Did you know that the first cat scratching post was invented by Dan Yoder, the owner of
Katnip Tree Company in 1935? The basic design made by Yoder eventually underwent a
lot of transformation giving way to a number of options. The latter day cat scratching
posts were usually covered with heavy canvas and were made more attractive and
useful by including a container holding catnip inside the post.
Cats scratch for a number of reasons. The scratching happens on a horizontal or vertical
surface with their front claws. This is called stropping and this behavior among cats
helps them loosen and separate the outer husk of their claws and in the process get a
sharp new one. Scratching is also good for their forelimbs and spine as the exercise
helps cats to strengthen their muscles and thereby perk up their hunting instincts.
Moreover, scratching is also a powerful way for cats to mark their territory. Cats have
scent and sweat glands in their feet which give up a distinct smell. When the scratching
happens, this unique smell along with the removed claw husk help the feline family
mark their territory which in turn make them feel safe and secured.
Scratching is an inherently biological behavior of cats and you cannot refrain a cat from
this action. Driven by the urge to scratch, many indoor cats tend to scratch things like
furniture, sofa and carpets, at the utter dismay of the owners. This is where cat
scratching posts are of immense use. However, while buying the best cat scratching post
you will need to keep in mind certain things or you might end up buying posts that your
cat or cats will summarily reject.
Here are some of the key considerations –
Buy posts that your cat will like
In many cases cat parents tend to buy cat scratching posts that appeal to their senses.
This is a wrong approach as cats have a very different pattern of preferences. Buying
posts according to your liking might end up being a futile exercise as your cat may
prefer to continue scratching your couch or your antique dresser if it finds the post you
so lovingly bought for your buddy, uninteresting. And all this while the newly bought
scratching post will sit unused and idle! So, pay attention to the cat’s preferences about
scratching and try to figure what kind of posts will suit its taste before hitting the
market.
The online store https://allstarmodernpets.com/ has all kinds of cat scratching posts to
choose from. All the products are made of authentic materials ensuring complete safety
as well as unadulterated fun for your furry buddy.
Be careful about the material
In many cases posts are manufactured with the intention of luring the customers, i.e.
humans, and that is extremely misleading. For instance, buying posts made of carpet as
the surface is not a good idea. Having a similar surface like that of your couch may make
the cat feel that it’s fine to scratch the post as well as the couch. The best surface for a
cat scratching post is the sisal fabric. Being a heavy duty material that offers awesome
texture and resistance, this fabric is a big time favorite among cats as it feels great to
scratch, shreds very pleasingly under their claws and the cats are able to draw their
claws down the fabric while also getting a good grip.
Make sure that the posts are sturdy
Today, a diverse range of these scratching posts are available at the pet shops to choose
from. You will get the basic design that comes with a single column with a sturdy base
as well as, the more detailed ones including the floor-to-ceiling modular units that come
with a host of options for your cat to play, exercise as well as lounge. What is even more
interesting is that these units often have diverse surfaces in order to offer variety to
your cat. If you have more than one cat, it is better to give each of them their own posts
and also to place the posts at different locations. Some things to keep in mind are –
· If the post wobbles your cat won’t use it. Cats only prefer sturdy things to scratch.
· If the post wobbles it is unsafe for your cat and your cat will know it instinctively and
reject the unstable post.
· The taller the post the sturdier it needs to be. Scratching on a tall and unstable post can
be dangerous as the post can fall on your kitty and lead to serious injury.
Keep in mind your budget before selecting the type and design
The choice of the post will also depend on your budget and the space available in your
home. If you have a limited space, you can consider building scratching panels on the
walls. There are ready made panels available at the market or you can opt for a DIY
project. Another way to go about the panels is getting the panels made of sisal twine,
bark or corrugated cardboard and fix them to your walls in order to offer your buddy a
similar scratching area.
Add variety will make your cat feel happy and satisfied
It is also recommended to give your cat multiple scratching posts as that will keep them
from scratching your furniture and other household stuff. Given that cats love to scratch
both vertically and horizontally, consider buying both types of scratching posts to make
your cat feel happy and satisfied. Buying posts with different scratching materials is also
a great idea. Moreover, it is now established that scratching posts with catnip inside are
a particular favorite among indoor cats. So, it is a safe bet to get one home.
If you are looking for cat scratching posts simply log on to the online store
https://allstarmodernpets.com/ from the comfort of your home for a diverse range of
items. The platform keeps a wide collection of all types of pet products and pet
essentials including apparel & accessories, beds & furniture, cats, collars, harnesses &
leashes. Moreover, you will get all you need at a very attractive price.