A cat prefers rough surfaces to trim its claws. To prevent it from scratching your walls or furniture, you should offer your pet a sensible alternative such as a scratching post. It has the advantage that it not only offers your cat plenty of opportunities for claw care – it also serves as a playground, viewing platform and retreat for cats. However, before you decide to purchase one, you should know the most important criteria that a scratching post must meet. What these are is summarized in this article. We also present various models to you.
StabilityA scratching post should stand firmly on the ground so that one or more cats can easily play on it – without it wobbling or even falling over. This is made possible by a stable base or other mounting options on walls and ceilings.
HeightCats love to observe their surroundings. Therefore, the scratching post should have a minimum height of one meter. The scratching column, on the other hand, i.e. a surface lined with sisal for trimming the claws, should be at least 80 centimeters high – as many house cats prefer to stand on their hind legs when caring for their claws or simply like to stretch.
Location Since house cats like to be close to their owners, the scratching post should, if possible, be placed in one of the living rooms where you spend most of your time (during the day) – for example the living room. Best near a window, as cats like to sit in front of it and look outside. However, be careful not to allow your pet to get too close to the window and risk jumping out of the open window.
Materials When buying a scratching post, make sure that it is made from natural and non-toxic materials (e.g. cardboard, sisal and wood). The model should also be well made so that no dangerous screws or nail heads can injure your pet.
Variety So that your cat feels completely comfortable on the scratching post, it should offer your pet as much variety as possible. In addition to one or more scratching posts and viewing platforms, caves and hammocks provide even more incentives that cats respond to without being allowed outside.
Phase of life Last but not least, the age of the cat is also an important criterion that should be taken into account when purchasing a scratching post: young kittens are extremely agile, but they lack the necessary climbing and balancing experience. Older cats, on the other hand, can develop joint problems over time and are grateful for a few steps on the scratching post.
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The model from Tectake is 141 centimeters high and is therefore particularly suitable for small apartments or older cats that are no longer as agile – or suffer from osteoarthritis in their joints. The integrated ladder is intended to make it easier for the animal to access the first floor. In addition to the two viewing platforms, the scratching post also has a cave as a further retreat, a hammock, a tunnel and a sleeping hole. The model is made of a durable plush-sisal combination.
The Linonto scratching post measures 60 x 45 x 145 centimeters and is available in two colors: dark gray and light gray. According to the manufacturer, it is made of soft plush and robust sisal. In addition to two viewing platforms for observing, the model includes two caves for sleeping, a hammock for chilling out and two loungers for lounging, as well as two plush balls with bells for playing with.
The “Merlin” cat tree from Silvio goes even higher. According to the manufacturer, the model is 1.68 meters high and contains a ladder, two tunnels, two loungers, two loungers and a cave. The frame was covered with sisal and a plush cover (made of 100 percent polyester) so that cats can sharpen their claws on it, but also find a peaceful place to sleep and retreat.
By far the highest model in this round of introductions is the cat tree from “Pippa
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