How to Choose the Right Cat Scratcher?

If you are a cat owner, you have probably experienced your cat scratching a surface that was not meant for their claws, be it your carpet or sofa. This is where cat scratchers come in handy. If you want your cat to stop scratching your couch, the right thing to do is to buy a cat scratcher online in Australia.

When buying a cat scratcher, the biggest mistake people make is that they go for the option that appeals to them, rather than buying a piece that is suited to their cats. A good knowledge of cat behaviour can make a positive difference when it comes to purchasing the right cat scratcher. In this post, we will guide you into buying the right one for your cute, little kitty!

The Right Scratcher for Your Cat

When choosing a suitable scratcher for your cat, the main factors that come into play are height, sturdiness, material, and vertical and horizontal surfaces.

1.    Tall in Height

Height plays a key role in a cat scratcher. Cats mostly prefer tall scratching posts, as they allow them to fully extend while scratching. This means that your cat can stretch its body out completely and pull the back and shoulder muscles, which is vital for health and flexibility. If cats have to crouch to stretch their bodies, they won’t get the full benefit of exercising and stretching the muscles.

2.    Sturdy Material

If the scratching post wobbles, your cat won’t use it. This is one of the reasons cats love to scratch couches and chairs, as they are very stable. In the wild, trees are preferred to be used as scratching surfaces for the same reason. It is pretty evident that cats look for an unmoveable object for scratching purposes. Cats can be injured or killed by unstable scratchers falling on them. Look for scratchers that have extra-heavy bases, ideally double-thick. A thin, lightweight base with a top-heavy post can do more harm than good.

3.    Sisal Fabric and Cardboard Scratchers Are the Best

Sisal fabric material is heavy-duty, makes cats feel great, and shreds under their claws in a pleasing way. Keep in mind that the cat’s ability to shred the material is an important component for its satisfaction. Sisal fabric is great for shredding, as cats can easily draw their claws down the fabric and get a good grip at the same time. The texture and resistance feel great to the cat’s claws and paws.

Cardboard is another great material for cat scratchers. Just like sisal fabric, it also has a pleasing feeling. Additionally, it makes a great noise when scratched, which is often enjoyed by cats.

4.    Horizontal and Vertical Scratching Surfaces

Cats typically like to stretch up and scratch vertically, especially on sofa arms and doorjambs. They also like to scratch horizontally, as when they claw areas of the carpet. Therefore, when looking to buy a cat scratcher online in Australia, it is always good to incorporate directional surfaces. This usually means providing a couple of different scratching posts. A good idea is to have a vertical scratching post and a horizontal cat scratcher. The post should be covered in sisal fabric, while the scratcher should have a cardboard material for a different texture and experience.

5.    Age-Appropriate Scratcher

If you have an older cat, climbing might not be easier for it, as many old cats are likely to get arthritis. A younger cat would probably enjoy any style of scratching post, but an older cat might require something with more or larger platforms to find it easy to climb up. You might also want to move the post to a new spot as your cat ages.

For a younger cat, you may want a scratching post with more activities, like hanging bells, feathers, or bells for them to play with. This helps keep the cat engaged and less bored of its life.

Conclusion

When looking to buy a cat scratcher online in Australia, key factors such as height, strength, materials, horizontal and vertical surfaces, and the cat’s age play a huge role. It is important to consider these factors wisely if you want your final choice to be spot on.

At Lulle, we offer an extensive collection of high-quality, durable cat scratchers with different styles and designs.

Visit our store now and gift your cat the best scratcher!