Cat scratching post

Unfortunately, sometimes owners underestimate the role of a cat scratching post, and some owners complain that the cat flatly refuses to use this useful device, preferring to scratch furniture. Why does a cat need a scratching post and how to choose one to interest a pet?

In the photo: the cat uses a scratching post. Photo: flickr.com

Why does a cat need a scratching post?

Many owners believe that the scratching post is needed only for one purpose – sharpening the claws (hence the name of this item). However, the purr uses the scratching post not only for this purpose. So why do you need a cat scratching post?

1. Definitely for sharpening claws.
2. Also, a scratching post is a way to stretch after sleep.
3. The ability to relieve stress if the cat is stressed.
4. The ability to leave a mark (both visual – a trace of scratches, and smell, because the cat has smell glands near the paw pads). This is very important because a cat is a territorial animal and needs to mark its territory.

How to choose a scratching post for a cat?

Sometimes owners complain that the cat completely ignores the scratching post. However, this is most likely due to the fact that you did not quite correctly guess the tastes of your pet. How to choose a scratching post so that the cat agrees to use it?

1. Exist claws, different shapes and different materials (cardboard, sisal rope, carpet fabric). All cats have different preferences regarding the material from which the scratching post is made. You can choose a few pieces, put them in the house and see what material your purr prefers.
2. Also important claw point angle: they are either vertical or horizontal. For example, a cat that prefers a vertical scratching post will most likely not use a horizontal one, but will go to your sofa. But if you notice that your pet loves to “drape” the carpet, then she prefers horizontal scratching posts.
3. It is important that base of the scratching post was wide enough, and she herself was safe, otherwise this useful device could fall and scare the cat. It is unlikely that after this the purr will want to approach the terrible object again.

Offer the cat several options for scratching posts to choose from, and for sure she will like some of the proposed ones.

In the photo: vertical and horizontal cat scratching post.Photo: flickr.com

To add extra appeal to the scratching post, you can treat it with catnip.