Cat Scratching Posts Buying Guide

Cat scratching posts are not only the best (and most humane) way to save your furniture from being torn to shreds, but they are also essential for maintaining a healthy and happy feline.  Give your kitty some much-needed exercise and relaxation (because he or she only got 22 hours of sleep today instead of the usual 23).

Materials
Sisal  Cats around the world had a convention and decided this is their favorite scratcher. Sisal fabric is sturdy and durable, accomodating even the most aggressive of cats.	Cardboard  Economical and natural-feeling. Some versions are treated with catnip and have toy mice attached, so the transition from furniture to the post is made that much easier. Might be slightly messy, however.	Soft Wood  Not all cats are able to spend time outdoors, but soft wood scratchers are the next best thing. The material gives just the right amount of resistance for cat claws, and offers a satisfying scratch.	Reverse Side of Carpets  If your kitty can't get enough of the living room carpet, this might be the perfect solution. For extra fun, look for a post that has feathers or toys attached.

Choosing the Right Scratching Post

• Observe your cat's scratching habits to determine what post is best and how many will be needed.
• Does he or she prefer horizontal carpeting or the vertical couch?
• Does your cat prefer a certain type of material over others?
• Does he or she always scratch in the same spot, or are locations varied?
• The post should be tall enough to let Fluffy stretch out completely.
• Make sure the scratching post is stable because if it topples over, the cat might never go back to it.
• Once it's shredded, keep it for a while: apparently, that is when it's most broken in.

Construction
Upright  Upright posts can be freestanding or hung from a door.	Inclined  Inclined scratching posts target muscles that may be missed with upright scratchers.	Multi-tiered  Multi-tiered cat trees offer many levels of fun and are perfect for multiple cats.	With Little Rooms  The veritable Rolls Royce of cat trees.

Transitioning

• To train kitty to use the scratching post, try rubbing it in catnip. Remember to refresh the catnip often to maintain potency.
• Find a post that comes with toy (ribbon, mouse, ball, etc) and you've enhanced fun time.
• If Fluffy still insists on clawing at furniture, try using Sticky Paws  as discouragement.