How to Choose a Scratching Post Your Cat Will Actually Use

Short answer: pick a post that is tall enough for your cat to stretch its full body, sturdy enough not to wobble when pulled, and placed near where your cat sleeps. The SF SPCA's scratching post guide also says to watch how your cat scratches: cats that rear up want a vertical post, cats that stretch out along the floor want a horizontal one.

Why a good post matters

Scratching is normal cat behaviour, not bad manners, and the right post gives your cat somewhere better to do it than your sofa. Our guide to why cats scratch furniture explains the reasons. This buyer's guide covers what to look for.

Height and stability

• Height. The SF SPCA says the post should be tall enough for the cat to stretch its full body.
• Stability. It should be sturdy, so it does not wobble or tip when the cat pulls on it. A cat that is startled by a wobbling post may not use it again. A wide, heavy base helps; this last point is our own practical advice.

Vertical or horizontal?

Watch your cat. If it rears up to claw, use a vertical post. If it stretches out along the floor, use a horizontal one. Large cat trees offer both. If you are unsure, try both types.

Materials compared

• Sisal rope. Very durable and resists shredding, but hard to combine with catnip.
• Carpet. Common and cheap, but it wears down and collects debris. The SF SPCA suggests attaching it upside down or choosing a more shreddable fabric so claws do not snag.
• Cardboard. Inexpensive and refillable, and it holds catnip well. It shreds easily, and the guide warns that some cats chew it, which is unsafe.
• Wood. Very durable and does not shed debris, but it cannot hold catnip.

Where to put it

Place the post in a prominent area, near your cat's sleeping spot, since cats often scratch after waking. One or two posts may be enough, depending on your home and your cat.

How to get your cat to use it

1. Add interest. Sprinkle catnip on the base or fabric, or hang a catnip bag from the top.
2. Play near the post and build games around it.
3. Reward use. Give a treat every time your cat uses it.
4. Then protect the furniture. Once your cat uses the post, make scratched furniture unappealing with foil, double-sided tape or a light lemon scent. Do not spray or scold your cat, since that can make it fearful and lead to scratching when you are not there.

Claws and the rest of the routine

Scratching also keeps claws in shape, but some cats still need trims; see our guide to trimming claws at home. A post is also part of a good home environment; read about the five pillars of indoor enrichment.

What to look for when you shop

• Height that lets your cat stretch fully.
• A stable base that does not tip.
• Material your cat prefers: sisal, carpet, cardboard or wood.
• Vertical, horizontal or both, matching how your cat scratches.
• Parts that are easy to replace when worn.

One scratcher to look at

If you want a low, horizontal option, one product to consider is the CHEERPALS sisal scratcher bed. Its listing describes natural sisal on a wooden frame that doubles as a hammock-style bed, with hanging balls and assembly in about five minutes. Check it against the points above: stable enough not to wobble, a surface your cat likes to scratch and a spot where it will actually be used. Look at the current price, size and recent reviews on the product page before you decide.

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Quick checklist

• Tall, sturdy post; vertical or horizontal as your cat prefers.
• Sisal, carpet, cardboard or wood: test what your cat likes.
• Place near sleeping spots; one or two posts.
• Reward use; never punish.
• This is general information, not veterinary or behaviourist advice.

Keep reading

• Why cats scratch furniture
• How to trim your cat's claws at home
• Indoor cat enrichment: the five pillars
• Cat play biting
• How to introduce a new cat to your home
• How much do cats sleep?

Sources

• SF SPCA: Cat scratching post guide (PDF)