Scratching posts are one of the basic pieces of cat furniture every cat parent needs. Skimping on the scratchers will result in your furniture becoming a scratching object (although you may decide to let them scratch some furniture intentionally). Getting just any old scratching post isn’t going to appeal to your cat. If a scratcher doesn’t meet the preferences of your cat, they won’t use it.
“But Joey, I don’t know how to pick out a scratching post!” you might say. Oh boy do I have some good news for you: you’re about to learn how to pick out the best scratching post for your cat. It will save you time, money, and your carpet. Everybody wins!
Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?
Scratching serves a few functions for cats. Nail maintenance is the most intuitive reason cats scratch furniture because it helps remove the outer sheath of their nails. This keeps them sharp should they need to defend themselves.
Nail maintenance isn’t the full story, though. Scratching serves a tool for communication between cats which might actually be the bigger reason why cats scratch our furniture: Scratching not only leaves a physical mark, but there are pheromones in the cats’ paws that get left behind on whatever they scratch.
This can help relieve stress because not only does it feel good to get in a big stretch, but it helps the cat feel safe in their territory. That said, at least one study suggests that cats scratch more when in a good mood so it may also be a sign the cat is already happy.
Because of the communication function of scratching, scratching will often happen in socially significant places for cats. If they find something to scratch that meets their preferences in the right place, it’ll become a frequent target. Typically the places cats will scratch the most are at entrances to rooms or where paths cross. This is why your cat ignores that perfectly good scratcher that you’ve shoved in a distant corner of the room!
What Makes A Good Scratching Post?
Since the function of scratching serves a few roles in a cat’s life, it’s important you let them scratch. That doesn’t mean you need to let them scratch your couch, but they need to scratch something. When evaluating a potential scratcher, look at:
- The material it’s made from, especially on the scratching surface
- How tall or long it is
- Which angle the cat scratches using the post
- How sturdy the post is
Let’s go into each of these a bit deeper so you can pick out a post your cat will like.
A Material They Want To Scratch
Every cat is going to want to scratch something different, but most cats want to scratch a material is that has a bit of a snag to it. This means it’s not too flimsy, but also not so hard that their claws can’t get into it.
Fabric and Sisal
Unfortunately, a lot of fabric meets these requirements. If your cat is scratching your upholstered furniture, consider finding a post with a material similar to the fabric they seem to love shredding. Otherwise, sisal rope or carpet is a great choice as it has enough resistance that the cats get the satisfying scratch they’re looking for.
Cardboard
Besides carpeting or sisal, cardboard is a very popular choice to scratch. You can try cardboard scratchers like the ones from Hide and Scratch that give your cat a place to feel protected while scratching.
One of my favorite products are cardboard cat huts because they give cats places to hide while scratching. They’re usually designed to look like something fun so they’ll delight both you and your cat. For example, you can get your cat their very own tank in case they ever need to go to war with the dog next door.
Wood And Others
Other cats may prefer scratching wood or another material and you can find plenty of options that will meet your cat’s preferences. If you’re having a hard time finding a good option, look on Etsy to see if you can find something custom-made. Sometimes you need something as special as your cat!
An Angle They Want To Scratch
Cats have preferences for which direction they want to scratch. They may prefer scratching horizontally, vertically, or at an angle. Many cats will show some preference for one, but still occasionally scratch at a different angle.
How do you tell which direction your cat wants to scratch? Observe what your cat is scratching already and pick something that allows them to scratch in the same direction. There’s also an easy solution: offer them a variety of choices at different angles or pick a scratcher with multiple scratching surfaces at different angles. This gives your cat choice depending on their mood and doesn’t leave them stuck scratching your carpet because all their scratching posts are vertical posts.
Tall/Long And Sturdy
I’m combining these two because they some what go hand in hand. These are also qualities I see many scratchers not get right, leading to a scratching post gathering dust.
If your cat can’t get a nice, satisfying scratch in or the scratcher falls over immediately when your cat touches it, they’re going to scratch something else instead. Pick a scratcher that is either tall or long and isn’t going to easily move as your cat digs their claws into it. This allows them to get a nice, satisfying scratch and a big stretch.
Fun fact: when a cat does a big stretch, you are legally required to say “Oh big stretch!” I don’t make the rules, I just follow them.
How tall or long? A good rule of thumb is at least 30 inches for vertical scratchers, but horizontal scratchers can sometimes be a bit smaller without issue. Regardless of how tall a scratching post is, it needs to also be sturdy so don’t ignore one in favor of the other. These posts may cost more, but your cat will thank you by actually using them. You’ll spend less in the long run!
DIY Cat Scratchers
Who said commercially available cat scratchers are your only option? Depending on how crafty you are, you can make your own! A few ideas:
- Repurpose furniture: Don’t fall victim to functional fixedness and think your cat needs something labeled as a scratching post. Turn something they’re already scratching into a scratcher by simply letting them scratch it! It won’t “train” them to scratch furniture. If anything, clients who have done this say their cats scratch their other furniture less.
- Use self adhesive scratching carpet: If your cat likes scratching carpet or fabric, attaching scratching carpet to a piece of furniture not only protects the furniture, but it gives them a place to scratch. This is better than using deterrents that will just shoo your cat to a different part of the furniture. Just don’t put these on dry wall as it may damage the wall behind it.
- Recycle boxes into scratchers: Before you toss a cardboard box, think about turning it into a scratcher for your cat using a cardboard strip cutter. It’s really easy to make one and the process of cutting cardboard strips is sooooooo satisfying. If you want to see one in action, I have a video review.
Fun And Beautiful Scratchers
If you’re concerned about your home being filled with cardboard and ugly scratchers, I get it. You have to look at your home all day so you want it to look nice! That doesn’t mean you can skip out on getting cat furniture, try to suppress a totally normal behavior, or remove your cat’s claws so you don’t have to have scratchers in your home. Instead, look for ones that are fun, nice looking, or blend into your home.
If you’re looking for something fun, check out Happy and Polly. They have a lot of whimsical scratchers (including ones that will turn your cat into art) and unique cat trees that have scratchers built into them. If you’re thinking fun for your cat, other brands sell wall mounted scratchers can be incorporated into a jungle gym if your cat has a cat climbing wall.
What About Nice Looking Scratching Posts?
For something that looks nice, go for a minimalist modern scratcher made from wood or pick a scratcher that’s built into another piece of furniture. Pet product makers are catching onto people wanting functional and good looking cat furniture so brands like Tuft and Paw, Furr and Co., and the Refined Feline have some excellent scratchers that will also look nice in your home.
While many of the nicer looking scratchers incorporate a sisal or carpet scratching surface, those of you with cats that prefer cardboard are in luck. The cardboard component of many scratchers is replaceable so you can get a wood cardboard scratcher holder. And yes, you can even make your own scratch pad to place in one of these!
In other words, you need to adjust your home to meet the needs of your cat. That doesn’t mean it needs to look bad, thought! Some pieces of nicer looking cat furniture will make your home look better.
How To Pick A Scratching Post
There are so many options for scratchers out there that it can be overwhelming. How is one to choose?
Step one is observing what your cat is currently scratching. Find something similar to it in material, height, size, weight, and which direction your cat scratches (or pick something close). Are they scratching the floor or is it your favorite chair? That will give you some direction as to what type of scratcher to get.
You may need to try a few kinds and place them in different locations because not every scratcher will appeal to a cat in every location. If something doesn’t work, try something different. Part of having cats is learning what each individual cat likes. Look at it as being a fun adventure to get to know your cat!
