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Choosing a Scratching Post

post #1 of 8
5/30/11 at 5:26pm
Thread Starter 
Tonight was our deadline before we decided our found cat was "officially" adopted. We've always been dog people and have to admit we could not be more in love with her. Anyway, tomorrow I will be buying her everything her little heart could desire, and of course need a scratching post. I was wondering if since so far she has only scratched and kneaded at our carpet and nothing upright, should I buy her a flat scratching pad, instead of a high post? Will she probably want both? First cat, I apologize if this is elementary!
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post #2 of 8
5/30/11 at 7:00pm
I would recommend getting both a sturdy upright one and a few horizontal ones. Mine really like the cardboard ones and I have them spread in different rooms.
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post #3 of 8
5/30/11 at 7:14pm
Yup, you want multiple a flat, angle, and vertical, preferably of different materials.

For the vertical scratching post, this one gets rave reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/SmartCat-3832-...6807997&sr=8-1

Very sturdy and over 200 five star reviews.
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post #4 of 8
5/30/11 at 7:42pm
We have the one linked to above. It's the one all my cats use the most, of their 5 choices.

Congratulations on becoming a cat guardian. No question is too elementary. How are you to know? There are lots of articles and stickies on this site. And feel free to ask away.

Robin
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post #5 of 8
5/31/11 at 4:16am
A few things that you won't know unless you've had cats.

Height is security to a cat, so a "cat tree" of some sort will be appreaciated. It doesn't have to be fancy; it can be homemade. I made one out of a large tree branch and plywood.



They also like to chase things, so a wand toy is a good investment. You CAN make one yourself; they aren't that complicate! Check out "Da Bird."

And they like a place to hide. A box with a small entrance and little peep holes will make for great fun. Again, a few minutes with a box and a knife is all it takes.

And, being essentially a baby, you should "child proof" your house. Watch for places a cat could get stuck, get hurt, fall off, chew wires, etc. Don't leave pieces of string on the floor if you're not playing with them; once a cat gets it in its mouth, it will have to swallow it, and that has killed more than a few kittens.
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post #6 of 8
5/31/11 at 4:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrblanche View Post
Height is security to a cat, so a "cat tree" of some sort will be appreaciated. It doesn't have to be fancy; it can be homemade. I made one out of a large tree branch and plywood.
Quoted for truth!

Just wanted to add, that shelves are also loved.
http://www.youtube.com/user/WesleyBu.../1/NcJ0vi0WIzs
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post #7 of 8
5/31/11 at 9:59am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the homemade cat tree tip, I'll have to see how handy hubby can get! I got her both kinds of posts and she went right to them and has gone back multiple times which is good to see! I'd like to clip her nails, but I shouldn't just force it on her right? I mean she's new and she still spooks sometimes although she's getting so brave.
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post #8 of 8
5/31/11 at 10:57am
Give her some time to get acclimated. If you find her napping, start gently handling her feet and toes to get her used to it. (Have the clippers handy as you might be able to trim a couple).
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