Short Guide to Set a Proper Research for a Cat Scratcher
The small felines are elegant but demanding pets. They also have needs, just like any other furry friend, including the need to scratch. Since it is a natural need of the cat, the cat scratcher was invented both to satisfy this need and to protect the owner's possessions from the cat's claws. Such an accessory is found in various shapes and sizes starting from simple pipes to complex designs that imitate trees in an extensive playground. It is essential for cats to have access to this accessory because scratching is part of their natural behaviour bringing them a variety of benefits.
Why Is Scratching So Important for Cats?
Scratching is part of the cat's natural behaviour, being something instinctive, but it also has a list of advantages that contributes to the cat's mental and physical health.
Keeping claws clean. Scratching is essential for the cat to be able to keep its claws healthy and clean by removing their outer layers. This way, a cat can maintain clean and healthy claws.
Physical exercise. Scratching is the cat's form of movement through which they develop and maintain their flexibility, but also strengthen their muscles. When they scratch, they keep their claws healthy, but also an optimal physical condition.
Marking the territory. Just like dogs, cats have marking glands in their paws, so when they scratch, they are marking their territory. And this behaviour is also natural, instinctive by which cats want to signal that a certain area is already occupied.
Reducing stress and anxiety. Like any other being, cats can suffer from anxiety and stress, their body being in constant tension sometimes. By scratching, they release some of that tension and stress, giving them a sense of comfort. It is a behaviour that contributes to emotional self-regulation.
Mental Stimulation. Scratching helps with both physical and mental stimulation. First, as mentioned earlier, it helps release stress and anxiety. Then, the mental stimulation takes place by satisfying the cat's natural need to scratch.
Reasons Why Your Cat Needs a Cat Scratcher
First, a cat scratcher is beneficial to a cat for the reasons listed above. So, this accessory is beneficial for the cat both mentally and physically or even hygienically. A well-groomed cat is also a happy cat.
Another reason why your cat needs such an accessory is that it avoids the degradation of objects in the house. As mentioned, scratching is part of a cat's instinctive behaviour, and if it does not have a special place to satisfy its needs, it will find a random place right in the house. So, if you do not want to invest in a cat scratcher, you must consider the fact that your sofa, draperies, or other decorations in the house will suffer degradation.
Therefore, no cat practices scratching out of pure desire to destroy things, on the contrary, they do it out of instinct. Scratching is a fundamental need of the cat by which it regulates and improves its health, in addition to many other aspects related to this behaviour.
Types of Scratching Accessories for Cats
There is a wide range of cat scratching accessories in different shapes, sizes and materials, here are the most popular:
Vertical Scratchers.
Horizontal Scratches.
Tree Type Scratches.
Scratchers combined with a whole playground and a rest spot.
Vertical scratching accessories are tall structures in the form of a thin panel or column. The little felines love to scratch vertically because it helps them stretch their muscles, but also to mark their territory. An example could be the columns covered with textile material.
Horizontal scratching accessories are usually in the form of mats or trays. When it comes to the decision between vertical or horizontal accessories, to be able to make the decision easier you just must observe the cat's way of scratching. If, for example, your cat likes to scratch horizontally, then horizontal scratching accessories are ideal for it.
Tree-shaped scratching posts are a bit more complex as they are made up of several patterns, forming a real play area for your cats. They stimulate cats in every way because they allow them to jump, play and scratch, combining all their natural behaviours in one accessory.
And the last option is the one that combines both the playground and scratching accessories, as well as resting places. These accessories are the same as the Tree-Shaped ones, except that they have one or more places where the cat can rest after satisfying its need to scratch. They can be useful for saving space by putting all the cat's needs in one place.
What Material Are Cat Scratching Accessories Made Of?
The first material that is used very often for this accessory is the sisal. Sisal is a natural, strong, and durable material that is ideal for this type of cat accessories. This material has a texture that helps with the care for the claws, and cats can scratch for a long time before the material deteriorates. A great advantage of this material is the fact that it does not contain harmful chemicals, being environmentally friendly. It does not fall apart easily, making it a long-lasting choice.
Cardboard is also a common material for these accessories, being a more affordable option than sisal. Cardboard is usually used for horizontal scratchers, being an ecological option because the material is biodegradable. Cats are attracted to cardboard because it has a soft, yet strong texture.
Another popular material in scratching accessories is textile lining. These have a softer texture for cats, but it is not as durable as the previously mentioned ones. Usually, textile materials are more often found in resting places, being ideal for cats that are not very active and like to sleep.
Of course, there are also materials such as wood, plastic, or other combinations, but they are not as common as sisal, cardboard, and textiles. For example, the wood used for scratchers has a durable and natural structure. Plastic, on the other hand, is not used very often because it is not pleasant enough for cats. And some scratchers combine several materials such as wood with sisal (to offer a balance between durability, comfort, and naturalness).
Conclusion
In conclusion, a cat scratcher is quite important in a cat's life because it helps the cat's health, both mental and physical. At the same time, this accessory also prevents the deterioration of the furniture in the house. There are various types of scratchers (vertical, horizontal, tree-shaped), each with their own benefits, but also various materials depending on preferences, budget and needs. Choosing the right scratcher can bring benefits to all members of the household, being a beneficial investment.