FAQ: Scratchers for cats

The curved shape lets a cat scratch at different angles, stretch and lie comfortably in the dip. Many cats prefer it over a flat pad, especially those that like lounging on the scratching surface.

Many cats like to hide and ambush, so a tunnel attached to a scratcher can encourage play and longer use. Young and playful cats especially enjoy it, while shyer cats find a tunnel reassuring.

It is a thin sisal or cardboard mat that can be laid on the floor or fixed to a wall or piece of furniture. It suits cats that scratch rugs and is easy to move to wherever the cat likes to scratch.

It covers the part of the sofa the cat already scratches and offers a proper surface instead. It must be fixed securely and not shift, because cats dislike a surface that slides.

They are wall-mounted shelves, steps, bridges and scratchers that can be combined into a climbing route for a cat. They take no floor space, but must be fixed with reliable screws and plugs suited to the wall type.

The most common are sisal, corrugated cardboard, jute, seagrass and wood. Sisal is tough and long-lasting, cardboard is loved by many cats but wears faster, and the best guide is the surface your cat chooses on its own.

Sisal rope is wound around the post and gives a rough, durable surface. Sisal fabric is smoother and continuous, so claws rake evenly along it and catch less often, but it can wear out sooner.

Cats scratch carpet readily, but they may then stop telling the scratcher apart from the rugs at home. Claws can also catch in loop pile, so if you have rugs, sisal or cardboard is often the more practical choice.

Jute is softer and gentler than sisal, so it may appeal to kittens and cats that find rough sisal too coarse. It usually wears faster, so it works better as an extra surface than the only one.

Many cats love scratching bark or unvarnished wood, especially if they are used to trees outdoors. The wood must be free of chemical treatments and splinters and thoroughly dried.

Seagrass fibre is woven into mats or loungers and is smoother than sisal. It is natural and tough and often appeals to cats that like to scratch and lie on a horizontal surface.

Scratching sisal is safe, but it should not be chewed and swallowed. If your cat keeps gnawing the scratcher or swallows fibres, remove loose pieces and talk to a vet, as swallowing can cause digestive problems.

Natural sisal has its own plant smell and is sometimes treated with oils, so a new scratcher may smell. Loose fibres in the first weeks are normal. Air the scratcher out and vacuum around it regularly.

Plush is usually used on cat tree platforms and houses because it is soft to lie on, but it is not suited to scratching. Scratching needs rough posts, while the plush parts are meant for resting.

Frames are usually made of particle board, MDF, solid wood or cardboard tubes. Thicker boards and sturdier posts handle weight and jumps better, so frame strength matters a lot for large cats or several cats.

Thicker rope lasts longer and creates a more pronounced rough surface that many adult cats like. Thinner rope is gentler, so it may suit kittens better, but it wears out faster.

Cardboard scratchers are made with glue that, once dry, normally poses no risk when scratched. Choose products without a strong chemical smell, and if your cat chews and swallows cardboard, remove torn bits.

Very much: a light base lets the scratcher wobble or tip over when the cat leans on or jumps onto it. A heavier, wider base keeps it stable, and cats use a stable scratcher far more willingly.

Plush traps cat hair and dust, so it needs regular cleaning with a vacuum or rubber brush. Choose a cat tree with removable cushions or covers that can be washed.

It should be taller than the cat standing on its hind legs and fully stretched — an adult cat usually needs at least 70–80 cm of scratching surface. Cats often ignore a post that is too short and choose furniture or doors instead.