All cats instinctively need to scratch something to clean their claws and mark their territory. This is especially true for indoor cats, who can't maintain their claws by scratching a tree or fence in your garden. You will never stop your cat from doing this natural behaviour but it's possible to tempt them away from your expensive sofa, carpet or wallpaper, by providing them with a suitable cat scratching post or cat tree.
Giving your cat or kitten a scratch post or activity centre will save you money and your furniture from your cat's claws! This harmless kind of natural scratching behaviour will provide them with essential stimulation and hours of fun.
What are the main benefits of a cat tree?
Sharpens and removes worn out claws
Allows your cat to mark its territory without damaging your furnishings
Provide your cat with essential stimulation and hours of fun
There are a multitude of scratching posts, climbers, activity centres and cat trees available. They all will encourage natural scratching behaviour. The design, colour or size you decide to purchase will likely be decided by your budget and the available space you have. But you should choose one which features catnip, tough sisal for scratching and playing and a post for claw maintenance. Other features can include high places to allow your cat to rest and observe its surroundings, snug hide-aways to provide some quiet time, or dangling balls to stimulate play.
Location - It's recommend that you place your cat scratching post or activity centre in a room that is used by all your family or where your cat spends a lot of time. Place the post where your cat likes to scratch - such as near a sofa, chair or curtains.
Size - The scratching post should be tall enough for your cat to stretch out and claw on. This works the muscles of your cat and keeps them in shape. The post should be secure so that it doesn't topple over! So best to choose a heavy or large cat post if you have a large cat.
It's easy to encourage your cat to use a scratch post. They will likely use it instinctively but you can entice your cat into using it by playing with them by the cat post. Rubbing catnip into the post or rewarding your cat with a treat is another good tip. Attaching toys around it will make scratching the post much more enjoyable and will definitely capture their interest.
Lastly, as well as the benefits a cat tree or activity centre gives to your cat, what could be more entertaining and rewarding than seeing your loved pet enjoying themselves at rest and at play around a cat activity centre?
