Mary Allen
You should definitely provide your cat with a scratching post just because of the claw care. Your velvet paw can sharpen its claws on the surfaces made of banana leaf, sisal, seagrass, or bark – and wallpaper and furniture are spared. But also many other needs and favorite activities are covered by setting up a scratching post. For example, cats love to watch what is happening from above, which is ideal for lying on higher ground. When things get hectic and the cat is looking for peace and quiet, a fluffy retreat in the form of a cuddly cave should not be missing. Here the cat can relax until the “stress” is over.
Buy a Scratching Post-Selection and Material
The decision for the right scratching post is particularly difficult with the wide range of different manufacturers. Scratching posts with plush covers, small scratching posts, scratching posts that reach up to the ceiling – the selection of models seems limitless. First and foremost, personal taste is certainly decisive, because the scratching post should of course also be integrated into the living room in an appealing way. The considerations of how much space you have available for the cat scratching post and which material – wood, raffia, or plush – best suits your interior can be the first decision criteria.
You will surely find the largest selection if you are looking for a sisal scratching post because this is where pet shops and online retailers offer the largest selection in terms of designs and prices. If you want something more elegant, a scratching post made of banana leaf with caves in a basket look made of banana leaf or water hyacinth is suitable. A cat scratching post made of natural wood is certainly a bit more expensive to buy than a plush scratching post, for example. However, it is often more robust and is therefore particularly suitable for large cats. Ultimately, the natural scratching post also impresses with its natural look.
You should also ask yourself which scratching post is best for your cat. If the cat is of a more anxious nature or is already a bit older, the cat tree should offer sufficient retreats and cuddly caves. If you have an active or playful house cat, it is advisable to use a particularly robust cat scratching post. These offer him sufficient play and climbing opportunities.
Different Models
Large scratching posts and ceiling tensioners
Large scratching posts offer active cats numerous employment opportunities and enough space to run around, but they also take up a lot of space in the home. The giants under the scratching posts usually consist of at least three rows of stems and have many platforms that are in turn connected to one another. Exciting climbing tours are guaranteed here! Scratching waves, play balls, cat tunnels, or hammocks are usually found on the large scratching posts, which makes them a true cat playground. The so-called ceiling tensioners are also among the giants among the scratching posts. These scratching posts are ceiling-high and are simply pressed against the ceiling or stretched between the floor and the ceiling. The ceiling tensioner offers the greatest possible stability and is an ideal scratching post for large cats.
Medium-sized cat furniture
Medium-sized scratching posts are more space-saving than large or huge scratching posts, but in most cases, they still cover all of the cat’s basic needs. This means that there are retreats in the form of caves, lying areas for observation, scratching opportunities, and – depending on the model – also the option to act out the instinct to play. Among the medium-sized cat furniture, there is also the largest selection in terms of design and material. Here you will also find, for example, stylish scratching furniture made of wood and water hyacinth weave, which can be attractively integrated into modern living environments.
Small scratching furniture
The category of small scratching furniture primarily includes scratching posts with a height of less than 80cm. Your cat can sharpen its claws on them, but the fun of playing and climbing has its limits here. Such a small cat-scratching post can still be suitable in certain cases. For small cats and kittens, for example, a small model is completely sufficient in the first few weeks. Nevertheless, you should soon get them used to a “real” scratching post. But even if you are not sure which material you like best and which your cat prefers, you can try this out with a small scratching post. After all, buying a larger scratching post is not exactly cheap. It is advisable to experiment with a small, cheaper scratching post if you are unsure.
A small scratching post is also a great addition. In addition to a larger scratching post in the living room, a small scratching post in the bedroom or children’s room can, for example, be a great second playground and scratching opportunity. And also when going on vacation, a small scratching post is a practical alternative so that the cat has a familiar place of scratching and retreat with relatives or when traveling.
Other Scratching Options
Small scratching furniture is also suitable as a supplement to a scratching post. On the one hand, scratching bins offer your cat the necessary scratching opportunity, but on the other hand, they also represent a great retreat. Here the cat can find shelter in a playful way. Depending on the equipment of the scratching barrel, there are also smaller play areas.
Scratching boards and scratching waves, on the other hand, only satisfy your cat’s need to scratch. If your cat has a particularly strong tendency to sharpen its claws, you should remedy this with an additional scratching wave. If your house tiger has a very specific place where it prefers to sharpen its claws, it is advisable to attach a scratching board here. This way your walls are spared and your cat can continue scratching its favorite spot to its heart’s content.
You don’t have much space available, but still want to offer your cat the greatest possible climbing fun? Then a climbing wall or a wall scratching post is the right choice. Most climbing wall models consist of scratching boards, a recliner, and areas to lie on. So you have all the functions of a scratching post. The advantage is that the individual elements are attached to the wall, which is why the Velcro wall is very space-saving.
By the way: If you have decided on a model, but would like to add toys or cradles to it, for example, that’s no problem. In stores, you can find scratching post spare parts with which you can optimize your scratching post as you wish. Even if your cat has already worn off one or the other sisal trunk, that doesn’t mean the end of the scratching post. With a replacement trunk, you can quickly bring the scratching post back into shape.
Conclusion: Find the Right Scratching Post for Every Cat
There are scratching posts in abundance. In addition to personal taste and the available budget, there are many other criteria that must be considered before buying a scratching post. First, consider which scratching post suits your cat. For example, scratching posts for large cats should be rather large and stable. Large scratching posts with plenty of play and climbing opportunities are also suitable for a multi-cat household with active cats. Small cats or kittens can get by with small scratching posts in the beginning. It is important that the model of your choice covers the basic needs of the cat. This includes sharpening your claws, resting, climbing, and playing.