Scratching Posts for Cats

Scratching Posts for Cats
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Cat Advice and Guides

Why Cats Need to Scratch

Scratching is not a behavioural problem: it is a natural and necessary part of being a cat. Understanding why cats scratch makes it much easier to give them what they need and protect your home at the same time.

  • Scratching helps cats shed the outer layer of their claws, keeps them healthy and sharp and removes worn material that would otherwise need to be bitten off
  • It is also a form of territorial marking: cats have scent glands in their paws and scratching leaves both a visual and a scent mark in their environment
  • Regular scratching helps cats stretch and engage their shoulder, back and leg muscles, making it an important part of their physical routine
  • Without a suitable scratch post, cats will scratch furniture, carpets and door frames: providing the right option protects your home while meeting a genuine welfare need
  • Positioning matters: placing scratch posts near sleeping areas and along frequently used routes gives cats the best chance of using them consistently

Choosing the Right Scratch Post

Not all scratch posts are equal, and the wrong choice will be ignored. Height, stability and material are the three factors that determine whether your cat will actually use a post.

  • Height: the post must be tall enough for your cat to fully stretch when scratching, a minimum of 60 to 70cm for an adult cat is the general guide
  • Stability: a post that wobbles or tips when your cat leans on it will be quickly abandoned in favour of something more solid, like a sofa leg
  • Material: sisal rope is the most popular and durable option for most cats, while cardboard scratchers offer a good lower-cost alternative that many cats enjoy
  • Cat trees: combined scratching, climbing and resting structures are excellent for indoor cats, providing multiple forms of enrichment in a single piece of furniture
  • Positioning: place the post near where your cat is already scratching to start with, then gradually move it to a preferred location once they are using it regularly

Frequently Asked Questions

Provide a suitable scratch post positioned near the furniture your cat is currently targeting. Use catnip spray or a dangling toy to attract your cat to the post and reward them each time they use it. Double-sided tape applied to the furniture can deter scratching in the short term while your cat builds the habit of using the post. Looking for more in-depth advice? Read our article about how to stop your cat from scratching the furniture.

The best scratch post is tall enough for your cat to fully stretch, stable enough not to move when used and covered in a material your cat prefers. Sisal rope is the most widely preferred material. Our team can help you choose a suitable option for your cat’s size and scratching style.

It depends on the individual cat. Many prefer vertical posts, but some cats have a strong preference for horizontal cardboard scratchers. Observing where and how your cat currently scratches gives the clearest indication of their preference.

Yes, we stock a range of scratching posts and cat trees in our Newcastle-under-Lyme store and online. Free local delivery is available for Newcastle-under-Lyme customers.