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A scratching post is a wooden post covered in rough material that cat owners provide so their pets have an acceptable place to scratch. The most common type consists of a wooden post, roughly 60–90 cm (24–35 in) tall, covered in rough fabric or sisal. The post is mounted vertically in a wide base, which allows the cat to stretch upward on its rear legs and scratch freely without tipping it over. A post that is unstable or does not allow a cat to fully extend its body might put off the cat from using it. Surfaces vary: the post may be covered in sisal rope, upholstery fabric, the jute backing of a piece of carpet, or sections of corrugated cardboard. Many pet owners say they have to experiment with different surfaces to find one that their cats will scratch reliably. Matt Wildman, a cat behaviorist, explained that sisal or corrugated cardboard surfaces are favored by most cats.[1] Other kinds of scratching posts are more elaborate, with several levels of horizontal platforms for climbing and cozy cave-like areas where cats may hide. Very tall ones are often called "cat trees." These may have a vertical tension rod that extends to the ceiling to provide extra stability.
Why cats scratch
[edit]Cats have a natural urge to scratch.[2] As cats are predators it is a reflex for them to sharpen their claws. Other functional reasons they do it include removing the outer sheath of the nail, exercising the muscles of the paws, and stretching.[3] Scratching is also a social outlet for cats that facilitates communication. Cats have scent glands in their paws, allowing them to leave their scents and pheromones on surfaces to mark territory.[3]
Gallery
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A corrugated fiberboard scratching pad -
A wickerwork cat pole -
A variety of scratching posts for sale at a cat show -
An actual tree trunk used as a scratching post -
Cat tree with 2 cats
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "How to stop destructive cat scratching | The Humane Society of the United States". The Humane Society of the United States. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
- ^ "What To Do If Your Cat Scratches".
- ^ a b DePorter, Theresa L; Elzerman, Ashley L (2019). "Common feline problem behaviors: Destructive scratching". Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 21 (3): 235–243. doi:10.1177/1098612X19831205. ISSN 1098-612X. PMC 11373750.