Cat Scratching Post: Benefits for You and Your Cat

Every person who has kept a pet knows that it is a commitment. Pets need food, water, shelter and exercise. Most people can guarantee the first three easily, but exercise for pets is a real consideration for owners. More often than not, the need for exercise determines what kind of pet you should get. For example, people with small homes should not get big dogs because they need a lot of exercise. On the other hand, cats and small dogs are more low-maintenance. This is because they are pretty much ideal to any home size as long as they have enough space to play. However, keep in mind that other than space, pets need certain tools to use for their exercise. For the energetic dog, balls and chew bones are preferred but cats need surfaces wherein they can use their claws to exercise and hone their attacking skills. This is where a cat scratching post enters.

Exercising does not only ensure that pets are active. For cats, they specifically need to scratch to maintain a limber physique and to sharpen their claws. They also feel the need to hone their attacking and climbing skills. Furniture is often victim to these needs. This destructive behavior will be curbed if pet cats are given their own cat scratching posts. Depending on how active the cat is, a home will probably need more than two of this exercise tool to ensure that the pet cat is given adequate space for clawing. Of course, this would be mandatory if you have more than one cat on the house. Cat scratching posts or any surface that your cat or cats particularly like is considered their territory.

There are considerations that pet owners must consider before purchasing a cat scratching posts. Like humans, cats also have a preferred method of exercise. Some cats prefer to scratch vertical objects, while some prefer to scratch horizontally. Cats also have favorite scratching spaces and textures. It is, of course, advisable that the cat scratching post simulates these characteristics.

“Cat Scratching post - almost as essential to cats as food and water”

Cat scratching posts don’t have to be bought. They can be something as simple as the tree in your yard or maybe a mat reserved specifically for the pet cat. If your cat is particular about its scratching surface, then you can make your own cat scratching posts. They are usually made of wood and fabric and should be designed with a good base. In addition, posts should look like a tree stump since tree stumps largely appeal to a cat’s scratching instinct, aesthetically. However, if you do not really have time to construct a homemade cat scratching posts, they are available in most pet stores. Again, take note of your pet cat’s preference when choosing one. You should also take note that the posts should have the ability to withstand your pet cat’s constant clawing, scratching, attacking and climbing. Whether it is homemade or store-bought, make sure that the cat scratching post is durable.

While clawing and scratching is great for your cat, it might not take to the activity automatically. It would help the owners to actually show the cat how to use the cat scratching post. Running one’s finger along the surface would be demonstration enough. It would also help to put catnip on the surface of the cat scratching post and continually placing your cat near the post. It might also be difficult to persuade your cat to use the cat scratching post for its clawing and scratching. This is especially true as most cats are attracted or accustomed to doing these activities on your furniture.

Owners should start training their cats to use the post for exercise while they’re still young. Giving your pet cat incentives will greatly help. However, if your cat is still using your furniture, it is best to enforce different reinforcements at the same time. For example, use a negative reinforcement when your cat scratches your furniture. Negative reinforcements can be in the form of scolding or spraying your cat. On the other hand, when your cat uses the cat scratching post, you may give your pet positive reinforcement. This can be in the form of cat treats or petting.

Contrary to what most people believe, exercising is also essential for your pets. If you own a cat pet, make sure to use a cat scratching post. This will not only help your cat receive adequate exercise, but it will also prevent damaging your furniture.

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One of the most fascinating creatures, cat is not only a marvelous buddy but it also provide us with joy. In return to their wonderful gesture, we can make them happy by getting a cat scratching post for them. A cat scratching post will satisfy the most common urge of scratching in cats. However, by providing them with a cat scratching post, it does not mean that their scratching needs are satiated.
This is because not all scratch posts are same. It does not make a difference to us as humans as to what kind of scratching post does a cat use but to them it is lot more important. It is very essential and necessary for a cat to have a good scratch post. Here are a few things which you need to know before buying a scratch post for your cat.

The first and the basic thing to look for is the height of the scratch post. The height of the post should be Read the rest of this entry »