Cat scratching posts and other scratching furniture: Interesting facts about scratching furniture for cats
Scratching trees, scratching boards and other scratching possibilities bring a lot of fun, variety but also retreat possibilities into the cat's life. Especially indoor cats find such furniture an adequate opportunity to act out their instincts. As an alternative, furniture can also be used by cats with sharp claws.
Why do cats like to scratch on objects?
From a cat's point of view, there are of course a few good reasons to sharpen their claws on certain objects.
One of them is stress reduction: stretching and scratching helps reduce stress and increases the well-being of the velvet paws. But also the care of the claws and marking the territory are reasons why cats like to tamper with certain objects.
Claw care for velvet paws
In the wild, claws are one of the most important tools of the cat. Therefore, they also pay meticulous attention to maintain and sharpen them well. Cats retract their claws when walking, and do not run them off themselves like a dog.
Scratching on objects serves to remove the outer, brittle layers. What remains is strong, healthy and sharp horn.
Marking territory
Between the pads of our cats' feet are glands from which pheromones escape. By leaving scents in certain places, cats mark their territory.
These markings need to be refreshed regularly, which is why the same spot is scratched again and again. In doing so, they prefer central places frequently frequented by humans and conspecifics.
What types of cat scratching furniture are there?
The market offers many different scratching elements for cats. From practical to stylish, small to large - the choice is huge and there are no limits to the imagination.
The PERRO online shop offers a selection of the following, high-quality scratching furniture:
Which scratching furniture does my cat need?
It is easy to lose track of the large selection of different pieces of scratching furniture. With a few simple questions we would like to give you a little guide or help:
| Question | Answer |
| How big is the cat? | Large and heavy cats need stable furniture and also lying areas or sleeping dens should be designed accordingly for large cats and offer them enough space. For kittens smaller versions are recommended, e.g. a low scratching post to get them used to it and to avoid unnecessary injuries. |
| What are the cat's personal preferences? | Does the cat like airy heights, a cosy place to sleep and a quiet retreat? Then this should definitely be taken into account when purchasing a cat furniture. |
| How much space does the flat offer? | In a small flat with less space, scratching boards or small scratching posts can be a great way for cats to act out their instincts . If there is more space, large scratching trees including a resting place and sleeping den can offer the cat a nice place to play and rest. |
| What is the right material for cat scratching furniture? |
Basically, the furniture should be stable and of good quality
. Since we at PERRO attach great importance to quality, we do not compromise on
scratching furniture. Natural and robust sisal is most often used for scratching posts
& Co. In the area of cat furniture design, we also like to use resistant corrugated cardboard. Scratching furniture made of natural wood is particularly stable and durable and is therefore suitable for particularly energetic house cats. |
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Cat Tree XXL Fidele ceiling high- XXL Cat Tree
- with ceiling tensioner
- 220 - 250 cm height
- 1 cuddly den, 2 lying areas & 1 removable hammock
- Sisal & fabric
- Trunk: ø 18cm
- grey with beige sisal
€299.00* -
Designed by Lotte Wooden Scratching Board- Scratching board
- made of natural wood
- robust sisal covering
- in painting optics with single line drawing cat motive
- for indoor walls
- promotes the play & claw sharpening instinct
- easy to assemble
€49.90* -
%
Cat-on Scratching Furniture Le Plateau- Wall scratching post
- perfect for climbing, playing & observing
- in sizes S & L
- with aluminium wall bracket
- handmade
- sustainable & modern
- ideal lying & scratching surface
€48.97* €69.95* (29.99% saved) -
Scratching post Juana- Cat tree
- With plush cover, reversible cushion and toys on a belt
- Trunks wrapped with natural sisal
- Lying surface with removable cuddly bed
- comfortable & easy to clean
€269.00* -
Corner scratching board- Corner scratching board
- Scratching surface made of sisal
- easy to assemble
- robust & space-saving
- flexible scratching height
- timeless & easy to clean
€14.99* -
Scratching post Lucano- Cat tree
- with plush cover and sisal scratching surface
- Reversible cushion 2x, recess and toys on a belt
- Trunks wrapped with jute
- timeless & elegant
€189.00* -
Designed by Lotte Scratching post Yves with foot- Cat
- Natural scratching furniture
- made of wood & jute
- stable base
- horizontal column
- long scratching pleasure
- appealing design
€39.95*
The cat does not like or use the scratching post? This is how it works!
For cats it is enormously important that their scratching marks are also noticed. Therefore, a central, highly frequented place for scratching elements is just right. A location next to the sleeping area or between the feeding and sleeping areas can also increase acceptance. After all, after resting , house cats like to stretch and sharpen their claws from time to time. Catnip can also help to increase the attractiveness.
If enough space is available, several scratching elements can also be placed in different locations . Some cats like choice and variety. In addition, cats like to be with their humans, watch them and enjoy their presence. Therefore, it makes sense toplace the scratching furniture where you spend a lot of time yourself.
Safety: Set up and fix the ceiling tensioner correctly
Especially with the large scratching posts - also called ceiling tensioners - an appropriately stable assembly is an important aspect for the safety of humans and animals.
Ceilingtrees are cat scratching posts that extend from the floor to the ceiling. A true cat paradise. To make sure they stay that way and don't suddenly topple over when the cat jumps on them, romps around or sharpens its claws, a few aspects need to be taken into account, both at the time of purchase and during assembly.
- Stable base plate: e.g. those made of heavy hardwood are recommended. Important: the base plate must cover the entire base of the scratching post.
- Variable posts: ceilingposts have an adjustable (scratching) element at the top. With these, the scratching post can be flexibly adjusted and fixed to the height of the room.
- Wall brackets: Some models offer brackets on the sides, which allow an additional fixation to the wall. A big plus in terms of safety.
The right cat tree - practical tips
Make the best choice for your cat with a few tips.
| What exactly? | What to look out for? |
| Size matters | Sleeping dens should not be too big, but not too small either. Cats love to squeeze into places. A diameter of between 30 and 40 cm is ideal for adult cats. A small opening prevents unpleasant draughts. |
| Material | The scratching posts must be resistant on the one hand, but at the same time the material should also be soft. Sisal fulfils both of these criteria. A scratching post should be at least the length of the cat so that it can stretch out when sharpening its claws. |
| Everything in view | Cats like to observe and love to look all around. Therefore, lying possibilities should be located in the upper area of the scratching post . Additional platforms offer even more possibilities and variety. |
| Easy to play with | Another advantage of a good cat tree is that it offers a variety of play options for your cat. Stairs, tunnels, ropes or play balls bring even more variety and fun into the cat's life. |
