Cat scratchers promote physical and mental well-being in cats.
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Best cat scratching posts in 2024
If your cat regularly scratches your sofa or favourite furniture, it's not to annoy you! Felines need to sharpen their claws and perform stretching exercises to maintain their physical and mental health.
That's why there are many different types of cat scratchers. There are horizontal and vertical scratching posts made of carpet, sisal, or cardboard. There are even scratching mats that can be hung on the edge of the sofa.
Choose a scratching pad that is as least as tall as your cat while standing on their hind legs. This will allow them to sink the claws into the scratcher surface without bending them. It's useful to note that the rougher the surface of the scratching post, the more the cat will be drawn to it. You can put their favourite toys on it or sprinkle some catnip to help the animal get adjusted to their new play space.
Do you have a kitten coming home soon? Prepare the space right away by purchasing a high-quality scratching post. We have selected several models to help you make the best choice. You'll witness some great scratching action!
Summary
Why should I buy a cat scratching post?
Cats have a natural need to sharpen their claws. They are born predators, and their claws serve various functions for wild cats, including hunting, clawing, climbing, and so on. Domestic cats have preserved their instincts and must sharpen their claws regularly. The claws are constantly growing, and if they become too long, they hinder the animal's ability to run normally.
This is why cats are always looking for locations to sharpen their claws. Some cats like to claw at the legs of furniture, while others prefer to scratch on the sofa, and yet others choose to tear at the walls and wallpaper.
Buying a scratching post provides cats with an available area to scratch. This sort of accessory is typically made of sisal rope, which is very popular among cats for scratching.
What are the benefits of a cat scratcher?
Cat scratching posts have several advantages. Scratching sessions on this suitable surface are quite enjoyable for the cats. They spend a lot of time clawing on the scratching board, which allows them to exercise and stretch.
Moreover, scratching posts are generally pretty compact, so you won't have any trouble finding a space in a small room. Some of the designs are even reversible.
Furthermore, most scratching posts allow you to sprinkle catnip on them: your pet will be immediately drawn to its scratcher and will have a relaxing time.
They are available in several styles, including posts and wall scratchers. Scratching mats are also available for cats who like to stay on the floor. Most cat trees have scratching posts as well.
How do I teach my cat to use a scratcher?
You need to draw the kitten's attention to the scratcher so that it understands the purpose of this strange accessory. To do this, play with your pet near it. Run a feather or a small ball over it, causing the cat to leap on the scratcher and explore the feeling of sisal beneath its paws.
Place your cat on the scratching mat while caressing them from time to time so that they understand it is their own space. Don't be afraid to reward your cat with small treats to help them link the scratching post with something nice. However, you should never force your cat! These creatures dislike being pressured. Don't push them to return if they leave the scratching post as soon as you put them on it.
You may also sprinkle cat pheromones or catnip on the post. It will become quite enticing to your pet!
Leave the cat scratching board lying down on the floor for the first several days. If you have a shy cat, it will be able to investigate the new accessory at its own pace.
Where do I place a cat scratching post?
One of the sites where cats deposit the most pheromones is the wooden cat scratching post. Place it in a busy space to encourage your cat to mark its territory. Cats also like seeing what is going on around them. If the scratching post is in a busy area, they will be more eager to use it.
If possible, place the scratching post in front of a window so the cat can look out while sharpening its claws. Does your cat enjoy climbing? The scratcher should then be placed high on a shelf or in the cat tree.
How can I prevent my cat from scratching the furniture?
Buying a scratching post for your cat is an excellent way to keep your cat from clawing the furniture. It provides them with a new scratching surface that is far more pleasant and practical than the sofa or wallpaper. This, however, is insufficient for some cats, who keep their bad habits!
In this case, you can use transparent film or aluminium foil to cover the targeted furniture. The cat will hate the sensation and instinctively return to its scratching post. Other animal-safe cat repellents are available; however, cats often hate these smells.
As a last resort, move the furniture and temporarily install the scratching post in its place. This might be the favourite spot for your cat to hang out!
