Any proud cat owner is already well aware that cats love to scratch! In order to stop them from scratching up every surface of the house (as well your skin!), it’s important to give them an outlet to focus their scratching on.
If you don’t have a scratching post in your house yet, here are a few reasons why it’ll be the best purchase you’ve ever made for your loveable kitty! These days, you can even buy cat scratching posts online and have them delivered to your door.
1. Cats need scratching posts to scratch their claws and help keep them healthy
Cats have tiny hooks on the ends of their claws called ‘papillae’. When they scratch, these papillae help to remove any dead or damaged tissue and keep their claws clean and sharp. If your cat doesn’t have anything to scratch, it may start to overgrow and become painful for your kitty – which nobody wants!
P.S. Did you know that declawing a cat is actually illegal in many countries? It’s an incredibly painful procedure that can cause long-term health problems, so please don’t do it! A scratching post is a much better solution.
2. Scratching posts help cats stretch and exercise their muscles
When cats scratch, they also get a good stretch in – which is important for their flexibility and joint health. It’s a bit like when we do a downward dog in yoga! So if you want your cat to be healthy and agile into old age, make sure they’ve got a scratching post to help them stay fit.
3. A good scratching post will save your furniture from being scratched up
Cats love to scratch furniture – it’s just in their nature. But if you give them a scratching post that they love, they’ll be much less likely to scratch up your favorite armchair or sofa. It’s a win-win! There are all sorts of different scratching posts available, so you’re sure to find one that your cat will love.
4. They’re easy to buy online or at any pet store
Scratching posts aren’t expensive either – considering that they serve as a practical toy for your cat to use every day, it’s a worthy investment. Not to mention, there are plenty of scratching posts with cat caves, beds, and even kitty litter stations incorporated into the design.
5. You can choose one that best suits your cat’s temperament and scratching preferences
Make sure to place the scratching post in a spot where your cat likes to scratch – some cats prefer to scratch horizontally, while others like to scratch vertically.
Ready to give your furry friend their newest favorite toy? Start shopping for scratching posts online today!