Best Material for a Cat Scratching Post

The right cat scratching post is essential to encourage your feline friend’s natural instinct to scratch. Clawing is a way for cats to mark their territory, stretch and exercise, and maintain claw health. Unfortunately, some cats are more enthusiastic than others about scratching surfaces other than their own furniture, and a sturdy cat scratching post can help you redirect those behavior issues.

The best material for a cat scratching post is typically all-natural sisal. This type of fabric is made from the agave plant and is sustainable, durable, and pleasing to your cat’s rough paws and claws. Many cats prefer sisal over rope on a scratching post because it allows them to get more purchase as they knead and scratch, and it provides a satisfying texture that feels like the rough bark of trees that many wildcats favor for scratching.

Another great option for a scratching post is corrugated cardboard. This material is inexpensive and sturdy, and it can be cut to the size of your desired scratching post top. This is a good choice for people who have multiple cats and need to save space in their homes, as it is also easy to replace the surface of the scratcher when it becomes worn. Some cats also appreciate the roughness and rigidity of carpet on a scratching post. However, this material may reinforce your kitty’s desire to scratch carpeted surfaces in your home, so it is usually not recommended for cat scratching posts.

What is the Best Material for a Cat Scratching Post?

You will also want to consider whether you need a vertical, horizontal, or angled scratching post. Many owners report that their cat prefers to scratch vertical surfaces, such as sofa arms and door jambs, while other cats prefer to scratch horizontally in places like the floor. If your feline prefers vertical scratches, you should consider a taller scratching post. A tall scratching post will provide your cat with the opportunity to stretch as she scratches, and it will be less likely to fall over when she leans into a scratch.

If you have a multicat household, you will need a dual-sided or angled scratching post to offer multiple options. You should also consider whether you want the post to be freestanding or mounted to the wall. Freestanding posts offer more flexibility in positioning, while mounted posts are convenient for those who live in apartments or small houses. Mounted posts are often a better choice for those with larger cats, as they can support more weight and may be more stable than a wobbly post that could tip over onto the cat.

Sturdiness is a critical attribute for a scratching post. A cat will not use a post if she rises up on her hind legs to place her front feet against it in anticipation of a satisfying scratch, only to feel the post wobble underneath her as she leans in. If this occurs, she will likely never attempt to scratch the post again and will continue to scratch other surfaces in your home instead.