The scratching post and the cat's matter
The scratching post and the cat matter
Every lovely cat deserves its place in the house. We do not have to rearrange the entire apartment to provide it. However, one must not forget about one cat's furniture - the scratching post. We will suggest what to consider when choosing a cat scratching post that will meet our and our favorite's expectations.
Why a cat a scratching post?
The need for scratching is related to the natural behavior by which the cat marks the area. By scratching tree trunks, cats signal where their territory is while leaving their scent on them. Moreover, cats get rid of an overgrown claw by scratching their trunks. Due to this association, the scratching post is sometimes called "cat tree ". However, it does not necessarily have to be shaped like a stump these days. Various forms, shapes and sizes of scratching posts are available on the market, and many cats are also eager to scratch horizontal surfaces. It is crucial that the scratching post is stable and that the cat can safely hammer its claws into it and drag them over the surface.
What a scratching post can be made of?
Made of many natural ingredients. Cardboard, cords and wood are great materials for a scratching post. First of all, natural trunks of deciduous trees are ideal. To increase their durability, it is worth wrapping them tightly with a rope. The frayed rope can be easily replaced from time to time, thanks to which the scratching post will maintain its aesthetic appearance and the surface with an interesting structure will be perfect for scratching. It is important that the scratching post is stable, so the most effective are those with a heavy base (for example in the form of a booth) or permanently attached to the wall or ceiling (strut posts). An unstable scratching post is dangerous for the cat and will not inspire its trust, therefore the cat will not use it. A wobbly scratching post will be avoided by the cat and will not fulfill its function. Therefore, it must be of the right height and strong.
A cat's tree, not a cat's armchair
…In stores, we can find many solutions that meet the needs of cats and that satisfy their owners. There are braided sisal mats that can be hung over the side of the chair or hung on the wall. Many cats find a place to scratch on their own and it is worth using them and properly protecting them from further devastation. However, we should not encourage our cats to scratch furniture or walls, as well as door frames. We organize a stable scratching place for them so that they do not damage the apartment and do not scratch surfaces that may harm them.
Cardboard cat sofa
The fashion of recent years is ecological scratchers made of reinforced cardboard. They come in various shapes, but usually they are types of cat sofas that can be stacked modularly, so they serve as a shelter, and for scratching. The shape allows the cat to effectively scratch them both vertically and horizontally - this helps to save carpets and rugs from tearing them apart. The only drawback of cardboard scratchers is that when scratching them, cardboard crumbs fall out of them. It also proves that cats are very interested in this solution.
Where to locate the scratching post?
This will largely depend on the size and layout of your home. From the cat's point of view, it is important that the scratching post is in a place where it can follow the family from the corner of its eye. It is quite important when the scratching post is also a viewing point.
It is worth remembering that the litter box should not be placed next to the scratching post. What is in the litter box, the cat wants to hide, and the scratching post is a place to celebrate the cat's presence. Placing these two devices too close to each other may result in giving up the use of one of them. Therefore, it is important to choose the right litter box and place for it. Properly selected and placed scratching post is a joy and a place of shelter for the cat, and protection against damage to the furniture in the caregiver's apartment.