Cat Scratching Furniture – The Most Popular Models

The cat scratching post is not the only option in the wide assortment of cat scratching furniture. It is the most popular, though, because it has the closest resemblance to the trunk of a tree, which most cats prefer to scratch when they are outdoors.

However, let’s not forget that scratching is not the only dynamic activity that cats enjoy. They are also enthusiastic climbers – did you notice that most kitties, when left outside, spend lots of time on trees and other climbable objects? Besides helping them survive – trees are a safe refuge, at the same time allowing the little furry predators to hunt birds – the climbing instinct is also essential for the cat’s health, being a wonderful exercise.

Fortunately, you can find on the market lots of products that are both suitable for scratching and climbing.

Of course, the most popular model is the classical sisal covered cat scratching post. It consists of a vertical pole fastened to a horizontal base. Usually the post is made of wood, being covered with different materials: besides the sisal rope (which is preferred by most cats because it allows them to properly clean and sharpen their claws), there are also carpet covered or cardboard covered posts. Some cats also prefer to scratch simple wooden posts.

If the post is tall enough, most cats (especially little kittens) will be able to climb it and stretch on it. For adult cats, however, it may be complicated to climb a simple post. That’s why, if you want your cat to be truly happy, you will need to invest in a more complex model of cat scratching furniture.

The cat scratching tree is another popular option. As its name implies, it is a complex scratching post made of several poles which remind of tree branches. With a cat tree, your pet will be able to climb, stretch, scratch and exercise as her feline nature demands.

Cat gyms, cat towers and cat condos are more complicated types of cat trees. Most the them have beds or cradles attached to the top of the poles, cat houses at the bottom, stairways between different levels, as well as tunnels that offer an adventurous activity for your furry friend. Most of these items also have different toys attached, allowing kittens to play and have fun.

If your cat has a horizontal scratching habit, than you will need to provide her a horizontal or inclined scratching pad or board. Pads and boards also come in vertical models that can be attached to walls. They are suitable for those cats that adore scratching your wallpaper. Simply install the vertical pad on her favorite scratching place on the wall and spray it with catnip to draw her attention from other areas of your walls.

In case you don’t want to buy a cat scratching post, tree or pad, you can make your own scratching furniture. Of course, homemade cat scratching posts are not as ‘stylish’ as the commercially available ones, but they can be as sturdy and useful as the ones sold on the market.

Cat scratching furniture is a good remedy against destructive cat scratching. Instead of declawing or punishing your kitty, which will irremediably damage her physically and emotionally, you have to simply redirect her behavior towards more appropriate scratching places.

With patience and encouragement, you can easily train your kitty to use her own furniture instead of your walls, sofas, curtains and carpets. With an appropriate cat scratching post, you will easily stop the destructive scratching, turning it into a useful activity that will make you and your kitty very happy.