Oliver Using a Scratching Post
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Scratching posts can be a great addition to a cat household. Cats MUST scratch! They physically need to scratch on something on a regular basis. This activity helps them feel better when they are excited or stressed. It also assists them with stretching. Scratching marks territory since cats have scent glands on their pads. This exercise also helps them shed old, frayed nail “covers” and allows the new nails underneath to emerge. Read more about cats and claws here.
There are a host of different acceptable items that a cat owner can provide for their cat to sharpen their claws. These options include: cat trees, scratch pads, scratching posts, hanging scratch mats, and scratching blocks.
Scratching posts are relatively inexpensive and don’t take up much space. Before you decide on a scratching post you will want to make sure it is tall enough for your cat. Some posts are not very tall. These are ok for kittens, but most adult cats will find them too short and this can lead to them looking elsewhere to scratch. Three feet is probably about the shortest you should go. The taller the better really. Of course this all depends on your cats size and build. They also come in different materials such as carpet or rope. Both of these materials will eventually need replacing. Although this sounds bad it’s actually a good thing since if you have to eventually replace the outer material of the post, this means their using this instead of your couch.
Cats will include the scratching post in their play. In fact, these posts can be used in a variety of ways. Just ask Oliver…
Oliver is a pro at getting comfortable. I have never seen another cat use a scratching post as a foot rest. GENIUS! Now go and get your cat a scratching post. It will be good for both of you.
