cat scratching post
Cats love to scratch, and scratching is a natural behavior that helps them mark their territory, exercise their claws, and shed old claw sheaths. But, when your feline loves to scratch on sofas and chairs, this can create a major pain for you and your family. A good cat scratching post can help you redirect your cat’s natural instincts to a more appropriate surface and save your furniture from damage.
Cat scratching posts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your home and your cat’s preferences. Some are covered in carpeting, while others are covered with rough sisal or corrugated cardboard. Still others are wood posts, which mimic the feeling of tree bark in the wild and may last longer than other materials. The best cat scratching post will be stable and tall enough for your cat to stretch out and scratch on, while also being easy to clean.
You can choose a vertical or horizontal cat scratching post, and you can try multiple types of material to see what your cat prefers. A rough sisal covering is a common choice, as it feels good to cats and resembles the texture of tree bark. Cardboard is another popular material for scratching surfaces, and it’s easy to find pre-made posts made of this material. Cardboard isn’t as durable as sisal, though, and it tends to attract dirt and leave ragged bits of cardboard behind.
Does cat scratching post come with any additional toys or features?
Another option is a wooden post, which many cats like for its feel and appearance. However, some owners report that it may not be as sturdy as other scratching posts, and they can be prone to cracking or warping over time. Some cats may prefer a flat scratching surface, which is easier to stand up against.
Some cat scratching posts have extra features, such as perches for resting or play, or may include toys to encourage your pet to use the post. Other models feature a built-in litter box, which may be helpful if you need to keep your cat’s scratching area free of mess and odor.
A simple scratching post is an affordable and easy-to-assemble option that’s a good choice for most cats. It’s a good idea to place the scratching post near where your cat likes to scratch on other furniture, and you can even use a piece of double-sided tape to help direct their scratching to the right spot. Eventually, your cat will learn to scratch the post and will stop scratching your sofa and other furniture items. For the best results, confine your cat to a room with the scratching post until they’re using it regularly, and then gradually give them more freedom in other areas of your home. Sign up for the Chewy Cat newsletter and get a free e-book with important information about caring for your cat, including tips on choosing the best cat scratching post to suit her needs. This e-book also includes training techniques to help you successfully train your cat to use the scratching post and keep her from scratching other surfaces.
