Guide on Choosing a Scratcher Your Cat will Love
Posted on: June 28, 2011
There's something very special about pet cats.. They can bring a lot of happiness, but sometimes they can be a pain, too, especially when they start turning your furniture into scratching posts.
Cats scratch because it's simple in their nature. With a cat scratcher, your feline friends will be able to satisfy their urges, and you'll finally save your furniture from scratch attacks.
Some scratching posts last better than others, and this is exactly why it's necessary to know how to choose the best scratcher for your cat. To us humans, these posts may all look the same, but to cats, it's a different story. The scratcher is going part of your pet's daily routine. If you want your feline pet to stay happy, buy a post he or she will love.
Height
The first thing to look at is the scratcher's height. A good scratcher is something your cat can totally stretch out on while it scratches the post. Thirty inches should be adequate. If your cat is large and the post you bought is only eight inches long, chances are your four-legged friend will look for another scratching solution, i.e. your couch.
The Material
Another important factor is the material of the scratching surface. Wood is a common surface material, but some scratchers use carpet. Also, there are scratchers that use sisal rope. All cats have different likes and preferences, although a lot love sisal rope because it's very rough. Moreover, sisal rope is more durable and long-lasting than wood or carpet.
Stability
The next thing to take into account if you want to know how to choose the best scratcher for your cat is the post's stability. Why do you suppose cats like scratching couches, sofas and other pieces of furniture? Well, aside from being comfortable, pieces of furniture don't wobble and stay in one place despite enduring a scratching frenzy. The whole point of getting a scratch post is to prevent damage on your furniture. That is precisely why you should buy a scratch post that's just as sturdy.
The Visual Aspect
While looks don't really matter to cats, you might want to pick out a pleasant look scratch post. If you plan to place the post in your living room you might want something that pleasing to the eyes. Most cats will scratch just about anything that will pass for a good scratch post, but let's face it, we humans would rather have a scratcher that will last and looks decent because cat posts can be downright unsightly. Go for a design and color that goes with your home decor and existing home items.