One of the most important things a house cat needs, even if it is going to have access to the outdoors, is a scraper. In the market there are several types, some tall, others shorter, with or without a bed ... There is so much variety that you can end up going crazy or crazy looking for one that your furry really likes.
To avoid this, we are going to talk about scratching posts for cats: what are they, the types there are, and also, we will help you choose the most suitable one for you, well, rather, for your four-legged friend 🙂.
What are scratchers?
Scratchers for cats They are an object or part of the cat furniture that every feline needs to have their nails well cared for. Cats sharpen them several times a day, and what better way to do it in a suitable place for it, and not on the couch, right? For this reason, it is very important that, even before the animal arrives home, we buy its scratching post.
Types of cat scratchers
Within the world of scratchers for furry claws, we distinguish several types, which are:
Torre
We start with the largest scrapers on the market: the towers. They can measure up to 260cm tall, although most can be adapted to a lower height. You will see that there are several models: with cave, with three posts, raised or multipurpose. They are made of plush, plush and natural sisal. They are perfect when two or more cats live in the same home.
Tree-type scratchers
They are very complete. They consist of two or more posts attached to a wide base, toys, and they usually have one or more beds so that the cat can relax. With a height between 120 and 240cm, the animal can control its environment.
Scratching post
There are many models and shapes, such as natural, with a bed, with toys or those that are simply composed of a small post attached to a square base. They have a height between 40 and 120cm, which is why they are especially recommended for kittens or small cats.
Vertical scrapers
They are undoubtedly the cheapest, and an ideal option if you are not sure which model to choose. In addition, there are several different models: slanted, shaped, tables, or to put in a corner.
Selection of the best models
Cheap cat scratchers
Archivet
If you have a small cat and you want it to be entertained, with this model it will enjoy a lot.
It has a ball post and is only 45 inches tall.
zubita
The kitten is an animal that, we are not going to fool ourselves, is very unruly and needs a scratching post that stays whole for a long time.
With this model, which measures 29 centimeters high, you can play as much as you want, and recharge on the platform.
nayeco
Do you want him to have fun, but also to be able to rest? Then you need a model with a house, like this model with which you can save money.
It acts as a toy, a resting place and, of course, a scratcher. It measures 60cm high x 30cm wide.
PawHut
Play, relax ... This is what this beautiful scratching post will provide your cat at a very interesting price.
It measures 40cm high by 36cm wide, so you will have enough space to have a good time.
Which is the best?
Cheap cat scratchers are very advisable when you do not have a lot of budget, or when you simply want to give another model to the feline that lives with you.
As we have seen, there are several, and they are all beautiful, but without a doubt, for me, this is the one with the best value for money:
No products found.
Pros:
- It is multifunctional: it serves as a toy, shelter, view the panorama and to sharpen your nails.
- Its design is simple but very elegant, so it can combine well with the furniture in the house.
- The posts measure 8,6cm in diameter, giving the scraper stability.
- It is very easy to assemble.
- The price is very affordable.
Cons:
The only thing I see is that if you have more than one cat, probably with this scratching post -or just one-, it is not enough to keep them all entertained and happy.
Scratching posts for large cats
kexing
Cats love to be in high places, so with this scratching post model, which is 96cm high, you are going to give your feline the opportunity to have a great time.
It also has a house and a hammock where you can rest whenever you need it.
MC Star
This is a practical, multifunctional model that will delight any cat regardless of age.
It has a height of 141cm, and several places where you can sleep and play.
Finether
If you are looking for a large scratching post that can serve as a bed, a place of entertainment and is also beautiful, this is your model.
It is 154cm tall, and has four posts that keep it stable. In addition, your cat can boast of scratching by having a beautiful design.
LANGRIA
Not satisfied with a simple scraper? Do you have two or more cats at home? Don't worry: with this model that has ten scratching posts, ramps, huts and hammocks, you will be able to see how much fun they are having.
It is 173cm tall and very stable. By the way, it is suitable for 3 or 4 furry ones.
Which is the best?
When looking for a large cat scratcher it is important to keep in mind that the price will usually be higher than the lower ones. But fortunately, today finding one that is really affordable but is also practical is not difficult. In fact, if you want to recommend one, it is this:
Pros:
- It has several booths that will serve as a refuge.
- It has a ramp to facilitate access.
- It measures 132cm high by 61cm wide and 61cm long.
- The design is practical and very elegant.
- The price is interesting 😉.
Cons:
The drawback that I see, which is not really such, is that it takes a little time to assemble. But boy, is it easy to do.
Original cat scratchers
HERITAGE PET PRODUCTS
There are many types of scratchers, but few are like this one, which doubles as a sofa.
It measures 48 x 26 x 14,5cm, and is made of cardboard.
PawHut
Whether your furry companion is young or senior, this ladder will be very useful to keep his nails healthy and sharp, and to access the most difficult areas.
It measures 63,5 x 43 x 60cm, and is made with robust and very resistant wood.
MEDIA WAVE Store
This is a simple scratcher model but with a very original design: it is shaped like a cat's face! Your feline will surely love to sharpen his nails on it.
It measures 39 x 29 x 22cm, and is made from pressed cardboard.
PetFusion
This triangle-shaped model is perfect to put in any room where the cat spends a lot of time.
It measures 60,96 x 26,67 x 53,59cm and includes clips for fixing it to the ground.
Which is the best?
You like original designs, which is very good, but ... what if I told you that there is a scratching post that, I am convinced, your cat will love? You may not believe me but take a look at this:
Pros:
- It is a scratching hammock suitable for small and medium cats, as it measures 46 x 60 x 33cm.
- Its installation is very simple.
- It will serve you to play and to rest.
Cons:
- For large cats it can be small.
Where to buy cheap cat scratchers?
When you are thinking about adopting a cat it is important to buy a scratching post, but the question is where? So far we have shown you our recommendations, but in the following stores you can also see many other models:
Amazon
Who does not know Amazon? It is the largest shopping center in the world, and it has everything. Its catalog of scratchers for felines is very wide, and since buyers also have the option of leaving their opinions, finding a model that fits what you want and / or need is going to take little time.
Carrefour
Normally you go to Carrefour to buy food, clothes, cleaning products,… in short, products for the home and the humans who live in it. But the truth is that if you go to the pet section you will find some models of scratchers. To choose one, take one that you like and manipulate it -as much as possible-, and if you see that it seems stable and secure, then you have chosen well.
English court
It's a bit like Carrefour with El Corte Inglés: they have their pets section, but They are not specialized in scratching posts and if you want one, you should spend some time -minutes- to see which is the one with the best value for money.
Lidl
In Lidl supermarkets, what is sold above all are food and household products. However, from time to time other types of things are also found, such as clothes, gloves, and also scratchers that are, it must be said, of very good quality. The problem is that beforehand it is impossible to know when they will sell, so it is advisable to be attentive to their social media profiles, or to subscribe to their newsletter.
How to make homemade cat scratchers?
Would you like to know how to make a homemade cat scratcher? Without a doubt, it is a very good option since it will allow you to save money. In addition, it is not necessary to complicate much, because the cat is not a demanding animal (or well, not for these things). So if you are looking for something that can be used as a cat nail sharpener, surely you have or can get sisal rope and / or a doormat. Roll up a wooden pole with the rope, or glue the mat to a wooden board, and you are ready to offer it to your feline.
If you want something more elaborate, get two wooden platforms (one smaller than the other, which will go on top), and two, three or four posts that, covered with sisal rope, will join both bases. This scratcher is ideal for the feline, as it will allow him to see his territory from a higher position.
Why is a scraper worth having?
The cat is a furry one that, out of sheer instinct and necessity, sharpens its nails. He is hunterSo if he didn't care about his claws he would have serious trouble catching his prey. Although it is true that those who live with us at home cannot be a predator by having their feeder always full of food, that does not make them any less feline.
A feline marks its territory on the trunks of trees, on the ground, ... anywhere it sees fit. The closest thing there is to logs in a home is the sofa and armchairs, and you will use them as scratchers if we do not provide you with a better place intended for that purpose; hence it is advisable to purchase or make a scratching post, and not for the cat but rather for us and our purse.
In a documentary of these animals (The Secret Life of Cats, from National Geographic) a veterinarian said:
If you have expensive furniture, don't have a cat.
And it is that he is absolutely right. If you are worried about furniture, buy your friend one or more scratchers, or make some at home for them.
What to do for the cat to use the scratching post?
You have already bought the scratching post, but your cat seems to ignore it. It sure worries you, right? Sometimes these animals need us to teach them to use it, and for this we can do the following:
- Run our hands over the scraper, as if we were using it, to imitate us.
- Take his paw gently, and pass it through the scraper pressing a little so that your nails protrude a little, the least so that they simply rub the scraper.
- Spray the scraper with Catnip spray (It is a product that you will find for sale in pet stores).
- If it is a tall scraper, put a treat on a pole or on a bed so he has to go upstairs to get it, and realize that you have a "toy" where you can sharpen your nails.
Scratchers for cats are very important objects that should not be missing in any home where there are felines. Choosing one is not easy, but we hope we have helped you, at least a little 🙂.