As any cat owner will know, cats love to scratch. Although claws can be trimmed, it is not recommended to remove them completely as cats actually enjoy scratching and it is a form of entertainment for them. As soon as cats discover they have claws, any cat owner will begin to see the damage to their wallpaper, chairs, table legs, carpets, and basically any item of furniture which they can destroy. This is where scratching posts come in.
Finding a scratching post which your cat likes to use and which really entertains them is essential. However it is a difficult task. Look for habits within your cat to see how and when they like to scratch. Most cats like to scratch upright, standing on their back legs, so if your cat constantly scratches chair legs and upholstery, then go for a vertical scratching post which is more likely to appeal. Place the scratching post in areas where they would normally scratch furniture or next to their favourite chair. If you are still struggling to get your cat to use the post, Canac offer a great range which actually includes catnip, therefore attracting your cat to the post and associating it with a feeling of enjoyment. You can also offer treats to your cat should he or she use the scratching post instead of furniture, so that they relate the scratching post with good behaviour and rewards.
Cats also love to climb on things such as windowsills, beds, kitchen worktops and tables. They also like to hide inside cupboards, beds and under furniture. Scratching posts are also available with platforms and small tunnels so they create almost an activity centre for your cat. This not only provides exercise for your cat, but enables you to keep track of him or her and prevent your home being destroyed.
