If you’re a cat lover then you’ve definitely seen those viral video clips with cats being cats – jumping on stuff, running into things, acting completely wacky as if it’s their first day on Earth. That’s known as zoomies, but one element you might have seen appear in most of those videos is a tall (or small) tree-like structure covered in carpet. The cats go absolutely feral next to these things and you might have wondered: do I need to get my cat a cat scratcher? The answer is yes. And is not only because your cat will love it, it is because they contribute to the mental and physical health of your pet. Luckily for you, you can buy one from pretty much any pet shop. However, if you’re not convinced yet, read more to see why your cat needs one.
What is a Cat Scratcher?
If you relate to the example given above, then you already know what a they are. You even know what they look like. But, to those who have no idea what these are, a cat scratcher, also known as cat-scratching post, is a vertical or horizontal tube covered in thick carpet. Their primary use is that of keeping your cat’s claws healthy and preventing ingrown nails, but also that of entertaining them beyond imagination. Moreover, they keep your furniture intact – but more on that later.
Types of posts:
- Traditional scratching posts – these are the posts you generally see around. They are simple and basic but very effective, nevertheless.
- Multi-level cat trees – these are extra structures resembling a tree (main post) with branches (additional play and resting areas)
- Wall-mounted wall scratchers – these are carpets or traditional posts that are simply mounted onto the walls because, well, cats love to jump on the walls.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
You might be inclined to think cats fasten their claws into furniture to sharpen their claws and that is true, but it is not the only reason. Claw health is important and is one of the main reasons a cat scratcher is a must-have for your cat, especially if it is an indoor cat. Cats scratch to remove dead layers from their claws. Outdoor cats use trees to do that, but indoor cats are limited to household items, such as furniture, walls and doors. If you want to make sure your cat won’t suffer from ingrown nails and if you want to keep your furniture untouched, then you should get a one from your local pet shop.
Cats also use them to mark their territory. Did you know that cats have scent glands in their paws? These glands leave both visual and scent marks where they go and cats use that to mark their space. For example, if you see they keep on scratching the same spots, that is because they have claimed that spot. Be it a chair, a sofa, your bed, that no longer belongs to you, it belongs to your cat.
A cat scratcher is also a way in which your cat gets its daily dose of activity. It is the perfect method for them to stretch their muscles, especially after a nap. They also come in handy when your cat acts feral during her zoomies time.
Last but definitely not least, these accessories also help with their mental well-being, as they can aid release tension and anxiety. You can take that into account when facing situations you know are stress-inducing for your cat, for example when you’re introducing a new pet around or if you’ve recently changed places.
How to Choose the Right One and How a Pet Shop Can Help
Now that you know why it is important to get your cat this accessory, the next step is buying one. Here are the elements you should consider when making a choice:
Materials
When it comes to materials, carpet is not the only one you can go for. It is one of the most common ones, they are resistant and aesthetically pleasing, but you can also opt for other materials.
Another popular choice is sisal rope. These ropes are also very durable, as they are designed to mimic barf, and you can get them either wrapped around a tube or in other different shapes to better suit your space
One option that is becoming more and more popular is cardboard. The preference for this one comes out of environmental concerns, as cardboard can be easily recycled. One important mention in regards to cardboard scratchers is that you should not attempt to get a homemade one. You might think that the scratcher at the pet shop has the exact same cardboard you have stored in your garage, but that is not accurate.
The cardboard used in these posts is industrial, it is way more resistant than any leftover box you have around and the materials used to bind the cardboard are cat-safe. When dealing with DIY versions, you might unknowingly use toxic materials (such as glue), items that may cause a choking hazard (polyester) and other low-quality materials (such as regular cardboard).
Size and Shape
We’ve briefly talked about these in the description of the posts, but generally speaking, vertical scratchers are more suitable for cats that scratch the floor, vertical ones are generally used for more active cats that like to scratch furniture and lounge-style scratchers are typically used for older cats who need more rest, but there’s nothing to stop you from getting your kitten one as well. Cats love to relax as much as they like to play (or maybe a little bit more).
Do you see now why a cat scratcher is a must for your cat? Why not give it a try? Visit your local pet shop and get acquainted with the options. Or if you do not have the time to check those, why not browse the site of an online pet shop? They will, most likely, have a bigger range of products.