Choosing a scratching post for your cat

Cats love to scratch and it helps keep their claws healthy and in good shape. It helps to stretch their limbs too!

Why do cats scratch?

Cats have scent glands in their paws and inbetween their toes and scratching deposits scent on items. This can make a cat feel more secure in their home.

Choosing a post for your cat

Thinking about the size of your cat in terms of length and weight is sensible (a scratching post that is too small or could easily be knocked over can cause negative associations when your cat is using it).

Corrugated cardboard can be very popular with cats as they can really scratch at it. The cardboard comes off in small pieces.

Some cats scratching posts double up as hidey holes and lots of cats enjoy hiding and playing.

There are some shelves that have material that can be scratched too.

Think about if your cat prefers to scratch horizontally or vertically and choose a post based on this.

Having a few scratching post options if you have the room, can be really helpful as cats often like to scratch in different locations.

A sturdy scratching post is important so the cat can well and truly scratch on it!

Considerations of the location for the post

Being able to access the scratching post is important (if there are lots of chairs and tables around the cat won’t be able to access it easily and stretch upon it). It can be  a great idea to place it near a location your cat often sleeps as many cats like to stretch and scratch after they have woken up.  Placing it away from food and litter trays is important as resources will be used more if they are spaced out.

Does your cat use their scratching post?