Not all cats have scratching towers but all should and here’s why. Some cats are destructive in their scratching. Even to those who aren’t, a scratching tower lets the cat know where’s appropriate to scratch and can keep them from going to furniture or carpeting.
There are a lot of reasons why cats scratch and it’s not them misbehaving. Rather, it’s perfectly natural for them to scratch. Cats do this to remove the dead outer layer of their claws, to leave visual marks as a means of marking their territory, to stretch their bodies, and to flex their feet or claws. Although it can be problematic for humans, cat scratching is normal and instinctive. A scratching tower helps them to direct their scratching to some place useful.
If you have noticed your cat scratching things around the house, they’re probably doing so on coarse, textured surfaces or something they can sink their claws into. Cats usually scratch after waking from a nap, when they’re excited, or when they want to mark territory. Some will stand vertically, others prefer horizontally with their butts in the air to get a decent stretch.
Do your cats a huge favor and buy them a cat scratching tower they can use to amuse themselves. It’s furniture for them and them alone, for them to do with it as they please. Believe us when we say, cats appreciate that. Then, after you have a designated area for them to scratch, you can discourage them from scratching anywhere else. Odors like citrus or menthol can help at keeping cats away. Keep this up and usually, after a few weeks, you shouldn’t have any more problems with cat scratching.
Cat scratching tower come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and the material can vary as well. Oftentimes, the design may incorporate rope-covered posts, a flat scratch pad of corrugated cardboard, a variety of different surfaces, and a bed. If you want to further encourage your cat or kitten to use their scratching tower, rub a little catnip into the post for where you want them. Also, praising your cat after they’ve used the post is another great technique at training.
The last thing we want to mention is where you place your cat scratching post in the house is important. Place it where they like to stretch out for a nap, by the front door, or some place you know they’re going to enjoy it. They shouldn’t have to go far to find it.
Featured Photo by Craig Adderley from Pexels
