the best cat scratcher

Ok, a question from a newbie:

- Which is the best cat scratcher (material, shape, size)?
- Should it be located at a specific area of the house?
- Should I have more than one scratcher?

Thanx!!!

Any sort, the bigger and more complex the better.

Anywhere where the cats will use it

Yes, more than one is always a plus!!

I'll move this to " Care and Grooming " for you

Originally Posted by rosiemac

I'll move this to " Care and Grooming " for you

Click to expand...

thanks, didnt really pay attention..

Originally Posted by ksakkos

Ok, a question from a newbie:

- Which is the best cat scratcher (material, shape, size)?
- Should it be located at a specific area of the house?
- Should I have more than one scratcher?

Thanx!!!

Click to expand...

1) I think this really depends on your cat's preferences. For one of my cats, we have an "A"-frame scratching post that's quite tall and sturdy, because he likes to stretch upwards when he scratches. Our other cat prefers to scratch on the ground, so his scratching post is flat on the ground (with this weird little "pipe hanger"-type thing arching over it, that they both use to scratch their backs with). We also have a scratching post that's made to look like a palm tree, so it has a tall part and a flat base that they both can use. All our scratching posts are carpeted; the "palm tree" has a hemp-like material bound around the trunk.

2) The best place to locate your scratching posts are beside areas where you notice your cat has already started scratching (like, if you notice he's been clawing your couch, put the post beside the couch and re-direct his claws every time he does so). Put the scratching posts in places the cat frequents, and places where you notice him exhibiting territorial behaviour.

3) Yes. Cats scratch to mark their territory (among other reasons), and I think it helps them to feel more secure in their homes when they have a number of places that they recognise as theirs. But really, this is a matter of preference and space; if you don't have room for a lot of scratching posts, just make sure you have one or two accessible.

Hope this helps!