(Don’t Waste Your Time and Money on Fads and Scratchers that Your Cat Will Never Use… Even When You’re Going DIY)
We all know how it feels when we buy a new cat scratcher…
Here it is.
The moment you’ve been waiting for…
The cat scratcher has arrived.
It looked so great on the website, and the enticing description made you feel like it was the only cat scratcher you would ever need to buy.
You’re so excited to unbox it, and finally end the war going on between you, your cat, and your now shredded couch.
So, you open it up, set it out and…..
Nothing…
The old sniff and walk away.
I think every single cat owner knows what this feels like.
The excitement you feel while you’re in fantasy-land, thinking you got your cat something wonderful. But alas, they have no interest whatsoever.
The disappointment and frustration.
Not to mention a waste of money!
And, of course, there are variations of this.
Like, your cat went to scratch the new post, and it fell over, scared the crap out of them, and now they are cautious even when just walking by it. As if it’s going to jump out and attack them.
This post can be used as a checklist, and a comprehensive guide.
With it, you’ll finally be able to take the guesswork out of buying a new scratcher.
You can also use this same checklist to assess scratchers you already have.
And before you spend copious amounts of time on a DIY scratcher project (which I have done), you’ll also want to make sure the design meets all the necessary criteria listed here.
Can You Actually Stop Your Cat from Scratching Your Furniture & Carpets?
I’m sure while you’re reading this post, you’re thinking “Yeah, but can I actually get them to use it and stop scratching up my furniture (or carpets!)?” “Will this actually work for me, because it feels like I’ve tried everything, and I don’t want to waste anymore money.”
If you’re still struggling, or you want to take the guess work out of finding the perfect scratching surface for your cat, and you’re just so tired and fed up with them clawing and scratching up your furniture and carpets…. I have the perfect solution for you!
During my years as a Cat Behavior Consultant, I have watched so many cat parents struggle with having their expensive furniture completely ruined by their cat’s pesky claws.
When you try and try to find the perfect scratching posts for your cat and they just keep scratching up that pricey couch that you worked so hard to be able to afford… It can feel so defeating.
So, is the solution to just surrender your home to your cat? To compromise feeling comfortable and proud of the home that you’ve spent so much time and money on in order to make it nice? Absolutely not!
I assure you, there is a middle ground. You can finally stop your cat from scratching your furniture, carpets, rugs, drapes, all while providing them with the perfect outlet that meets their instinctual scratching needs. It’s a win-win!
This is exactly why I created “Positive Paws: Taming Your Cat’s Scratching Instincts”.
This course is the absolute best solution to stop your cat from scratching in the places you don’t want them to scratch. It has been thoughtfully and carefully designed by a literal cat behavior professional (that’s me!).
Each cat is unique. Positive Paws: Taming Your Cat’s Scratching Instincts was not created to be a one-size-fits-all solution. I created it so it can be completely tailored to you, your cat, and your unique situation.
If you’re tired, frustrated, and ready to find a real solution that actually works, (let’s be honest, internet advice can only get you so far sometimes!)…
Then join this course, and finally put an end to ruined furniture and carpets for good!
Just click the link below to learn more!
🐾 Step-By-Step Self-Paced Video Course
🐾 Unlimited Lifetime Access
🐾 Easy to use Worksheets for a Custom-Tailored Solution
🐾 Multi-Cat Household Friendly
🐾 Bonus Module! Resolve even the worst destructive scratching troubles!
The 3 Traits Every Cat Scratcher Must Have:
First, I highly suggest that you take a moment to look around your home, and think about where your cat likes to scratch.
And then take another moment, after you have read this checklist, to think about why they like to scratch that spot in particular.
What’s so appealing about it?
Do they tend to scratch on vertical, or horizontal surfaces? Both?
This information will be a great asset to you when deciding on a scratcher.
#1: Stability
Having a stable scratcher is extremely important if you want to avoid the situation I described above. No cat is going to use a scratching post that wobbles, or falls over.
Look for a solid, stable base that is wide enough when compared to the height of the post. This will ensure that the post will not wobble, move, or tip over when being used by an unsuspecting cat.
*This can also come in the form of a cat tree. Good quality ones are typically very stable, and many have scratching posts attached that are wrapped in rope or sisal.
In the case of a cardboard scratch pad, which is always a nice addition to a home that already has a good stable post, I recommend one that is big enough for your cat to get on top of, and lay on.
If your cat can’t lay on the cardboard scratcher, they’ll just drag it across the floor while attempting to scratch, and they’ll never fully satisfy their urge. (Which will more than likely lead them to places you don’t want scratched.)
#2 Appropriate Height
The recommended height for a scratching post is at least 32” high.
Your cat needs to be able to stretch up, and get some really good pull down action while they mark their territory.
(Learn why cats scratch in my post: How To Stop Your Cat From Scratching Your Furniture: In 3 Easy Steps)
If you have a scratching post that is too short, you’re cat either won’t bother to use it, or if they do, they will not be getting that satisfying full upper-body stretch that they need.
#3 Correct Material
Material To Consider:
- Sisal
- Carpet
- Rope
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Bare wood
The number one recommended material for a cat scratcher is sisal.
- Sisal is a rope material that is extremely durable, and makes the perfect surface for a cat to really sink their claws in, and go to town.
If I was limited to recommending one scratcher in particular, it would be a tall, sturdy, sisal covered one. This one is perfect, and meets all the criteria:
-32″ height allows cats to stretch fully and tone muscles
-Sturdy 16″ by 16″ base eliminates tipping and wobbling
-Fibrous and durable woven sisal naturally inspires scratching
-Superior to carpeted posts that may snag nails
-Assembles with two included screws
-Attractive and neutrally toned
This is a staple scratching post.
*Every home with a cat that scratches vertically should have a post like this one.*
They even make a perch to go on top of it for versatility, and added kitty appeal:
-Elevated perch gives your cat extra safety and security
-Reversible claw-safe quilted pad
-Durable wooden platform
-Slides easily onto SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post (sold separately)
-12.5 x 14 inches
Your cat may like scratching carpet or rugs, but it’s important to note what kind of carpet or rugs.
Most likely, it is short carpet that is easy to get a good grip on.
In this case, the scratcher below is the absolute perfect option for your cat.
The Claw-Care "UP V.4" by JMLPets - TWO SURFACES Scratching Post - Finally, a beautiful Real wood Mess Free scratcher pad that is free standing too! Built for bigger furbabies! Perfect 77-degree angle for stretching. And no holes in your walls or silly rope hangs.
Rope covered scratching posts are usually acceptable options as well. Such as the ones that come on the posts of cat trees. My cats use them all the time.
- Corrugated cardboard also makes a great material for horizontal, inclined, and sometimes even vertical scratching.
With cardboard scratchers, it’s really the shape and size that you need to be conscious of.
I recommend getting one that is big enough for your cat, and as stable as possible. They should be able to lay down on the cardboard scratcher while they stretch their front legs out and scratch!
*I don’t recommend the small wave-shaped cat scratchers. My cats still use them a bit, but when they step onto the lower side, the higher side pops up off the ground. This sometimes deters them from scratching on it.
Large, high quality, Eco-Friendly Options Made With Non-Toxic Materials:
- CATS LOVE IT: This wide infinity cat lounge cat scratcher is reversible and provides two sides for 2 times the scratching.
- YOU’LL LOVE IT: Made of recycled corrugated cardboard and non-toxic glue this large cat scratcher for indoor cats will keep your cats engaged and will help protect your furniture as a cat scratch deterrent.
- LONG LASTING CORRUGATED CARDBOARD CAT SCRATCHER: lasts much longer than competitors.
- LARGE CAT SCRATCHER AT A GREAT VALUE: Ultimate Cat Scratcher measures 34" x 10.5" x 10.5". The large cat lounger is large enough for multiple indoor cats.
- 12 MONTH WARRANTY
- CATS LOVE IT: A scratcher, lounge, & SO MUCH MORE. Incl premium USA organic catnip leaf. Natural scratching = healthy claws, great exercise, & stress reliever.
- YOU'LL LOVE IT: Made of recycled cardboard, non-toxic corn starch glue.
- THOUGHTFUL DESIGN: Two tiered & long. Built for sharing & interactive play. Subtle curves make for easier scratching & a more comfortable place to rest & play.
- Big Value, Big Fun: 39" x 11" x 14.3" reversible design lasts longer & is loved by cats.
These scratchers will last a long time, while looking beautiful in your home. They’re big enough to become your cat’s favorite spot to nap! And they’re sturdy enough to be the perfect place to scratch in order to get a good stretch.
The second option can even accommodate multiple cats at once!
Hiding Place & Scratching Combo:
- [2 IN 1 DESIGN]: The Fish Bone Cat House is a cardboard cat house and scratcher all in one. This multi-functional cat bed with cat scratcher provides your cat with a private hideaway to have fun in. The scratching pad keeps your furniture safe from claw damage.
- Lastly, if your cat is more inclined to scratch bare wood, purchasing or making a DIY wood scratching post may be a great option for them.
My cat, Nia, particularly likes to scratch on window and door trim, and wooden furniture.
If you have a cat that is prone to scratching the wooden surfaces in your home, this 36" cedar scratch post is the perfect choice for you and your pet. Cedar being a soft wood, your cat will love sinking its claws into this instead of your door frames, tables, chairs, and other woodwork.
I don’t have any personal experience with this post, but it meets all the criteria listed here. From what I have read and seen, it looks like an amazing option for cats who really love scratching bare surfaces. It has even won an award!
*In the wild, cats scratch trees. This scratching post is the closest thing to it, without letting your kitties outside!
Lastly, here are some additional fun options that both my own cats and my clients’ cats absolutely love.
- ENCOURAGES POSITIVE SCRATCHING HABITS: Made to mimic the feel of real bark, the extra thick corrugated cardboard of the Easy Life Hammock Cat Scratcher is designed to keep your kitty's attention off your furniture.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL SCRATCHER: Lounge & Scratcher 2 in 1. This corrugated cardboard piece doubles as a cat scratcher and a lounge. Satisfy your cat's natural scratching instincts while reducing the risk of damage to your carpets, curtains and furniture. Reclaim your furniture by giving your cat this round Cat Scratcher Bed!
Multiple Types of Scratchers are the Best Option!
I’m not even sure how many scratchers my furry ones have around the house.
They have different types of cardboard scratchers, incline scratchers, sisal scratching posts, rope-bound scratching posts (part of their cat trees), and scratchers that double as hiding places.
You don’t need to go quite this crazy.
Keep in mind, I do have three cats…
But having multiple options throughout the house is 100% the best choice.
My kitties are happy, and so is my furniture! 🙂
If you’re tired of the never-ending battle to stop your cat from scratching up your furniture… Carpets… Rugs… Drapes.. And whatever else, enroll in my course ““Positive Paws: Taming Your Cat’s Scratching Instincts”. today!
🐾 Step-By-Step Self-Paced Video Course
🐾 Unlimited Lifetime Access
🐾 Easy to use Worksheets for a Custom-Tailored Solution
🐾 Multi-Cat Household Friendly
🐾 Bonus Module! Resolve even the worst destructive scratching troubles!
Thanks for reading!
I really love & appreciate you help! Lots of goods things that I had not thought of! However, my problem is not mine alone, but lingers in my house! I have bad arthritis in my hands, so DIY projects are not in my world. I understand the are replacement posts for cat trees AND wrap arounds for existing posts. But I can’t find them any place. I thought maybe you could help. Right now my girls cat tree posts are really bad!! HELP!!! THANKS!
Hi Patti! I’m really glad you found the article informative 🙂 I have seen them before on Amazon. If you search replacement parts for cat towers, there are a lot of different options. Of course, it’s going to depend on what the make an model of your cat furniture is. You can also find fabric by searching “Natural Sisal Fabric to Repair Cat Scratching Post” I know multiple sellers carry it on Etsy. Hope that helps!