You may automatically think of the typical tall, skinny post wrapped in carpet for your cat’s scratching needs, but there are many different styles, sizes, shapes, and materials of cat scratchers. Your cat may even have preferences to meet their specific needs. Understanding the various types of scratching posts on the market, and learning how to identify how your cat uses scratching around your home, is all you need to find the right option for your feline friend.

Why Cats Need Scratching Posts or Pads

Cats scratch or run their paws over surfaces as if they were scratching for various important reasons.

• Nail care. Scratching can help your cat maintain their nails and remove the sheath they shed from time to time.
• Stretching. Cats love to get a good stretch as they’re scratching, especially after a nap.
• Self-soothing. There’s scent in a cat’s paws which they spread by scratching. Surrounding themselves with their own scent helps reduce stress and anxiety.
• Communicating with other cats. That same paw scent allows cats to communicate where they’re spending their time and how recently they were there.

Considerations When Choosing a Scratching Post for Your Cat

Buying any ol’ scratching post and plopping it in an open spot in the back bedroom may not do the trick for your cat, and there’s no sense wasting money on a scratcher your cat won’t use. Take a look at your cat’s current scratching behavior and think about these basics to find the best scratcher for your situation. Understanding how your cat uses scratching surfaces can help you pick a style, material, and location your cat is most likely to use.

What is My Cat Scratching?

The most common scratcher materials are carpet, rope, and cardboard. It’s also pretty simple to make scratchers from other materials like upholstery fabric or wood. The items your cat is scratching around the home can give clues about the preferred materials. If your cat scratches your carpeted floors, a carpeted post may be more appealing than sisal. If they tear up cardboard boxes, try cardboard scratchers. Some cats like hard materials like wood (but watch for splinters and give the wood a sanding as needed). Others prefer the side of the couch and might enjoy a scratcher covered in thick upholstery fabric. It may take some testing to find a favorite, but look at their current behavior for a place to start.

How is My Cat Scratching?

Cats scratch both vertically and horizontally. Some cats like to reach up as high and far as they can and pull down to scratch while getting a nice stretch, while others like to do a little bow with the front end low and the back end in the air (scratching similar to how they knead). Your cat may even enjoy scratching at an angle. Luckily, you can find scratching posts or other scratching products that fit every cat’s scratching style.

• Vertical scratchers. Cat trees and free-standing posts are common. You can also find scratching pads made from cardboard, fabric, or other materials that mount on the wall.
• Horizontal scratchers. There are lots of scratching pads designed to sit on the floor. Often, cats will stand on one end and scratch the other end. You can even get horizontal scratchers in the shape of beds and other furniture so your cat can lounge and scratch all in one. If your cat likes to horizontally scratch your furniture, look for a scratching mat designed to drape over the arm or back of chairs and couches.
• Box and angled scratchers. If your cat likes a mix of horizontal and vertical, they may enjoy scratchers in large box shapes or ramps with a high and low end.

Tips for Finding the Right Scratching Post for Your Cat

• Make it sturdy. Any scratcher, especially tall scratching posts, need to support a lot of force. Cats have strength behind their scratching and stretching and can easily topple over a light, flimsy scratching post. If it falls on them, they will be less likely to use it again. So, look for options with a heavy base, those that can be secured/attached to a sturdy surface, or horizontal scratchers your cat can sit on as they scratch to keep the scratcher in place.
• Size is important. Not all cats need a giant scratching post, but if they really like to stretch, it should be tall or long enough to meet that need.
• Materials aren’t all created equal. Sometimes the material makes all the difference in whether your cat will use a scratching post/mat or not. Don’t be afraid to try different materials and see what they like before you invest in the uber-scratching post.
• Consider your cat’s preferences. Just because you buy it doesn’t mean they’ll use it. Think about the what, why, and how of their current scratching behaviors to help you find the best scratching post or mat for your cat and put it in the right location.

Be sure to talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions about your cat’s scratching behavior or nail health.