Cats need to scratch to keep the edge on their claws, flex and activate their limbs, and mark their territory.
Cats can deface your walls, upholstery, and floors if you don’t provide a good area for scratching.
Understanding why our cats would engage in what we view as negative behavior is essential to living peacefully with them, providing them with an option that is acceptable to us and our furniture.
Cats naturally have the urge to scratch things for several different reasons.
• Cats use scratching to remove their claws’ dead, worn-out outer layers. Removal of the worn-out layers makes room for new, more cutting-edge nails. Your cat’s claws will continue to develop during its lifetime, so you’ll need to give them regular care.
• It also serves as a means of distinguishing their domain. The aroma from the scent glands in their paws due to scratching is both visible and audible.
• In addition to giving them a good body stretch, scratching helps to relax their claws and feet. Therefore, scratching is a necessary aspect of a cat’s grooming routine.
Cats scratch to relieve stress, show enthusiasm, and express emotions like anger.
• Because feline obesity is rising, your cat’s health will benefit from any activity promoting movement and action.
Indoor cats will still have a natural itch to scratch. Thus, a scratching post can come in handy and stop furniture damage.
Do Outdoor Cats Need a Scratching Post?
Cats with outside access frequently scratch at fence posts or tree trunks.
A wooden scratching post can serve as a reminder of the big outdoors for a cat who has spent any time outside.
A typical outdoor cat sharpens its front claws on tree stumps or wooden fenceposts.
For their cat’s enjoyment, some resourceful cat owners bring small stumps or firewood, while others invest in scratching posts made of natural logs.
However, unlike conventional indoor pets, cats kept as pets do not damage furniture when they spend a lot of time outside. As the animal roams its more extensive range, its nails will naturally be kept in good condition.
Like other members of the wild tiger family, outdoor cats will utilize trees and other natural scratching posts.
The best material to sink claws into is wood.
The Benefits of a Cat Scratching Post
You will quickly realize why a cat scratching post is a must for cat owners, although it might not seem like a necessary cat accessory at first.
A cat scratching post could be a harmless piece of furniture. After all, all it is is a pillar or board covered in roping or carpet.
However, by assisting you in redirecting your cat’s natural tendencies and enhancing your cat’s health, this specific item can help alleviate many of the hassles associated with cat ownership.
The following are some uses for a cat scratching post:
For kittens: scratching posts are incredibly beneficial for releasing some pent-up energy.
Cat scratching posts give them a physically demanding exercise and something to cling to in the house from an early age.
The availability of the scratching post will ease their transition and solve any cat behavior issues that might arise in a new setting.
Scratching posts with dangling toys for them to play with will encourage these active kids to use them.
For Your Furniture: Cats love to scratch, even if they don’t have a post to do it on, as many cat owners are aware.
As a result, the cats will search for new objects to scratch, frequently your priceless furniture.
You can avoid scratching by introducing a post into the situation. It’s a common misconception that placing a cat scratching post can prevent your cat from damaging your furniture.
Instead, you must entice him to scratch the post. Adding catnip to it or placing a treat on top can assist with this cat’s bad behavior.
For Your Cat’s Health: Scratching is beneficial for your cat’s health, even though it may appear like an annoying behavior.
Scratching posts keep their claws healthy, give them a ton of activity, and help them decompress.
A happy cat can scratch without worrying about hurting itself, so having a post is crucial.
If you have numerous cats, they will usually congregate near the scratching post due to a shared interest.
As a result, your cats may congregate near the cat scratching post to play and interact with one another. Cats enjoy scratching, so a post is a fantastic method to unite your feline friends!
Can a Cat be Trained to use a Scratching Post?
Using it shouldn’t be a problem as long as it’s in good condition.
Since cats can act in various dramatic ways, the cats may not utilize the scratcher immediately.
However, if you notice that your cat isn’t using the scratching post you bought, the advice provided below may be helpful.
- As cats frequently rest their entire body weight against their scratching post, ensure it is robust, firm, and sturdy enough to withstand this activity.
If the scratching post is not strong enough to withstand this weight or causes the cat to feel wobbly, the cat will stop using it.
Large breeds like the Norwegian Forest, Maine Coon, or larger-than-average cats may be more likely to encounter this since their scratching posts may not be big enough to utilize without knocking them over.
You might notice that your cat stops paying attention to a post after it has wobbled.
Post height is vital for allowing the cat to stretch out completely. For more giant cats, choose the one that is the tallest feasible.
- The appropriate location for the scratching post is essential; otherwise, the cat can disregard it, especially if it is not placed at a strategic point.
Your cat will be more inclined to scratch at the scratching post if placed close to the doors or windows it frequents.
Station the panel around areas your cat already likes to scratch.
Therefore, if your cat enjoys clawing the arm of your couch, acquire a scratching post to preserve your household items.
Cats are encouraged to use scratching posts by placing them near where they typically sleep.
The rationale is that the post helps the cat flex its muscles, typically done after a cat has just woken up.
- Choose a scratching post made of the materials your cat prefers: Sisal ropes, carpets, cardboard, sisal fabrics, and wood are just a few examples of the materials you need to make cat scratching posts.
To increase the likelihood that your pet will utilize the scratching post you buy if you start with only one, study your pet carefully to learn about its preferences.
If you are making it yourself, the same advice still stands. Choosing the proper one for your cat is essential because some cats have unique preferences for the materials they will and won’t utilize.
If you’re starting with only one post, the ideal material to choose is sisal rope or fabric because most cats enjoy them.
Most cats enjoy horizontal scratching surfaces made of cardboard, despite the shredded cardboard can create a little bit of a mess.
Some cats may get their claws caught in the carpet scratching post’s fabric loops.
Your cat will almost certainly cease utilizing that scratching post due to this.
Scratching posts made of carpet may also incite your cat to scratch other carpeted sections of your home, defeating the objective.
- If there are multiple cats, provide more than one cat scratching post. Acquiring many posts may be expensive, but it is necessary since one of the reasons cats scratch, is to claim their territory.
If only one post exists for many cats, some cats may not have access to the only available panel.
Therefore, providing enough scratching posts will provide cats ample resources to share and lessen the chance of scratching post drags.
- Pay attention to your cat’s choice of angular surfaces and provide the proper angle on the scratching post. Find out whether your cat prefers horizontal, more profound, or vertical surfaces.
You need to consider the choice of angular surface since the cat might not be amenable to using the scratching post if it doesn’t meet its preferences.
Since cats will select different scratching surfaces at various times, it is better to provide all three possibilities.
Your cat could prefer to utilize one for stress relief, exercising and stretching its muscles, honing claws, and removing its husks.
- Stop the cat from using and scratching other surfaces: You can stop the cat from using and scratching other surfaces by making them unattractive by covering the rugs and furnishings.
You can also use foil tape and comparable materials. The cat may be discouraged and encouraged to utilize its scratching post as a substitute.
- Encourage your cat to play near the scratching post: A cat typically avoids a new scratching post due to its strange form and smell.
By putting the cat’s toys and other attractions on the scratching post’s surfaces, you can entice it to use it.
Your cat may begin to enjoy spending time next to the scratching post as a result, and before you know it, they’ll be experimenting with it with their claws.
Additionally, placing a pheromone diffuser close to your cat’s new scratching post will create a sense of security and safety around the panel.
Use catnips to attract cats to scratching posts since they are curious about the objects near the new scratching post. And it does its magic, so they continue to use the scratching post.
- Giving your cat a treat and a pat on the back each time it utilizes the scratching post will help condition it.
Treat encourages the animal to stay close to the scratching post to engage in scratching activities.
Once it is apparent that the cat has grown accustomed to the post, you can gradually discontinue the reward scheme.
How Many Cat Scratching Posts Should I Have?
The number of scratching posts depends on the pet owner’s budget, the number of cats living in the home, and the available space.
One scratching post per cat is the optimal minimum. Your pocket and the areas your cat occupies may play a role in your decision to maintain more than one.
Imagine a home where the cat’s parent is concerned that the cat may damage furnishings in several rooms. In this case, the owner may not mind installing scratching posts in every room.
When there are multiple cats, giving one scratching post per cat (plus an extra one for choice) in various locations is advisable.
Multiple posts can provide each cat a chance to stake a claim to each, keeping with cats’ custom of territorial marking.
Cats should have access to a variety of scratching posts.
If you have numerous cats, they should each have access to a different scratching post.
Access to multiple and separated resources, such as a drinking bowl, feeding plate, and other things, is the foundation for keeping a healthy cat environment.
Where is the Best Place to Put a Cat Scratching Post?
- The Area Your Cat Frequently Scratches: To prevent more damage from being done by your cat, you may wish to prohibit its access to any furniture or other items that you don’t want the kitty to scratch again.
You are also making your cat happy by giving it another way to satisfy its want to scratch and instructing it to stop the destruction of your valuable items.
- Put the cat scratching post in your cat’s frequented location or the space where your cat spends most of her time, and watch it work its magic.
Later, you’ll see how it’s influencing her when she starts sleeping on it or playing in it. Add recreational objects on the scratching post, such as toys or catnip, to make it more appealing to the cat.
- Place the scratching post close to your prized possessions, such as pricey household objects.
- Another great location is close to popular sleeping areas.
Cats love to scratch, especially when they first wake up, so placing posts or angled scratchers close to their favorite sleeping sites is a terrific idea. Cats also enjoy scratching in high-traffic areas. Cats adore gazing out of windows and watching the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks that live outside.
Cat Scratching Post Glue
Whatever you put together to manufacture your cat scratching post, the best option is to use wood glue because it creates an incredibly sturdy scratcher whether you use it with sisal rope or carpet.
A good example is Elmer wood glue.
It is non-toxic to humans and cats and is simple to wash off. It is suitable for producing pet things because it has little to no volatile organic components.
Even if it is non-toxic to animals, preventing your cat from eating it is still preferable.
When the tree is drying, keep your cat away from it since if it eats enough of it, it could cause gastrointestinal problems.
It is also crucial to note that wood glue shouldn’t be pro-type because its pro bond causes a reaction similar to various dangerous adhesives.
Another excellent option for creating a cat scratcher is hot glue because it is also non-toxic.
But because it dries quicker, it is best to avoid the cat altogether. So, until the hot glue has dried, keep cats away from the area where you apply it.
Use a hot glue gun to remove the dried, glued pieces.
Although not as firm as wood glue, it satisfies the demand for quickly joining wood and other materials. However, the necessity for additional equipment, such as a hot glue gun, should also be taken into consideration.
Gorilla glue should be avoided when constructing a cat scratching post or working with animals, even though it is popular and offers a severe risk due to Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate.
Gorilla glue contains substances that are slick yet turn poisonous when dried.
It can be dangerous if a cat eats the MDI ingredient since it causes the glue to expand as it dries quickly.
Although it is recommended that extreme caution be used when handling glue with cats because of the pet’s skin exposure to the stick products, it is safe as long as the bond does not accidentally dry on the skin, as poisoning cannot occur.
It can simply take some time for it to go away altogether.
It will help if you read the label of any glue you buy and look for non-toxic brands.
Make Your Own Cat Scratching Post
Without reaching into your pocket, you can easily make one or as many as you like on your own.
Some abandoned household goods, such as hardcover books, boxes, a towel, soft rugs, and other simple-to-find materials, can be used.
You can replace a cotton bath towel with a plush rug or any other plush material that doesn’t have a lot of loose threads that could tangle your furry cat’s claws, is required as well as a sewing needle and strong thread.
Additionally, acquiring a catnip is an excellent idea to make the cat like the scratching post.
To double the towel’s surface area, fold it in half. The book should then be placed in the center, flat on the ground.
Fold your towel around the book like a present. You want a level, reliable scratching surface, so get the tack out of the way, so there are no folds on the front side.
Flip it over, sew the seams together where they meet on the back, and you’re done. You possess a board for cats to scratch.
Instead of leaning it against something, it is preferable to lay this board level on the ground because the weight of the book may cause it to fall and scare your cat.
The approach is the simplest because you may create other types of scratching posts at home, but the point is to keep it straightforward.
Soon after you learn how to build a cat scratching post, your fluffy cat will learn about her exciting new toy.
Sprinkle some catnip on the fabric to draw and hold the cat’s interest if it is hesitant to try it out.
Also, avoid following the cat when it wanders near the scratching post.
Cats frequently dislike being seen as they investigate a novel device.
Once you experiment with making one yourself, you’ll feel proud of your effort in creating something extraordinary for your furry buddy.