There’s more to a scratch post than bits of string

A scratch post or cat tree is an important piece of furniture for many cats, especially if they spend a lot of time indoors.

If your cat spends most of his time outdoors then you may consider a scratch post unnecessary but for many cat owners, a scratch post can be a very beneficial addition to their home. There are many and varied reasons for this...

Scent

Scratching has more than one benefit for a cat. Not only will it keep claws in food condition but it will mark a cats territory as his. Scent glands in between the toes distribute pheromones on to the scratch post as the cat scratches it, leaving his scent behind. It is therefore important to provide more than one scratch post if you own more than one cat.

Claws

A cat will always want to keep claws at their best as he will use them for hunting. In the wild they will scratch at rough ground or tree bark but a cat spending time indoors will not have these options so a scratch post is a must.

Scratching will also remove any debris or old material from the claws. You should check claws regularly to make sure they are not getting too long, especially if the cat is not very active, as they can grow into the paw pad which is very painful for the cat.

Rub

When you first bring a new scratch post home it is a good idea to rub it with one of your cat’s favourite blankets so that you transfer some of his scent to the post. This will make it seem familiar to him. Cats can often be reluctant to use a scratch post if they see it as an alien object and a possible threat. In extreme cases, changes to the layout of a room, such as new pieces of furniture, can cause an anxious cat to become stressed.

Activity

A scratch post gives an opportunity for a cat to exercise by stretching out to his full height. If you buy a scratch post for a kitten, expect to have to buy a larger one as the kitten grows. For elderly cats or those with lower mobility, a horizontal scratch pad is a worthwhile alternative. Some scratch posts come with cat toys attached which offer even more ways to get active. Exercise is very important for an indoor cat to prevent them from becoming overweight.