Scratch that!

Cats have a natural instinct to scratch. Through scratching, they loosen and remove the outer husks of the nails as they grow. Scratching is also a form of exercise and communication for cats. While scratching, cats deposit their scent, from glands present on the paws, and the discarded nail husks, signaling to other cats the extent of their territory. Our indoor cats also use scratching as a precursor to play or to get attention, especially if they’ve been positively reinforced. Many cats will often scratch vigorously in the presence of their owners or other cats as a sign of territorial confidence.

With all that scratching, you may worry about your furniture and many other surfaces in your home. Providing appropriate surfaces for your cat to scratch, so that your precious leather sofa remains untouched, is one way to help your cat have a safe outlet for this natural behavior.

Use these tips to pick an appropriate scratching post to satisfy your cat’s itch to scratch.

• Pick the right post:  Think about the places your cat scratches now. What’s her preferred material? Scout out posts and coverings that mimic her favorite scratching surfaces, from sisal to cardboard to carpet-covered posts or even wood or leather.
• Structure matters:  Does your kitty crave vertical scratching surfaces or horizontal ones? Some cats will enjoy a mix of both.
• How high?  Does your cat stretch high and far above his head? He might like higher posts. Just be sure it’s sturdy so it won’t wibble, wobble or fall while you’re cat’s soothing his scratching urge.
• Location matters:  Just like real estate, where you place your scratching board counts. Your kitty craves your attention, so it’s best to post her post in highly trafficked areas, where the family spends time together. This way her kitty “furniture” is on the scene, close to you—the one she loves best!

Below are some cat trees that your cat may like. (My Lancelot loves the first one!) It’s always a good idea to have options available for your feline friends, since they may choose different surfaces for scratching depending on the day. I like to spread out a few cat trees throughout my house, so there is an appropriate scratching surface for my cat in every room that we spend significant amounts of time.

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