A cat scratching post is a specialized tool that your cat should use to sharpen its claws. But there is one requirement for that to be true. The cat scratcher you have must meet some requirements to be used by your cat. Otherwise, you may have many unpleasant experiences caused by the scratching of your cat.
In this article, you will find all the information that you will ever need about a scratching post. You will know how important it is. Why your cat needs it. How to get a top-quality scratcher that your cat will surely use. And most importantly, from where you should get it and other supplies.
Table of Contents
Is the Cat Scratcher a Luxury or a Necessity?
In many new pet owners’ views, this tool is a luxury. But all of them will eventually reach the same conclusion. A high-quality cat scratcher is a mandatory tool for their pets. If you want to raise your cat, then you need to make sure to include this tool in the supply list that you will buy for your pet.
You may wonder why is this tool so important? Well, there are several reasons for that. And each one of them will be explained in this article. The first one that you should know first, and the most important one, is why does your cat need to regularly scratch things.
Why Does Your Cat Need a Cat Scratcher?
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, a cat will use the cat scratcher to sharpen its claws regularly. But why do they need to do that? It is actually a biological need. And it is a mandatory one. If a cat is prevented from sharpening its claws, then it will continue to grow.
What do you think will happen if the claws of your pet continue to grow without being sharpened and kept on a reasonable size? They will start harming the paws of your cat. And you do not want to let that happen. So, the best alternative is to use a scratcher. And even if the opposite (your cat rips one of its claws) happens, it will grow back. You can more info about this subject in this article.
There are other alternatives as well. For example, you could learn to trim the claws of your pet regularly. And that may stop it from scratching. But that will cost you more time instead of paying a small sum for a good scratcher. Another method is to let your pet scratch anything it wants. But that will bring the consequences.
What Are the Consequences of Not Getting a Scratcher for Your Cat?
If there is no scratcher to attract your cat, then it will scratch other things that it can find in your house. And guess what will happen? Right, it will completely destroy the aesthetics of your house by leaving marks all over your furniture.
The more period you let your pet damage your house, the bigger the damage will be. And it will cost you a lot of money to repair it. So, you will actually save money if you buy a cat scratcher for your pet. Of course, you need to make sure that the product you buy will be used by your cat.
How to Choose a Cat Scratching Post Your Pet Will Surely Use
Not every cat scratching post that can be found on the market is of good quality. Many of the scratchers have flaws that will prevent your pet from using them. And others are not the right dimension for your pet, making them completely unappealing.
The best method that you can use is to make sure that the scratcher meets the 2 essential requirements. And below you will find exactly how to check them. All you need to do is follow the advice.
Make sure the scratcher is the right size
The first step is to take measurements. Make sure you know the size of your cat. This is a mandatory step as you will need the measurements to decide the right side of the scratcher. And doing that without measuring your pet comes with the risk of getting the wrong size.
You need to know that most cats love to stretch at the same time while scratching. For this reason, you need to make sure that the product you will get is long or high enough for your pet to stretch as much as it wants.
The stability of the scratcher must be flawless
The second step is to check the stability of the scratcher. Even the slight instability may cause your cat to avoid using the tool. Although it depends on your pet’s sensitivity, it is better to avoid any risks. And if you buy the scratcher online, then make sure you are allowed to check it before you sign the delivery order.
You may wonder why would your cat not use the scratcher if is slightly unstable. Well, it is not a conscious decision. The slight instability will cause the instincts of your pet to scream. And that will cause fear. Which, in turn, will make your cat avoid the tool. You can find a lot more information about your cat’s need to scratch here.
From Which Shop Should You Buy the Cat Scratching Post and Other Supplies?
As a bonus, in this last part of the article, you will find the characteristics that you should look for when deciding from which pet shop you will buy the cat scratching post and go to in the future. There are a few factors you should consider if you want to save time, money, and effort.
First, it is highly recommended to get all your supplies from the internet. In most cases, the online pet shop will have lower prices due to high competition. Also, online shopping will only cost you a few minutes. Compared with the couple hours you may need to go to a physical shop, the difference is drastic.
Using the services of an online shop will also save you the effort, as your orders will be delivered to your doorstep. But you need to choose the right online shop as well. And there are 3 things you need to compare. The first 2 are prices and product quality. And lastly, you need to check the reliability of the options.