Want a Cat Scratcher that Works?

It may seem like your cat wants to scratch on your new couch just to irritate you, but that is certainly not the case. Cats scratch not only to mark their territory but it is also a very important part of a cat's daily exercise. Read on for my opinions on which cat scratchers work and which one aren't worth buying.

My first purchase was a Cosmic Pet Cardboard Scratcher with Catnip. Although, this may look like a great, affordable option for your cat's scratching needs, it doesn't work well unless you have a two pound kitten. It will slide with your cat and often lift up when your cat is in mid-claw mode. You can try securing the top part under something heavy but it still tends to slide around too much. Cats want something secure to grab hold of when they need to scratch. In addition, I haven't owned a cat yet, that has performed well under the influence of catnip.

My second choice was the Wave Scratcher. Duffy, who was a kitten when I bought it for him, used it for a bed but never once scratched on it. It also slides when the cat grows larger.

Another failed purchase was a hanging sisal scratcher. I tried this product years ago with another cat and he never touched it. Again, it moves. The thing to remember - the cat scratcher must not move. Why do you think they like the nice heavy couch? That was my Aha moment.

My final choice was GoPetClub Cat Furniture Tree Condo House Scratcher Post F08. Of course, I also choose this particular item so Duffy would have a great view out the window from the top perch and because it has several lounging areas. The posts are wrapped is sisal ropes and every morning, Duffy runs to the largest post and stretches his length to relieve his overdue scratching urges.

I ordered this piece of furniture from Amazon, first, because I have always received exactly what I order and in the condition expected. Second, because they rate their products using the five-star system based on customer reviews. It is very worth your while to read all the reviews before you decide which one to order. The key words are searching for are sturdy, durable, and DOES NOT MOVE. If you have a kitten, you need to look at the future needs of a full-grown cat. Will the cat tree be durable enough for an adult cat or perhaps multiple cats?

It's also important for your cat to have room to stretch while she is scratching. Most cats like to stretch vertically, not horizontally. Think of what position your cat is in when scratching on your couch. Is he reaching up from the floor onto the arm or is he on the seat of the couch stretching and kneading the adjacent cushion?

The cat tree/condo may be the most expensive choice for a cat scratcher, but it's cheaper than buying a new couch.

I hope these tips help in making the right decision for your cat scratching needs.

Source: my own experience