Find the 'Scratching Post' that best suits your companion cat

Anyone who shares a home with a lifelong feline companion can relate to this complaint: no matter how many times they are told, cats still satisfy themselves by scratching every piece of furniture in the house, from sofas to wardrobes.

So, let's learn all about an essential item cats cannot do without: 'the scratching post (a wooden post designed for cats to scratch with their claws)'.

Kittens

According to Pam Johnson-Bennett, who has published various books on cat behavior and training, a scratching post should be chosen considering the cat's age. This is because the scratching behavior of cats varies slightly depending on their age.

Preferences for the direction of scratching vary from cat to cat, and some cats prefer scratching horizontally. In this case, carpets or floors may become their targets, so it is effective to lay down scratching pads so they can scratch to their heart's content. Since kittens scratch continuously, it is good to move the scratching pads to locations they prefer. If they scratch the pad instead of the furniture, do not hesitate to praise them. Kittens will soon remember that the scratching pad is the optimal place for scratching behavior.

Adult Cats

Cats value territory. And they leave marks by scratching things they consider their own with their claws. In the world of cats, the traces left by scratching vertically with claws serve as a visual signal to others passing by. This is because cats emit their unique scent through the sweat glands in their paw pads. Therefore, if you are raising multiple cats, it is good to provide a separate scratching post for each.

In addition, scratching posts can also serve as exercise equipment for cats, as they can stretch their bodies to relieve tension in the lower-back and shoulder muscles and maintain flexibility.

Senior Cats

Scratching posts also benefit cats emotionally. In particular, as cats age, they can use scratching posts more easily and continue getting plenty of scratching exercise. If a cat rushes toward a scratching post and claws it vigorously, there is no need to worry. This is a healthy way for the cat to release its emotions.

The Optimal Scratching Post

A common mistake among cat owners is choosing a scratching post according to their own taste. Remember: the user is the cat, not you. It is important to understand your cat's habits and choose accordingly.

The post must be tall enough for the cat to stretch its body fully while scratching. This is because if it is too low, the cat may feel uncomfortable when it needs to use the post for stretching.

Also, choose something sturdy. You never know when a cat might pounce on the post, and if it wobbles, it can no longer serve as good exercise equipment. Keep in mind that the taller the post, the more solid and sturdy it must be. If the post wobbles and falls over, the cat could get injured.

Due to the sensitive and meticulous nature of cats, the material of the post is also a very important factor. This is because cats will not scratch the post if they do not like it. Look into various materials, such as sisal fabric (sisal is a plant in the agave family), and choose the surface your cat prefers.

▲ Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons