5 Tips on Buying Your Cat Scratch Trees and Posts
By Lisa Eclesworth
Cats enjoy scratching, and that can be a problem for cat owners because your feline can scratch on your furniture, the floor, carpet, and even walls. Solving this problem is something you will have to do as a cat owner. Purchasing and training your cat on how to use a scratching post or tree helps to direct the cat's attention to something other than your property. Although it will not be easy since cats have varying preferences, it is paramount to find the right scratching post.
Size
Since cats come in varying sizes, when picking a scratch tree or post, you should consider the size. Make sure the condo is large enough for the cat to sleep in, and the cat can comfortably climb the platform. Before shopping for a scratch tree, it would be best to determine the amount of space in your home to ensure that you purchase a size that will fit into the room without taking up too much space.
The number of cats in your home also matters; significantly large scratch posts with multiple beds are ideal for households with many cats. Depending on your needs, you can choose a small and compact, long, or tall cat tree. You should also factor in the cat's personality; for example, a medium-sized tree is best for felines who are too old to climb or jump.
Material
The material you pick will determine the durability and the cat's fondness of the scratch tree. Therefore, before buying a cat tree, make sure you learn the cat's preferences; find out whether your kitty prefers rope, solid wood, particle boards, carpet, or fabric.
Ropes are more durable, sturdier, and ideal for homes with multiple cats, while cats who enjoy spending time outdoors climbing and scratching fences and trees will do well with a wooden scratch tree. The right material will encourage your cat to develop appropriate scratching practices to ensure that proper through process goes into making this decision.
Design
With more cat scratching trees and posts in the market today, you can easily pick one that looks nice. You can purchase a tree that can comfortably sit in the living room, kitchen, hallway, or even the bedroom without compromising the room’s appeal. The eye-catching colours, shapes, and designs can add style to your home.
Perfect cat scrach trees are stable and last for a considerable amount of time, eliminating the need to replace it frequently. The cat tree should stay in place when the cats play on it, so opt for a sturdy one. When purchasing a scratch tree, examine its capacity to make sure it can hold our cat's weight and make sure it safe for playing and sleeping.
The cat’s scratcher shapes should also contribute when choosing a design. If your cat prefers to stretch upwards, it is best to get a simple tower; tilted, long cardboard or emery scratch trees work best for cats who sprawl low. Purchase an S-shaped scratch tree for a cat that likes to roll and rub their face on the tree while scratching.
Placement
Your cat may want to scratch at any room, so it is best to invest in multiple scratch trees and place them in different areas of your home; you can set one beside the litter box, next to the couch, and beside the bed. By strategically placing the cat trees and posts will prevent your cat from destroying your home.
Placing the cat tree in specific areas also helps to keep the feline in particular locations. The location goes a long way in promoting the cat’s comfort and safety.
Cost
Besides the essential features, you should set and budget and take time to find reasonable prices. Doing comprehensive research allows you to find a scratch tree with the best specifications at an affordable price. You do not have to break the bank to find the best product for your cat; depending on the quality, you can spend between $50 and $200 to get a suitable tree.
Although it sounds like an extravagant purchase, scratch trees offer great benefits to you and the cat. It not only provides extensive entertainment and serves an excellent outlet for relieving stress and getting enough exercise but also saves you money.
About the author:
Lisa Eclesworth is a notable and influential lifestyle writer. She is a mom of two and a successful homemaker. She loves to cook and create beautiful projects with her family. She writes informative and fun articles that her readers love and enjoy.