple or as fancy as you like. The most important thing to remember is that your cat is an individual and will have a definite preference for what material they prefer to use to scratch on. After a little bit of trial and error, you will soon discover what your cat prefers. 

Another favourite pastime for cats involved boxes. If you’re baffles as to why cats like boxes so much, we think we found the explanation. Read our articles, next.