If you have an indoor cat (or cats) who can’t use a tree to relieve their anxiety with a good scratch, consider making or buying a scratching post to prevent them from ruining your upholstered furniture, draperies or carpeting. It’s more than a good investment, plus it’s fun to watch a cat release their inner turmoil by scratching and pawing. When our 17-year-old domestic cat Samantha needs a good scratch she doesn’t have a tree to climb to give her claws a workout, so a scratching post provides an opportunity for her to do just that. She goes somewhat wild when we add a catnip spray or leaves on the post; it’s close to cat ecstasy.
At a large pet store you’ll find a variety of scratching posts; and to find them online type “cat scratching post” in a search engine. You’ll find a typical post covered in a rough surface like sisal, rope or carpet that stands 32 inches high, will cost between $25-65. Choose a post with a sturdy base that’s high enough to let your cat get a good long stretch.
