Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. They do it to sharpen their claws, mark their territory, and stretch their muscles. However, this behavior can be destructive when they scratch your furniture or carpets. That's why it's important to provide your feline friend with a cat scratching post. In this blog post, we will discuss how to select the best cat scratching post for your cat, and we will recommend some great pet supplies and products that can help.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
As we mentioned earlier, cats scratch for several reasons.
One of the main reasons is to sharpen their claws. Scratching helps remove the
outer layer of their claws, revealing a sharper, new layer underneath.
Scratching also helps cats mark their territory. When they scratch, they leave
behind their scent, which lets other cats know that this is their space.
Finally, scratching helps cats stretch their muscles. It's a form of exercise
that can help keep them healthy and fit.
Why Do You Need a Cat Scratching Post?
If your cat doesn't have a designated place to scratch, they
may choose to scratch your furniture or carpets instead. This can be
frustrating and expensive. Cat scratching posts provide a safe and appropriate
place for cats to scratch. They can help redirect your cat's scratching
behavior and protect your furniture at the same time.
How to Select the Best Cat Scratching Post for Your Cat
When selecting a cat scratching post, there are several
factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the best one for
your feline friend:
- Size: Make sure the scratching post is tall enough for your cat to stretch out fully. This will allow them to get a good stretch and exercise their muscles.
- Material: Look for scratching posts made of materials that cats love to scratch, such as sisal rope, cardboard, or carpet. Avoid posts made of materials that are uncomfortable for your cat to scratch, such as plastic or metal.
- Stability: The scratching post should be stable and not wobble or tip over when your cat uses it. This will prevent your cat from getting injured and also prevent any damage to your home.
- Location: Place the scratching post in an area where your cat likes to hang out. This could be near their bed, near a window, or in the living room.
- Style: Choose a scratching post that fits with your home's decor. There are many different styles available, from simple posts to elaborate trees and towers.
Now that you know what to look for in a cat scratching post,
let's take a look at some great pet supplies and products that can help.
The SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post offers a sturdy and
durable 32-inch height that allows your cat to fully stretch while scratching.
Its fibrous sisal material provides a satisfying surface for maintaining claw
health.
This innovative design from PetFusion features three
scratching surfaces, catering to your cat's preferences. Made from recycled
corrugated cardboard, it's eco-friendly and provides a satisfying texture.
Save floor space with the 4CLAWS Wall-Mounted Scratching
Post, which easily attaches to your wall. This design encourages vertical
scratching, helping your cat stretch and exercise.
The Kitty City XL Wide Premium Scratching Collection is
perfect for large cats or multiple-cat households. The wide, durable base
ensures stability, while the plush carpet and sisal rope surfaces provide
variety.
The AmazonBasics Cat Scratching Post is an affordable option
that offers a plush carpet surface and a sisal rope post, giving your cat the
best of both worlds.
Add some fun to your living space with the Frisco Cactus Cat
Scratching Post. The whimsical design features a sisal-wrapped cactus and a
soft, plush base for lounging.
The Go Pet Club Cat Tree is a multi-level playground for
your cat, featuring multiple sisal-covered posts, platforms, and a cozy
hideaway for relaxation.
Petlinks Sky Scratch Post is a tall, vertical scratching
post with a unique design. The upper and lower halves twist to adjust the
height, accommodating cats of all sizes.
The Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy combines a circular track
with a ball and a replaceable corrugated cardboard scratching pad, providing
both entertainment and scratching surfaces.
The Catit Style Scratcher is a stylish cardboard cat
scratcher with a unique curved design. Its ergonomic shape allows your cat to
stretch and scratch comfortably.
This budget-friendly option from Paws & Pals offers a
sturdy base with a dangling ball toy and a sisal-wrapped post, perfect for
keeping your cat entertained.
The MidWest Feline Nuvo Grand Forte Scratching Post is a
towering 41 inches tall, with a thick sisal-wrapped post and an ultra-soft faux
fur base.
The K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Scratcher is a convenient
window-mounted option, allowing your cat to scratch and observe the outdoors
simultaneously.
Designed to blend seamlessly with your furniture, the You
& Me Couch Cardboard Cat Scratcher is a stylish option that features a
corrugated cardboard surface.
The Trixie Parla Scratching Post is a simple yet effective
choice, featuring a plush base and a sisal-wrapped post for your cat's scratching
needs.
This versatile scratcher from Pioneer Pet can be
wall-mounted or used on the floor. It features a fibrous sisal surface that
cats love to scratch.
The Frisco Incline Cat Scratcher is an angled scratching
post made of corrugated cardboard. It's perfect for cats who prefer horizontal
scratching surfaces and encourages healthy claw maintenance.
This cat scratcher doubles as a lounging area, with three
tiers of sisal-wrapped posts and a plush carpet surface. It's perfect for
multi-cat households or cats who love to climb.
The Vesper Cat Furniture V-High Base is a sleek and modern
option that features tall, sisal-wrapped posts and a cozy hideaway. Its
contemporary design will complement any home décor.
This unique 2-in-1 cat scratcher from Petstages combines a
cozy hammock with a corrugated cardboard scratching surface. It's perfect for
cats who love to scratch and lounge.
Choosing the best cat scratching post for your feline friend
can be overwhelming, but understanding your cat's preferences and considering
factors like durability, materials, and design will make the selection process
easier. Remember, providing a suitable scratching post not only saves your
furniture but also promotes healthy claw maintenance and exercise for your cat.
With these 20 options, you're sure to find the perfect scratching post to suit
your pet's needs and your home décor.