If you have a cat, surely you also have some accessories and toys for cats. But, perhaps one of the most important elements is, without a doubt, the scratching posts for cats. It is a "tool" to prevent your furniture, sofas, curtains... They end up torn apart.
But Do you know that there are different cat scratchers on the market? Or the benefits that these give to cats? Today we talk about them.
Why do cats scratch things?
Before talking about cat scratchers, it is important to know the reason why these animals have the "hobby" or "fixation" of scratching things.
When a cat scratches, it does so mainly with its front claws. Their trajectory is up and down, and they do it for an understandable reason: they try to remove and thin the outer layer of the claw. In other words, it sharpens its claws and sheds the layers that no longer serve it, especially when the new layer is already underneath.
This is perhaps the best known reason why cats scratch, but there is not only this reason. According to Icatcare, this behavior they also do it to exercise both their forelimbs and their spine. And because? Well, because they seek to be in good shape and predisposed for hunting.
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Another reason why cats scratch is to mark their territory. Just like dogs use urine or rub themselves in certain areas to leave their scent, the same thing happens with cats in this case as well.
When scratching, their pads secrete a unique odor, produced as a mixture of odor and sweat glands. This smell is fixed in the area where they are scratching at that moment so that other animals understand that this is their territory and that, therefore, they should not bother them.
Types of cat scratchers
Now that you know the reason why cats scratch, you will know that there are reasons why they have cat scratchers. In fact, Depending on the number of cats you have at home, a different number of scratching posts will be necessary. For example, if you have three cats, you should provide them with three different scratching posts, not share one, as that could lead to a lot of problems.
But do you know what types of cat scratchers are on the market? We tell you about them.
Vertical scrapers
These are the best known and common. Is about simple vertical cylinders, wrapped in rope or any other material resistant to the pet's nails, which fulfill the function in a basic way, without expecting anything else.
Sometimes they can have a small ball tied by another rope so that they can use it as a game (also to attract their attention and have fun while scratching the cylinder.
Tree or tower type scratching posts
They are more elaborate because they can have one or two heights, or even three. They follow the same rule as the previous one, only that on top of the cylinder they would have a base to stand on to climb to another “floor”.
In many cases they can have several cylinders (and platforms) and even small houses to be inside and relax (or just go inside to be left alone.
Carpet Scratchers
Other of the simpler cat scratchers are the carpet type. These They are ideal for small cats., since at their age they choose to scratch horizontally rather than vertically.
It is also a way to help them exercise in all positions and since they do not take up much space, they can be placed in strategic areas of a house (to prevent your furniture from suffering).
How to teach them to use cat scratchers
Do you think that buying cat scratchers and putting it on the ground is enough for them to understand? How are you going to leave your furniture alone and focus on this element? Well, we're sorry to say it, but it's not going to be like that.
When you put a scratching post on a cat, It is normal for him to come close to smelling that new element, since it is new for him and he wants to meet him. But from there to him using it as much as he can be using your furniture there is a world.
Fortunately, teaching cats to use scratching posts is not difficult, you just have to arm yourself with a little patience to achieve it.
The steps you must follow are the following:
Place cat scratchers in strategic areas
We are referring to parts of the house that are your favorites. If you don't know what they are, be guided by the furniture in your house, is any of it more scratched or have you caught it more times trying to "destroy" it? Well then that's where you should put it.
At the beginning it may be advisable, instead of a scratching post, to have several so that he understands that this is what he can scratch, but not the rest.
Draw attention to the scratching post
As we have mentioned before, many vertical scratching posts have a small ball attached to a hanging string to capture the cat's attention. In fact, it is something that you can find in almost all scratching posts (except the carpet type).
With this "toy" you can distract him, get closer to the scratching post, or get curious so that he ends up using it.
keep your patience
While some cats just put the scratching posts on and immediately leave your furniture alone, others will have a harder time using them. But it is important that you stay calm and continue to teach your pet that that item is what you can use to sharpen your nails, and not other home furnishings.
Still, to help him you can:
- Impregnate the scratching post with your scent. This is easy to do since you would only have to rub a blanket or something that belongs to your cat on the scratching post so that the smell of it stays.
- Use catnip. Of course, keep in mind that he must like it since, if not, you will be doing something counterproductive.
- Play with your cat and the scratching post. Instead of using other toys, focus on engaging the scratching post so it sees it as good (and fun).
- Give him a choice of several scratching posts for cats. One mistake we make is choosing a type of scratching post without really thinking about whether your cat will like it. It may be that the one you have chosen does not want it, but another guy does. Therefore, when he rejects it, you have to think that he may not be the right one for your cat.