How To Choose The Best Cat Scratching Post: Complete Buying Guide
As cat parent to five furry felines, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find the perfect scratching post that my cats will actually use.
My furniture has certainly endured its fair share of battle scars from those razor-sharp cat claws over the years.
Fortunately, providing the right scratching solution for your cat can potentially save your home furnishings from complete destruction.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose one that will appeal to your cat?
One size most definitely does not fit all when it comes to satisfying your cat’s scratching needs.
Just like people, cats have their own unique preferences.
This means that selecting the perfect scratching post for your very own furball is critical—both for their happiness and the future well-being of your furniture.
In this post, I’ll draw from my experiences with my five opinionated cats to help you make an informed purchase.
Choosing The Right Material
Ideally, your choice of scratching material should be dictated by your cat’s personal preferences.
Scratching posts are typically made of sisal rope, carpet, or cardboard.
Research tells us that most cats tend to incline towards rope or sisal due to its roughness and durability, which provides a satisfying scratch.
Carpeted posts may be more aesthetically pleasing in some homes.
More importantly, older cats, in particular, often favor softer materials that are gentler on their joints and don’t require them to stand on their back legs.
Cardboard scratchers are a budget-friendly option and in my experience, cats absolutely love them.
But they may not last as long as sisal rope posts and also make a bit of a mess!
On the plus side, the cardboard used in cat scratch posts is often recycled and recyclable, making it a good environmentally-friendly choice.
Choosing The Right Size
Research shows that most cats prefer vertical posts that are at least 3ft high with a sisal substrate.
This allows them to stretch and fully engage their claws, which is a natural way for them to mark their territory.
The minimum height of 3-feet allows cats to fully stretch their bodies and muscles during scratching, an activity that is both physically and psychologically enjoyable for them.
Having said that, some cats (especially senior cats) may prefer diagonal or horizontal scratching surfaces, so it’s always important to observe your furry friend’s scratching behavior to get a better idea of his preferences.
The right scratch post can make all the difference when it comes to saving your home furnishings!
Individual Preference
I’ve mentioned this several times, but it often gets ignored and is really important: Acknowledging and adapting to your cat’s individual scratching habits and preferences is essential.
If you provide your cat with a scratch post that caters to his specific likes and needs, chances are you’ll have a happy cat who will be far less likely to scratch your furniture.
Location
Location of the scratch post is also important—it’s best to place it in an area where a cat would normally scratch in the wild, such as to mark the borders of his territory.
In the home, a sunny spot by a window can be a great option, as can a location close to a doorway or the entrance to a room.
Paying attention to where your cat’s scratch post is located can make all the difference to whether he finds it appealing to use it (or not).
Multi-Level Options
If you have multiple cats, consider investing in a multi-level scratching post or cat tree tower.
These options provide ample scratching surfaces and resting spots for several cats at once, reducing the chances of competition or territorial issues.
They also offer a fun and stimulating environment for cats to play, climb, and scratch on.
Longevity And Durability
Durability is of the essence when it comes to scratching posts.
An investment in a high-quality, sturdy post will not only withstand the rigors of cat scratching but will also serve as a permanent outlet for your cat’s scratching habits.
Sturdier posts typically hold up better over time, reducing the need for frequent replacements and offering better value for money.
Stability
When choosing a scratch post, make sure it has a stable base so your cat feels secure when scratching, climbing and jumping.
This will also prevent the post from wobbling or tipping over, which can be scary for your cat and potentially cause injury.
Safety
Look for posts made from natural, non-toxic materials that don’t have small parts that could potentially come loose and harm your cat if he chews or swallows them.
Regularly check the post for wear and tear to ensure it remains safe for your cat to use.
If you notice any signs of damage, it’s best to replace the post immediately.
Activity Options
Some scratching posts feature toys or self-groomers to encourage cats to interact and play with the post.
Consider your cat’s personality and preferences when choosing a post with added features.
If he sees his scratch post as a veritable kitty playground where it’s fun to hang out, he will build up an increasingly positive association with it.
And of course, the more time he spends there, the more he is likely to scratch there too.
Provide Choices
Living with five rescue cats as I do, I always like to make sure to provide multiple resources for our resident felines.
This helps reduce competition amongst the cats, and means they can all make their own choices as to where they eat, drink, sleep, go to the bathroom, and—yes—scratch.
Even if you only have one cat, providing multiple resources gives him different choices so he can make his own choices depending on how he feels at the time.
This not only helps to prevent boredom and potentially destructive behavior, but also gives him more control over his environment.
It’s a simple way to reduce a cat’s stress levels and provide additional environmental enrichment.
Price
When it comes to choosing a scratch post, remember that you get what you pay for.
A cheap, flimsy post may seem like a bargain at first, but it may need frequent replacements as it becomes worn or damaged.
Investing in a higher quality and more durable scratch post may cost more initially, but it will save you money in the long run and provide a better experience for your cat.
Plus, don’t forget to factor in the cost of potential damage to furniture or other items if your cat doesn’t have an appropriate outlet for his natural scratching behavior.
Keep in mind too, the potential savings in behavioral consultations or replacement furniture that may be necessary if your cat’s scratching behavior becomes a real problem.
In the end, investing in a quality scratch post is worth it for both you and your feline friend.
non-toxic materials and parts, no loose parts that could come loose and your cat could chew or swallow, and a sturdy base that won’t tip over or wobble.
FAQs
Why do cats need scratching posts?
Cats require scratching posts to help keep their claws sharp and clean, to stretch and flex their bodies, and to mark their territory with both visual marks and scent glands found in their paws.
Scratching is an innate behavior that contributes to a cat’s physical and psychological health, making scratching posts essential tools for well-being.
Can a scratching post deter my cat from scratching furniture?
Yes, a scratching post can deter a cat from scratching furniture.
Providing an appropriate scratching surface can redirect your cat’s natural scratching behavior away from unwanted areas.
Positioning the scratching post near the furniture and encouraging its use with catnip, treats, or toys can further promote this positive behavior.
How do I train my cat to use a scratching post?
It’s important to make using the post an appealing and rewarding experience so your cat starts to build a positive association.
Place the post in a prominent location and sprinkle some catnip or some of your cat’s all-time favorite treats on and around it.
Whenever you see your cat scratching or showing any interest in the post—even if he’s just looking at it or sniffing around the base—praise and reward him with delicious treats or a fun game.
We know that behaviors that get rewarded tend to be repeated, so make sure you keep those rewards coming.
If your cat continues to scratch furniture or other inappropriate surfaces, gently redirect him to the scratching post with a toy, catnip or silvervine, or his favorite treats.
Again, reward him with praise and treats when he uses the post or shows any interest in it.
Consistency is key when training any behavior.
It may take some time for your cat to fully adopt the scratching post as his new preferred scratching surface, but stay consistent and you should be able to successfully train him to use it.
Providing multiple scratching options throughout your home can also help satisfy your cat’s natural urge to scratch in a variety of locations.
I go into this in much more detail in this article about how to keep your cat from scratching the furniture.
Should I punish my cat for scratching the furniture?
Always avoid scolding or punishing your cat, as this can create a negative association with the scratch post.
It may also make him fearful or anxious, or damage the trust he has in you.
Instead, focus on rewarding and redirecting positive behavior and remember that he is not intentionally trying to destroy your furniture.
For cats, scratching is a natural and necessary behavior, so it’s our job as cat parents to provide our cats with appropriate outlets for it and teach them how to use them.
How often should I replace my cat’s scratching post?
The frequency of replacing a cat’s scratching post depends on the durability of the post and the intensity of the cat’s use.
A clear sign for replacement is when the post becomes worn out and no longer serves its purpose effectively.
Some scratching posts have replaceable parts, extending the life of the initial purchase.
