Scratching post: modern and practical – models for cats

Sleeping and play zone
More than just a scratching post: modern play areas for active cats

What people’s fingernails are to cats are their claws – and they need to be trimmed regularly. For outdoor cats, nature offers plenty of opportunities for regular claw care, while indoor cats rely on alternatives such as a scratching post.

A cat prefers rough surfaces to trim its claws. To prevent it 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 cat plenty of opportunities for claw care – it also serves as a playground, viewing platform and retreat for cats. However, before you decide to purchase one, you should know the most important criteria that a scratching post must meet. What these are is summarized in this article. We also present various models to you.

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 surface lined with sisal for trimming the claws, should be at least 80 centimeters high – as many house cats prefer to stand on their hind legs when caring for their claws or simply like to stretch.

Location
Since house tigers like to be close to their owners, they should scratch tree If possible, be placed in one of the living rooms where you spend most of your time (during the day) – for example the living room. Best near a window, as cats like to sit in front of it and look outside. However, be careful not to allow your pet to get too close to the window and risk jumping out of the open window.

materials
When buying a scratching post, make sure that it is made from natural and non-toxic materials (e.g. cardboard, sisal and wood). The model should also 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 scratching columns and viewing platforms, caves and… Hammocks for even more incentives that cats without outdoor access respond to very well.

phase of life
Last but not least, the age of the cat is also an important criterion that should be taken into account when purchasing a scratching post: although young kittens are extremely agile, they lack the necessary climbing and balancing experience. Older 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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Scratching post: modern and practical – 4 models

1. Tectake

The model of Tectake is 141 centimeters high and is therefore particularly suitable for small apartments or older cats that are no longer as agile – or suffer from osteoarthritis in their joints. The integrated ladder is intended to 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 an additional retreat, a hammock, a tunnel and a sleeping hole. The model consists of one durable plush sisal combination together.

2. Linonto

The scratching post by Linonto measures 60x45x145 centimeters and is available in two colors: dark gray and light gray. According to the manufacturer, it consists of: made of soft plush and robust sisal. In addition to two viewing platforms for observing, the model includes two caves for sleeping, a hammock for chilling out and two loungers for lounging and two Plush balls with bells to play.

3. Silvio

The scratching post goes even higher.”Merlin” by Silvio. According to the manufacturer, the model is 1.68 meters high and contains a ladder, two tunnels, two loungers, two loungers and a cave. The frame was covered with sisal and a plush cover (made of 100 percent polyester) so that cats can relax You can sharpen your claws on it, but also find a peaceful place to sleep and retreat.

4. Pippa & Max

By far the highest model in this round of introductions is the scratching post “Pippa & Max”: It is attached between the floor and ceiling and can therefore be adjusted individually (between 215 to 288 centimeters). In addition to three viewing platforms, the scratching post has little to offer – but two of the four posts are made of natural, non-toxic fiber twine. The model is therefore ideal for house cats with a great urge to climb.

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