Sleep and play area
More than just a scratching post: modern playgrounds for active cats
A cat tree is a playground and viewing platform in one
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What their fingernails are to humans, their claws are to cats – and they have to be trimmed regularly. For those outdoors, nature offers enough opportunities for regular claw care, indoor cats, on the other hand, are dependent on alternatives such as a scratching post.
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A cat prefers rough surfaces to trim its nails. To prevent them from scratching your walls or furniture, you should offer your pet a sensible alternative, such as a scratching post. It has the advantage that it not only offers your house tiger enough opportunities to groom its claws – it also serves as a playground, viewing platform and retreat for cats. However, before you decide to buy it, you should know the most important criteria that a cat tree must meet. These are summarized in this article. We will also introduce you to various models.
A scratching post should meet these criteria
stability
A scratching post should stand firmly on the floor so that one or more cats can play on it without any problems – without it wobbling or even falling over. This is made possible by a stable base or other mounting options on walls and ceilings.
height
Cats love to observe their surroundings. Therefore, the scratching post should have a minimum height of one meter. The scratching column, on the other hand, i.e. a sisal-lined area for clipping the claws, should be at least 80 centimeters high – since many house tigers prefer to stand on their hind legs or simply like to stretch themselves when caring for their claws.
Location
Since house tigers like to be near their owners, the scratch tree If possible, be placed in one of the living rooms in which you spend most of the time (during the day) – for example the living room. Preferably near the window, as cats like to sit in front of it and look outside. However, be careful that your pet doesn’t get too close to the window and jump out of the open window.
materials
When buying a scratching post, make sure that it is made from natural and preferably non-toxic materials (e.g. cardboard, sisal and wood). In addition, the model should be well made so that no dangerous screws or nail heads can injure your pet.
variety
So that your cat feels completely comfortable on the scratching post, it should offer your pet as much variety as possible. In addition to one or more scratch pillars and viewing platforms, caves and Hammocks for even more incentives that house cats jump on very well without being outside.
Phase of life
Last but not least, the age of the cat is an important criterion that should be taken into account when buying a scratching post: Young kittens are extremely agile, but they lack the necessary climbing and balance experience. Older house cats, on the other hand, can develop joint problems over time and are grateful for a few steps on the scratching post.
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Cat tree: modern and practical – 4 models
1. Scratching post with steps
The model of rabbitgoo is only 99 centimeters high and therefore particularly suitable for small apartments or older cats who are no longer so agile – or suffer from osteoarthritis in the joints. The integrated ladder should make it easier for the animal to access the first floor. In addition to the two viewing platforms, the scratching post also has a cave as a further retreat and two hammocks. The model is made of particle wood, sisal and artificial fur fabric.
2. Scratching post with hammock
The scratching post from “rabbitgoo” measures 67 x 50 x 156 centimeters and is available in three colors: dark gray, light gray and beige. According to the manufacturer, it consists of P2 particle wood, sisal and an artificial fur fabric. In addition to three viewing platforms for observation, the model includes a cave to sleep in, a hammock and cradle to laze about, and a furry ball to play with. There is also a small ladder for the first floor.
3. Scratching post with tunnels
It goes even higher with the scratching post “Merlin“by Silvio (from Lidl). According to the manufacturer, the model is 1.68 meters high and contains a ladder, two tunnels, two reclining hollows, two reclining plates and a cave. The frame was made with sisal and a plush cover (made of 100 percent polyester ) covered so that cats can sharpen their claws, but can also find a peaceful place to sleep and retreat.
4. Scratching post with ceiling attachment
By far the highest model of this round of introductions is the scratching post from “Pippa & Max”: It is attached between the floor and the ceiling and can therefore be adjusted individually (between 215 to 288 centimeters). In addition to three viewing platforms, the cat tree has little incentive to offer – two of the four posts are made of natural, non-toxic fiber thread. The model is therefore ideally suited for house cats with a great urge to climb.
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