superior siberian scratching post
Cats like to scratch.
Cats love to scratch! Unfortunately for their human's the furniture and sanity take a toll, many cat owners opt to purchase a scratching post. These posts, usually made of wood or plastic then covered in a rough carpet-like material, provide the perfect outlet for your cat’s natural scratching instinct.
We know that cats like to scratch, but why do they do it? Why do cats use scratching posts?
Why do cats use scratching post?
All cats, domesticated or wild, have a natural instinct to scratch.Cats scratch for many different reasons:
1. To remove the dead outer layer of their claws and make them sharper
2.To stretch their feet, toes, and legs
3. To mark their territory
Every cat, from the majestic mountain lion to the tame tabby, will engage in scratching behavior at some point in their lives. Because most cat owners don’t want their cats to scratch their furniture which seems to be many cats’ favorite place to scratch, the pet supply market came up with a solution: the scratching post.
Scratching posts are made to be scratched. And while your cat’s propensity for scratching will dictate how long your scratching post lasts, they are an inexpensive and helpful way to curb unwanted scratching in the home.
It’s important to understand why cats scratch. First of all, cats use their claws as their first line of defense, so they want to make sure their claws are always in fighting form. Your cat will scratch rough or grainy surfaces to peel away the deadened edges of their claws (think of split ends in human hair) to make them sharper. Cats also scratch to mark their territory. The physical act of scratching leaves behind markings which lets other cats know that this space belongs to them. But even more fascinating is the fact that cats have scent glands on their paws. These tiny scent glands are activated and release odor during the act of scratching.
Cats rely heavily on scent to communicate with other cats and their human caretakers, which is one of the reasons why cats will occasionally pee on clothing.Lastly, cats scratch because it feels good! Scratching gives your feline friend an opportunity to stretch their front and back legs, spread their paws a bit, and release any tension that has built up around their toes and claws. Cats dig for similar reasons, but scratching usually poses more of a problem in the home because it’s easier to scratch on a couch than dig in a carpet. Based on the vigor with which many cats scratch at their scratching post, it’s not hard to imagine that it’s an activity that they really enjoy.
What kind of scratching post do cats like?
It’s important to give your cat an outlet for their urge to scratch. If you fail to do so, your cat will scratch whatever they find appealing, which is often your couch, mattress, or curtains.
Choosing a scratching post can be a little tricky and often involves trial and error. Different cats have different preferences as far as texture, height, and material, so you may need to try a few different models before deciding which one is the best fit for your feline friend.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to look for the following qualities in scratching post. The mort durable the better. You don’t want the scratching post to be torn to shreds in a matter of days! Very cheap models often aren’t durable and will be destroyed easily. Spending a few extra dollars at the onset may save you from having to buy scratching post after scratching post.
You want a tightly-waven material like from rope to carpeting and even cardboard will work. You want your scratching post to be tall. Most cats prefer a scratching post that’s as tall as they can reach. These taller varieties give your cat the opportunity to stretch out as they scratch and even allows them to climb on top of the scratching post for some extra fun.
How to stop cats form scratching furniture.
Buying a scratching post for your cat is a great first step towards protecting your furniture. If you are a cat owner that your cat finds that the allure of the couch is too strong for their kitty to resist. It’s often necessary to make the scratching post more enticing than the furniture. Some scratching posts come infused with catnip, which is bound to make them irresistible to your feline friend.
If your cat adamantly refuses to scratch anything but the furniture, you may need to move on to plan B. If your cat simply won’t leave your furniture alone, you may want to invest in plastic couch covers that are specially made to protect your furniture from cat claws. Once you have your couch protected, your cat may turn to the scratching post on their own at that point. To further encourage them to make the transition, place the scratch post right next to their former favorite scratching spot on the sofa.
How to stop kittens form scratching furniture.
Luckily, kittenhood is the perfect time to teach your furry friend how to behave in the house. If your kitten enthusiastically scratches your furniture, you have a few options when it comes to deterring them:
Use a spray bottle with tap water when you catch them in the act, followed by a sharp, “No!” While the water won’t hurt your kitten, it will surprise and annoy them. If you do this consistently, they should soon get the message that scratching the furniture won’t be tolerated.
1. Cover your furniture with old bedsheets. Sheets aren’t as fun to scratch as upholstered surfaces, so simply covering your furniture may do the trick.
2. Spray a cat repellant on your furniture which is non-toxic and safe for your kitten and your furniture. These sprays contain essential oils and other odors that are offensive to cats and kittens which will deter them from scratching.
Lastly, it’s important to remember to provide your kitten with plenty of opportunities to scratch. If you don’t want them to scratch your furniture but fail to provide them with a scratching post, you’re setting yourself and your kitten up for failure.Even these tiny kittens are using a scratching post, which is just proof of how strong the instinct is!
