Cat Scratching Post Options

Purchasing a cat scratching post is a must if you want to save your furniture, flooring, walls, curtains and patience from being tattered and snagged beyond salvation.  Cats scratch surfaces in order to keep their claws clean, sharp and in good condition.  The act of scratching also stretches and exercises certain muscle groups in the legs and shoulders.  Because it is a natural and healthy activity,  cats should not be stopped from scratching, but rather encouraged to scratch in a specific place.

Teaching your cat to use a scratching post is fairly simple, although we all know how stubborn cats can be! Luckily, most cat scratching posts are designed to be great places for cats to scratch,  made out of sisal, carpet or other materials which are ideal for cats to use to keep their claws trimmed.  Once in your home, you will probably find that your cat is naturally drawn to exploring and then scratching the post.  If you do find your cat scratching anywhere other than on his post, tell him “No” and clap once loudly to startle him into stopping.

Because scratching also stretches and tones a cat´s legs,  many cats like to have a few scratching areas where they can stand in different positions.  This is where a larger, more elaborate cat scratching post comes in useful, as it allows your cat to explore various positions. From basic sisal mats to place on the floor or mount on the wall,  to a standard scratching post on a base, to multi-level trees and activity centres, cat scratching posts come in a huge range of sizes and shapes, and can incorporate several scratching areas, toys, hiding places and places to chill out and relax.  

Think about where your cat currently scratches, and try to replicate the surface, position and angle of his favourite scratching place as closely as possible to make the transition to a new scratching post as trouble free as possible.  Take some time to browse through all of your options to find the perfect fit for your cat.