Cat Scratching Posts: Protect Your Furniture and Provide an Enriched Environment

Cat scratching posts are essential tools for cats' environmental enrichment and for preserving your furniture. By understanding the importance of this activity for felines, you can provide a more stimulating and safe environment for them, and save money for you by avoiding the need to replace sofas or other furniture over time.

But before we move on to the topic that brought you here, it's important to first talk about environmental enrichment, so you can have a clearer idea about how scratching posts fit into your cat's environment, as they spend most of their time (if not all of their time) inside your home.

What is environmental enrichment?

Imagine your home as a playground for your cat. It's in your home that your cat sleeps, eats, does its business, and lives as a cat. If, instead of living in your house, your cat lived in a place full of trees to climb, grass, dirt, birds or small animals to hunt, and private spots to sleep peacefully, it would be in its natural habitat. And, even though most cats are domesticated, they have something within their neurons and cells that we humans also have: genetic memory. So, based on this principle, if your cat lives inside your house, it will still be a cat, and it needs to have an adequate space that can somehow replace its habitat, even if it has access to the outdoors!

Environmental enrichment involves transforming your feline's environment into a more interesting, stimulating place that meets their natural needs. It's like creating a world of discovery and adventure within your home, preventing your cat from feeling bored, anxious, or depressed.

Now that we've covered a bit about environmental enrichment, let's move on to scratching posts and their importance, especially if you're visiting this post to try to divert your cat's attention from their favorite chair!

Why do cats scratch?

While it may seem destructive, scratching is actually an instinctive and essential behavior for felines. Here are some reasons why cats love to scratch:

• Marking their territory: Cats have scent glands on their paws, and when they scratch, they leave a mark that communicates to other cats that the area is "theirs." It's a way for them to feel safe and in control of their environment.
• Sharpening nails: Scratching helps cats keep their nails sharp by removing the outer layer of their claws and preventing them from becoming broken or overly sharp. It's a natural manicure!
• Exercise and stretch: This is a great way for cats to exercise, stretching their muscles and staying physically active. It's like a feline yoga session!
• Relieve stress: Scratching also serves as a way for cats to release tension or frustration, helping to reduce stress and anxiety and contributing to their physical and mental well-being. This explains why they may scratch more when they're bored or anxious.

Here at home, Goma also scratches when I get home and is ready to play!

Types of Scratchers and their Characteristics:

Vertical Scratchers:

• Format: They are generally cardboard or wooden posts covered with materials such as sisal or rope.
• Benefits: Perfect for cats who enjoy stretching and sharpening their claws. They provide complete exercise, strengthening muscles and joints.
• Models: There are simple models and more complex ones, with platforms and hiding places, which become real entertainment centers for cats.

Horizontal Scratchers:

• Format: These are plates or mats covered with materials suitable for scratching.
• Benefits: Ideal for cats who prefer to scratch while lying down. They can be placed in different areas of the house, such as under sofas or beds.
• Models: There are models of different sizes and materials, such as corrugated cardboard or sisal.

Corner Scratchers:

• Shape: Designed to protect the corners of furniture, they are usually fixed to the wall.
• Benefits: Discreet and effective, they help prevent cats from scratching the corners of doors, walls and furniture.
• Models: There are models of different sizes and materials, adaptable to different environments.

Tree-Shaped Scratching Posts:

• Format: They are complex structures that imitate trees, with different levels, platforms and hiding places.
• Benefits: They offer a complete play environment for cats, encouraging exploration and physical activity.
• Models: These are models of different sizes and materials, and can be customized according to the available space.
  

Most common materials used to make scratching posts:

Cardboard Scratchers:

Cardboard scratching posts are an excellent alternative to traditional scratching posts, offering a range of benefits for both cats and the environment. Plus, because they're lightweight, they're perfect for kittens in the learning and training phase.

Advantages of Cardboard Scratchers:

• Recyclable material: Cardboard is an environmentally friendly material, easy to find and low cost.
• Lightweight: Cardboard scratching posts are lightweight and easy to transport, allowing you to place them in different places around the house.
• Variety of shapes: Cardboard scratchers come in a variety of shapes, from simple plates to more complex structures with tunnels and platforms.
• Easy to replace: When the cardboard scratcher wears out, it's easy to replace with a new one without generating a lot of waste.
• Attractive texture: The corrugated texture of the cardboard is very attractive to cats, stimulating their scratching instinct.

Disadvantages of Vertical Cardboard Scratchers:

• Durability: One of the main drawbacks of cardboard scratching posts is their limited durability. More energetic cats or those with intense scratching habits can quickly wear down the cardboard, requiring frequent replacement of the scratching post.
• Cleaning: Cardboard can accumulate hair and dirt more easily than other materials. Cleaning can be a bit more laborious, especially on models with many layers or cutouts.
• Stability: Taller cardboard scratching posts or those with complex structures may be less stable, especially if your cat jumps on them with a lot of force.
• Rapid wear: In humid environments, cardboard can deteriorate more quickly, losing its texture and attractiveness to cats.

Tips for Choosing a Cardboard Scratcher:

• Cardboard thickness: Choose scratching posts made from good quality corrugated cardboard to ensure greater durability.
• Size: Choose a scratching post that fits the available space in your home and the size of your cat.
• Shape: There are different shapes of cardboard scratchers, such as plates, tunnels, houses and tree-shaped scratchers.
• Treatment: Check that the scratching post does not have any type of chemical treatment that could be harmful to your cat.
• Environmental protection: Whenever possible, choose recycled cardboard.

Cardboard scratching posts are a practical, economical, and sustainable option for cats. Besides being safe and effective, they contribute to environmental preservation. If you're looking for an alternative to traditional scratching posts, cardboard scratching posts are an excellent choice.

Wooden Scratching Posts:

Wooden scratching posts offer a natural and stylish alternative for cats to satisfy their scratching instinct. Wood, besides being a durable and aesthetically pleasing material, provides a unique sensory experience for felines.

Benefits of Wooden Scratching Posts:

• Natural texture: The texture of the wood provides a pleasant sensation for cats' paws, encouraging scratching.
• Durability: Wood is a durable material, ensuring a long lifespan for the scratching post, even with frequent use. Replacing the rope or sisal is easy and cost-effective, allowing you to keep the post for much longer, making the initial investment more cost-effective over time.
• Aesthetics: Wooden scratching posts can adapt to different decor styles, adding a touch of nature to the environment.
• Versatility: There are several models of wooden scratching posts, from the simplest, such as isolated posts, to complex cat trees, with platforms, hiding places and tunnels.
• Customization: Wood offers a wide variety of finishes and customizations, allowing you to create a unique scratching post for your cat.

Disadvantages of Vertical Wooden Scratchers:

• Cost: Wooden scratching posts are generally more expensive than cardboard ones, especially the larger, more elaborate models.
• Weight: Wood makes the scratching post heavier, which can make it difficult to move and install.
• Risk of splinters: If the wood is not treated properly, it can splinter, which can injure your cat.
• Fewer Shapes: While there are many different options for wooden scratching posts, the variety of shapes and designs may be smaller than that found in cardboard scratching posts.

Tips for Choosing a Wooden Scratching Post:

• Wood thickness: Choose denser, more resilient woods, such as pine or cedar. If the scratching post is FSC-certified, it's the perfect eco-friendly and sustainable choice!
• Wood Type: Some woods, such as cedar, have insect-repellent properties and a pleasant scent for cats.
• Finish: Check that the wood has been treated with animal-safe products and that there are no splinters or loose ends.
• Size and height: Choose a scratching post that fits the available space in your home and the size of your cat.
• Stability: Make sure the scratching post is stable and safe, preventing the cat from getting hurt while playing.

Wooden scratching posts are an excellent option for providing cats with an enriched and stimulating environment. Besides being durable and aesthetically pleasing, they offer several benefits for felines' physical and mental health. By choosing a wooden scratching post, you'll be giving your cat a gift they'll love.

Differences between cardboard and wood in a brief summary:

Feature	Cardboard Scratcher	Wooden Scratcher
Durability	Low	High
Cost	Low	High
Weight	Light	Heavy
Cleaning	More difficult	Easier
Variety of formats	High	Minor

How to use scratching posts for environmental enrichment:

• Choose the ideal scratching post: As we mentioned, there are many different types of scratching posts, with different materials and shapes. If your cat LOVES to scratch and doesn't have one they like yet, it's best to try a few options until you find the perfect one. Does your cat often jump to high places in the house? Then it's quite possible they prefer a vertical scratching post or even a tree. Choose ones that appeal to your cat, considering their preferences for textures and heights.
• Strategic location: Place scratching posts in strategic locations, such as near your cat's favorite resting spots or in areas where your cat tends to scratch furniture.
• Vary the stimuli: Use different types of scratching posts to offer a variety of textures and heights. This stimulates the cat's interest and encourages them to explore different areas.
• Associate the scratching post with positive moments: During playtime, direct your cat to the scratching post and offer treats or praise when he uses it.
• Encourage use: Play with your cat on the scratching post, using toys that stimulate the hunting instinct.
• Keep scratching posts clean: Clean scratching posts regularly to remove hair and odors, making them more appealing to your cat.
• Don't chase him when he scratches in inappropriate places: Your cat will interpret scratching in certain places as resulting in more attention, causing you to chase him and play with him.

Conclusions:

• Vertical scratching posts: Offer cats the opportunity to stretch their entire bodies, satisfying their need to stretch.
• Horizontal scratching posts: Ideal for cats that prefer to scratch while lying down.
• Materials: Scratching posts can be made from sisal, corrugated cardboard, wood, or other natural materials.
• Pheromones: Some scratching posts are treated with feline pheromones, which can increase their attractiveness.

Benefits of using scratching posts:

• Furniture Protection: By providing suitable alternatives to scratching, you preserve your furniture.
• Cat Well-Being: Scratching posts provide environmental enrichment, reducing your cat's stress and anxiety.
• Strengthening the bond: Playing with your cat on the scratching post strengthens your bond.

What is the best scratching post?

Choosing between a cardboard or wooden scratching post will depend on your needs and preferences. If you're looking for an economical and easy-to-replace option, a cardboard scratching post may be a good choice. However, if you're looking for a more durable scratching post with a more sophisticated design, a wooden scratching post may be the ideal option.

Available space: Assess the available space at home to choose the size and shape of the scratching post.

Cat Preferences: Observe your cat to identify its preferences regarding textures and heights.

Age and energy: Younger, more active cats often need larger, more complex scratching posts.

Material: Sisal is a widely used eco-friendly material, but there are other options such as hemp rope, corrugated cardboard, and wood.

Recommendations:

To ensure your cat's satisfaction and the scratching post's durability, it's important to choose a high-quality product made from safe, durable materials.

Remember: Every cat is unique and may have different preferences. Observe your whiskered friend and adapt your strategies to provide the best environment for them.

By investing in scratching posts and creating an enriched environment, you'll be providing your cat with a happier, healthier life, as well as preserving your furniture!

See our selection of scratching posts here ! Need advice? Contact us at apoioaocliente@gatursos.pt