Best Scratch Post For Cats And How To Use Them

Scratching is as normal as purring for cats. They do it wherever they may be. If they're outdoors, they'll scratch on trees and wooden posts. For indoor cats, they'll target the sofa, cabinet, walls, and carpet, among others.

Scratch post for cats reviews will tell you that cats scratch for the following reasons:

1. It sharpens their claws. The practice removes the outer sheath of their nails, allowing it to grow healthy and strong.

2. It relieves stress. You won’t believe it, but scratching is a stress reliever for most cats. She can release built-up emotion like frustration, anxiety, and excitement by scratching.

3. It creates territorial markings. Cats are territorial in nature. They want to show other cats that they have their area or residence. By scratching, they can leave marks on an object and show to other cats that they reside or are present in a particular field. Scent and sweat glands located in the feet can also produce a unique scent that other cats will be able to smell.

4. It lets them stretch. This applies in particular when cats scratch on a high post. Just like in humans, stretching enables cats to get their muscles moving again. This would prepare them for any activity, like running after a mouse and other preys.

What Are Scratching Posts?

Cat scratching post reviews will tell you the importance of having a scratch post at home. Since you can’t expect your cat to stop scratching, then you might as well give her a scratch post.

A scratching post is simply an artificial structure that your cats will find very useful. Here, she can scratch to all she wants. Whether she wants to sharpen her nails, stretch, or simply release some pent-up emotions, your cat will love having a scratching post around her.

For cat owners, a scratching post isn’t only a gift for their beloved feline friends. It’s also a way to save their expensive furniture, carpets, curtains, and other things where cats are likely to scratch.

You’ll also learn from cat scratching posts reviews that this type of pet accessory is available in different shapes and sizes. Some even have a platform where cats can lie on, and toys for them to play with.

Getting your pet a scratch post can also be an alternative to declawing.With the number of scratching posts in the market, you could get lost on which model to get for your cat. Here are some of the important things that you have to look into when shopping for the best cat scratch post:

1. Type/Style

There are three types of cat scratch posts—cardboard, rope, and furniture/play centers. Let’s closely look at each type.

The cardboard cat scratcher is considered the simplest and thus, the cheapest. It usually has catnip to attract cats. It may be inexpensive, but it is not the best when it comes to durability. Eventually, you’ll have to replace this kind of cat scratch post.

The rope scratch post has a base and a post that is wrapped in rope. It is durable, although there’s a chance that cats won’t use it particularly if the rope is hung upright. You might want to look for one wherein the rope lays flat on the floor.

Finally, the cat and furniture center is perhaps the best cat scratching post kind. It not only provides a scratching pad for your cat, but also a place for her to exercise and play. The cat and furniture center is arguably the best type, but you’ll have to shell out more money for this one.

2. Height

Another thing to consider when shopping for a scratch post for your cat is the height of the post. Your pet should reach upward and pull down against the scratch post. Thus you’ll have to get a cat post that is tall enough for your cat to stretch. The rule of thumb is simple—the taller the post, the better for your cat.

3. Material

Cat scratch posts may be made from these materials—corrugated cardboard, carpet, and sisal rope. Again, each material has its pros and cons.

The corrugated cardboard is the least expensive of the three materials. This is an excellent choice of equipment if your cat just likes to scratch a surface. Because it is cheap, this stuff also doesn’t last long. However, there are also scratch posts made of premium cardboard that is stronger and more durable than the corrugated cardboard type.

Carpet is a more superior material compared to corrugated cardboard. It also comes in various color choices so you can find one that can easily match the color of your room, or complements your home décor. But cat scratching posts covered with carpet will likely lose their fibers over time.

Sisal is a popular choice. It’s a material that cats are naturally attracted to because of its scratchy feel. They also like the sound produced when they scratch this stuff. This is the same fabric that is used for rope, paper, cloth, bags, carpets, and footwear, among others. Unlike carpet and cardboard, this material is durable but expensive.

Other Considerations:

Aside from those three main factors, you’ll also have to consider the following:

Seven Best Scratch Post For Cats

So what is the best cat scratch pad today? You might want to take a look at the following products:

This could be the best cat scratching pad today. It is a simple cat scratcher that includes a catnip. It is a no-mess scratch pad that should satisfy your cat’s scratching instincts.

This simple cat toy measures 19.2 inches long, 1.5 inches deep, and 7.5 inches wide. It weighs just a pound. It is made of carboard. You’ll only need to sprinkle the catnip into the scratch pad to entice your cat to scratch it.​

If you think your cat needs a bigger pad or post to scratch on, then consider getting this three-in-one cat scratcher from SmartCat. It stands 24 inches tall, with a width of 7 inches and depth of 2.5 inches. You can mount in on the wall, or hang it over a door. You can even let it sit on the floor.

This cat scratcher is made of fibrous and durable sisal fiber, which should make it attractive and engage for your cat. It also features rubber feet to ensure stability and prevent it from slipping while on the floor.

Many cat scratch post reviews say this is one of the best scratch posts for cats today. And it is hard to dispute that claim. After all, this is a cat scratcher with an award-winning design. It works both as a scratcher and lounge for your cat. Not every cat scratcher can boast of that distinction.

This scratcher measures 34 inches long, 10.5 inches wide, and 10.5 inches tall. It is made of cardboard, but one that is dense and durable that it can last longer than other scratchers.

This is a 26-inch tall wall mount scratching post that your cat will love. It would let her scratch vertically. It uses adhesive stainless steel mounting that makes it stable and durable. It is made from premium pressed cardboard, which unlike corrugated cardboard is a lot dense and sturdy.

It has a very minimalistic design and looks good enough to blend nicely with most rooms. It measures 26 inches tall, 5.7 inches wide, and 1.6 inches thick.

This is the same as the item before it, although it is a shorter version at just 17 inches tall. It’s a good choice for small and medium cat owners as it would allow their pets to have a good stretch and place to scratch their claws.

With a wide 10 inch surface, this scratch pad should be able to accommodate cats of all sizes. It also has a very minimalistic design that can blend nicely with most rooms. This is a scratching pad made of premium pressed cardboard.

This is another well-designed cat scratcher slash lounge that is made from durable and dense cardboard. Several scratching posts for cats reviews say it is one scratcher that gives cat owners value for their money.

It measures 39 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 14.3 inches thick. It is reversible so that you can use both sides. This is almost the same as the other PetFusion Cat Scratcher although a bit shorter.

It is strong enough to hold up to four adult cats. Its design allows it not to be only used as a scratcher but also for lounging and play.

Many scratch pad for cats reviews ranks this is one of the best today. This is a 32-inch high scratching post that can give your cat a full stretch. It is designed for cats of all sizes, from small to medium to large cats. It is made from sisal fiber, which is naturally attractive to most cats.

The base is wide at 16 x 16 inches and designed to reduce tipping and wobbling. It is fast and easy to assemble, with two screws included in the package. Indeed, this may be one of the best scratching posts for cats.

Our Recommended Product

These are seven excellent scratch posts that are often ranked highly in many cats scratching pad reviews. But you might wonder--- which is the best scratch pad for cats in this list?

We’ll have to go with the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge. It just has the best design in this list, one that works both as a scratcher and lounge. It is not surprising that it has won an award because of the way it was cleverly designed. The design is so good that your guests will be surprised to learn that it is a scratch post for your cats.

Sure, this is more expensive than other scratch post for cats, but you are getting your money’s worth. With a length of 34 inches and width of 10.5 inches, there’s a lot of surfaces for your cats to scratch his claws.

It may be made of cardboard, but this one is of a premium quality. Basing from reviews, it can stand the test of time with many pet owners saying their scratchers were able to last for more than a year.

And because you can flip it over, you will be able to make the most of this purchase. Your cat will be able to scratch all she wants on both sides of the scratch post.

The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge, indeed, may just well be the best scratch post for cats in the market right now.

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