Scratchers
Scratching posts, cat trees and cardboard scratchers that give your cat a proper outlet for claw care and marking, away from your furniture.
Scratching is a need, not a bad habit. When a cat scratches it sheds the worn outer layer of its claws, stretches the muscles of its forelegs and back, and leaves scent from glands in its paws to mark territory. If that need has no proper outlet, sofas, rugs and door frames take the hit, so it helps to think of a scratcher as a fixture of the home rather than an optional extra.
What to look for in a scratcher
- **Height:** for upright posts, aim for at least 70–80 cm so your cat can stretch fully.
- **Stability:** a wide, heavy base matters; a post that wobbles once is often abandoned for good.
- **Surface:** sisal rope is durable and a favourite with most cats; corrugated cardboard is a good-value option for horizontal scratchers.
- **Orientation:** some cats scratch vertically, others horizontally. Watch which furniture they target and choose accordingly.
Cat trees combine scratching, climbing and resting in one piece, and for indoor cats living in flats the extra height can noticeably reduce stress. In multi-cat homes, trees with several platforms help ease tension over shared resources.
Placement matters as much as the product. Put the scratcher where your cat stretches after waking, next to its bed or a favourite sofa. A little catnip spray or dried catnip rubbed into the surface encourages early interest. When the sisal wears thin, replacement rope or cardboard refill pads extend the life of the post without buying a new one.
Common questions about Scratchers
My cat ignores the scratching post. What should I do?
Move it first: place the scratcher right next to the furniture your cat is targeting. Make sure the base does not wobble, rub catnip into the surface and reward your cat when it uses it. If your cat scratches horizontally, try a cardboard model.
Is sisal or cardboard better?
Sisal lasts far longer and suits upright posts. Cardboard scratchers are inexpensive and much loved by many cats, but wear out faster. Many homes use both.
How tall should a cat tree be?
For one cat and a smaller space, 80–120 cm is plenty. For active cats or multi-cat homes, trees of 140 cm or more with a wide base, or ceiling-fixed models, are safer.
