A Scratching Post Your Cat Will Actually Use
Why your cat shreds the sofa instead of the post right next to it, and what to do about it without sprays or shouting.
A cat does not scratch out of spite. She sheds the old layers of her claws, stretches, and leaves scent marks from the glands in her paws. You cannot forbid it, but you can offer something better than the sofa.
What makes a good scratching post
- Height. A cat should be able to stretch out to her full length: for an adult, that means 70 centimeters or more. Short posts are only suitable for kittens.
- Stability. If the post wobbles, the cat will get scared once and never come back to it. A heavy base or mounting it to the wall solves the problem.
- Material. Sisal, coarse fabric, and cardboard are the most popular. Many cats also like horizontal cardboard scratcher beds.
Where to put it
Where your cat already scratches and where she wakes up. If the corner of the sofa is under attack, place the post right up against it and cover the corner with heavy fabric. Once the habit is established, you can gradually move the post to the side.
