Scratching is a natural and essential behaviour for cats, yet many pet owners overlook the importance of providing a proper scratching post. If your cat is clawing at the couch or carpet, they’re not being naughty, they’re simply following their instincts!
Whether your feline friend is an indoor-only cat or an outdoor explorer, a scratching post is a must-have to support their claw health, mental stimulation, and overall well being. In this blog, we’ll explore why every cat needs a scratching post, how it benefits them, and how to choose the best one for your furry friend.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Scratching isn’t just about sharpening claws, it serves several important functions:
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Claw Maintenance – Helps remove dead outer layers of the claws, keeping them healthy and strong
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Marking Territory – Cats have scent glands in their paws, and scratching leaves both visual and scent markers to establish territory
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Exercise & Stretching – Scratching allows cats to stretch their muscles and stay flexible
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Stress Relief – A scratching post provides a healthy outlet for your cat to release pent-up energy and stress
Without a designated scratching post, cats will find alternatives, like furniture, carpets, or even walls!
The Health Benefits of a Scratching Post
1. Promotes Healthy Claws
Cats’ claws continuously grow, and without regular scratching, they can become overgrown, leading to discomfort or even ingrown nails. A scratching post naturally files down the claws, preventing these issues.
2. Prevents Destructive Scratching
A scratching post gives your cat an appropriate outlet for their scratching needs, saving your furniture from damage. Encouraging your cat to use a scratching post early on prevents bad habits from forming.
3. Provides Mental Stimulation
Indoor cats, in particular, lack the natural stimulation of climbing trees or exploring outdoors. A scratching post satisfies their need to scratch while providing mental engagement, reducing boredom and destructive behaviour.
4. Encourages Healthy Stretching & Movement
Scratching is a full-body movement that allows cats to stretch their back, legs, and paws. This is especially important for older cats to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness.
5. Helps Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Cats often scratch more when they feel stressed or anxious. Providing a scratching post gives them a safe way to relieve tension and feel more secure in their environment.
Do Indoor Cats Need a Scratching Post?
Indoor cats need a scratching post even more than outdoor cats because they don’t have access to natural scratching surfaces like tree trunks or fences. Without one, they may resort to clawing sofas, carpets, or wooden furniture to satisfy their instinct.
A scratching post allows indoor cats to:
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Engage in natural behaviours
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Keep their claws healthy without outdoor surfaces
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Reduce boredom and excess energy
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Avoid behavioural problems linked to frustration
If you have an indoor cat, providing a variety of scratching surfaces, such as vertical posts, horizontal scratchers, and cat trees, can help keep them happy and active.
How to Choose the Right Scratching Post for Your Cat
Not all scratching posts are created equal! Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Height & Stability
Choose a scratching post that is tall enough for your cat to fully stretch while scratching. Stability is also crucial, a wobbly post will be ignored.
2. Material Matters
Different cats prefer different textures. Popular scratching post materials include:
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Sisal Rope or Fabric – Durable, satisfying for cats to scratch, and a great alternative to furniture
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Cardboard – Affordable and great for cats who love softer surfaces
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Carpeted Posts – Mimics carpeted floors, but some cats may prefer sisal
3. Vertical vs. Horizontal Scratching Surfaces
Vertical posts are ideal for cats who like to stand and stretch while scratching. Horizontal scratchers are perfect for cats who prefer scratching on the floor.
4. Multi-Functional Cat Trees
A scratching post with a cat tree or built-in hiding spots provides extra enrichment, giving your cat a place to climb, scratch, and rest all in one.
5. Placement is Key
Place scratching posts near your cat’s favourite resting areas or where they already tend to scratch (like next to the couch).
How to Train Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post
Some cats take to a scratching post immediately, while others need encouragement. Here’s how to make it more appealing:
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Use Catnip – Sprinkle catnip on the post to attract your cat
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Reward with Treats & Praise – Positive reinforcement helps build the habit
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Place Near Favourite Scratching Spots – If they scratch the couch, put the post nearby
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Use Toys to Encourage Interaction – Dangle a toy near the post to engage their curiosity
If your cat continues scratching furniture, cover the unwanted scratching area with double-sided tape or furniture protectors while encouraging them to use the post instead.
Best Scratching Posts Available at Woonona Petfoods
At Woonona Petfoods, we stock a wide range of scratching posts to suit every cat’s needs, whether they love to stretch, climb, hide, or scratch to their heart’s content. Investing in the right scratching post not only protects your furniture but also keeps your feline friend entertained and engaged.
If your cat prefers a traditional sisal scratching post, the Bono Fido Cat Scratching Post 26008 is a fantastic option. With its strong and sturdy design, this premium scratching post provides a secure and stable surface for your cat to scratch, stretch, and exercise. For cats who love horizontal scratching, the Catit Scratch Pad is a budget-friendly and effective solution. Made from thick corrugated double-sided cardboard, this scratch pad is perfect for helping your cat sharpen their claws while saving your furniture. The wider design is great for larger or active cats, and you can even sprinkle it with catnip to encourage play!
If your feline enjoys climbing and exploring, the Bono Fido 26145 Morris Inn offers three platforms and a fun hidey-hole for endless entertainment. This sturdy, multi-level design provides both vertical scratching and resting areas, making it ideal for curious and active cats who love to jump, scratch, and lounge. For the ultimate deluxe scratching experience, the Bono Fido 26074 Chateau II is a top-tier option. Designed with multiple levels, plush fabric, and sturdy sisal-covered posts, this premium scratching post provides entertainment, comfort, and exercise all in one stylish structure.
A scratching post is an essential part of any cat-friendly home. It supports healthy claws, reduces destructive scratching, provides mental stimulation, and relieves stress, especially for indoor cats. By choosing the right scratching post and encouraging your cat to use it, you’ll help them satisfy their natural instincts while protecting your furniture at the same time.
Invest in a quality scratching post today and give your cat the best of both worlds, a happy home and healthy claws!
