Cats may be domesticated and one of the nations favourite pets, but there are a couple of instincts that they have that can really drive you insane. The first is bringing home dead mice and rats at the first opportunity as “gifts”. In essence this is quite sweet when you think of it from your cat’s point of view, but the second instinct can be a little more frustrating (and damaging! This instinct is scratching and unless you give your cat an outlet to scratch, typically your furniture will suffer!
What Are Cat Scratching Posts?
Cat scratching posts come in different shapes and sizes and they are all designed to attract your cat to scratch them instead of your furniture. They have a rough surface, they typically allow your cat to stretch up on two legs as they scratch and some even come embedded with catnip. This is basically an herb which cats are attracted to and it will make it more likely that the cat will use the post if it is attracted to it! The ideal height of UK cat scratching posts is 28 inches.
So why do cats need to scratch in the first place? Well it is usually for three reasons. The first is that it helps them to mark their territory. This behaviour is especially present in cats that live in a home with other pets. Another reason cats scratch is because it gives them exercise. It allows them to stretch their muscles and to them it feels good. Finally they scratch because they enjoy it, pure and simple. For these three reasons you should never discourage your cat from scratching, you should just give it a proper outlet where they can scratch until their hearts content such as cat scratching posts.
Overall why not look online for the best cat scratching posts available? There you will find a large selection, including ones which come with catnip built in and toys dangling down to encourage kittens to start playing with them before they learn how to scratch the post! Some great scratching post makes include Willow’s, Monaco and the great Senses scratching pad.