Mary Allen
Cats have a natural need to whet and sharpen their claws, in the process, the claw shells come off and their “petition aids” remain sharp and usable.
Every cat needs a scratching post, even free-roaming cats who may only spend the evenings or nights in the house sometimes feel the need to stretch properly and sharpen their claws indoors. If you don’t provide the cat with a tree, you can’t blame it if it abuses the sofa, the closet, or the wallpaper. The scratching post is a kind of “life insurance” for the furniture. Skimping and saving on the purchase is not a good idea.
Important Criteria For The Purchase
Size and dimensions: First you should think about who you want to buy the tree for. Of course, a whole cat family needs a larger cat tree than one or just two velvet paws. Cats like to lie in high places, so the upper floors are particularly popular. The tree should therefore have as many high lying areas as there are cats in the household. If there are young animals in the household or older frail kitties, it is advisable that the floors are not too far apart and that the lower floors are easily accessible. This reduces the risk of falling and the older cat can still use the tree even if the joints hurt. If you plan to purchase more cats in the foreseeable future, you can choose a modular system that can be expanded if necessary. These systems also have the advantage that individual columns can be replaced when they are worn out.
Caution is advised with the dimensions if the scratching post cannot be disassembled. Does it really fit through all doors (possibly including the elevator door)? Please measure beforehand! what is the weight A 500-kilogram “scratching post monster” is certainly the dream of many a cat family, but if you can no longer move it on your own, cleaning the floors may become difficult.
Solid As A Rock In The Surf
The following applies to all scratching posts: They must be stable, either by their own weight or by being fixed to the ceiling or wall. If the cat falls over the tree, there is an extreme risk of injury, and it will probably avoid the tree in the future like the devil avoids holy water.
Materials And Optics
Scratching posts no longer have to be ugly. There are models for a wide variety of tastes and budgets that match the home furnishings. It is important that no materials that are harmful to the cat’s health were used. The tree should be easy to clean, and great if the sunbathing molds and sunbathing board covers are washable. If carpet is installed, ask the manufacturer whether the adhesive and carpet are guaranteed to be safe for use in the cat household. After all, your cat spends a lot of time in the tree, and inhaling vapors that are hazardous to health is not desirable. If natural wood is used, it should be untreated or only refined with preparations that are also used in the manufacture of children’s toys. Are there protruding staples, nails, or screws on the tree? Stay away from such dangerous models!
Tips
At least one post of the scratching post should be long enough for the cat to be able to scratch it while standing upright with its front paws stretched out. Does your cat love caves as berths? Then you should choose a model that also offers cave-like hiding places. The most beautiful scratching post is of no interest if it is not placed where the cat likes to be. Places near the window are popular, where the cat can watch a little outdoor TV from the comfortable scratching post. If you have a large house at your disposal, it would certainly be great for the cat if scratching and climbing opportunities were available on every floor. To make the scratching post attractive at the beginning, you can spray it with catnip spray, which increases acceptance. In the beginning, play with the cat around the scratching post and on the tree. She will learn to love her new piece of furniture.