{"id":20850,"date":"2025-02-21T09:53:45","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T14:53:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/?p=20850"},"modified":"2025-10-01T13:51:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T17:51:32","slug":"what-are-the-benefits-of-using-a-cat-scratching-post","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/resources-and-tips\/what-are-the-benefits-of-using-a-cat-scratching-post\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the benefits of using a cat scratching post?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>How often have you had to shoo your feline friend away from your drapes, rug, or sofa?&nbsp; Despite your best efforts, sometimes cats just can\u2019t stop scratching.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>But why do cats love scratching so much? And if they&#8217;re scratching things they shouldn&#8217;t, how can you teach them to scratch appropriately to protect your home?&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>This blog will explain why cats enjoy scratching, how to prevent damage to your home and furniture.Plus, we will discuss how a scratching post can become your cat&#8217;s new best friend!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container_img wp-block-image wp-block\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20851\" style=\"width:860px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-120x67.png 120w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-560x315.png 560w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-425x240.png 425w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1.png 1366w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>Why does your cat love scratching?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>The first thing you should know is that scratching is a normal, healthy behavior. It\u2019s part of a cat\u2019s natural instinct, used for exercise and marking territory. If your cat is looking out for a perfect scratching spot, it&#8217;s actually a healthy habit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>There are several reasons your cat wants to scratch, see below:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>1. Exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>Scratching is<a href=\"https:\/\/vetster.com\/en\/wellness\/how-to-exercise-with-your-cat-and-get-fit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> great exercise!<\/a> Can you blame your cat for wanting to stay fit and active? Just like you, your cat likes to stretch and move after waking up.&nbsp; When cats scratch, they stretch their back, legs, and paws, helping them stay limber.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>2. Territory<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>Cats like to feel like the king (or queen) in their own space, and there are many ways to communicate their territory to other cats. Scratching helps make their mark in their territory, send signals to other animals, and feel secure in their home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>3. Instinct<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>The natural urge to scratch is part of every cat\u2019s instinct. If a surface looks appealing&nbsp; and feels good, cats will naturally want to dig their claws in. This is why it\u2019s important to respect your cat\u2019s needs. Provide alternative scratch options to meet their needs instead of just trying to get them to stop.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>Now that you know why cats scratch. What can you do if their favorite spot is somewhere unsuitable, such as your sofa or curtains?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container_img wp-block-image wp-block\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20854\" style=\"width:866px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-120x67.png 120w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-560x315.png 560w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-425x240.png 425w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2.png 1366w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>How can you prevent inappropriate scratching?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>If your cat\u2019s favorite scratching spot is your sofa or curtains, here\u2019s how you can redirect their behavior:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>1. Encourage good scratching behavior!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-list wp-block\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Place cat trees or scratching posts near windows. Cats love lounging and watching birds, which can help keep them engaged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use catnip to create a fun, appealing area.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reward your cat with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/product\/fillet-treats-for-cats-with-omega-3-and-6-tuna\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">treats<\/a> or petting when they use their scratching post.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>2. If you catch your cat scratching your furniture, redirect them to an appropriate activity to protect your furniture<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-list wp-block\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yelling or clapping at your cat when they scratch furniture won\u2019t help, it may cause fear rather than learning. Instead, pick them up, play with them, or offer a toy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discourage your cats from scratching by removing or covering objects you want to protect. Turn speakers towards the wall, use plastic covers,or try double-sided sticky tape as a deterrent. It may look unattractive, but it\u2019s temporary until your cat learns better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hastingsvet.com\/why-when-how-should-my-cats-nails-be-trimmed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clip your cat\u2019s nails regularly<\/a>. It&#8217;s important to get your cat used to short nails from a young age. Once they get used to shorter nails, they will want to scratch less. This makes it easier to learn good scratching habits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container_img wp-block-image wp-block\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20857\" style=\"width:818px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4-120x67.png 120w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4-560x315.png 560w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4-425x240.png 425w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4.png 1366w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>Get a scratching post<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>If you don\u2019t already have a scratching post at home, make sure there\u2019s at least one scratching post available per cat. Ideally, near their favorite spots to keep them interested in the post rather than your furniture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>Don&#8217;t worry about a scratching post looking out of place in your home. Scratching posts have changed quite a bit and there are so many sizes, models and designs that are sure to fit your taste and match your decor.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>To keep your cat interested, consider these factors:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-list wp-block\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Choose a scratching post that fits your cat. Cats like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.livescience.com\/54480-why-do-cats-stretch.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">stretching <\/a>their whole bodies when they scratch!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider how your cat enjoys being pet. Think about how they might rub against a scratching post. Choose a shape that aligns with your cat&#8217;s habits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think about how your cat scratches. Some cats prefer scratching on a flat surface, so maybe find a post that has a horizontal base they can scratch on. Finding your cat the perfect scratching option will tempt them to use it more often.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider natural textures. When a cat scratches, they want to dig their nails into the post\u2019s surface to remove the outer nail sheath. If the post is covered in carpet, all that will happen is that the cat\u2019s nails will get stuck in the carpet. If possible, choose materials like exposed wood or sisal rope, which mimic natural scratching surfaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In nature, your cat would choose a sturdy, tall surface like a tree trunk to scratch on. So the ideal material would be a post with some exposed wood or sisal rope.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container_img wp-block-image wp-block\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20860\" style=\"width:842px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-120x67.png 120w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-560x315.png 560w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-425x240.png 425w, https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3.png 1366w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>What should I look for in a perfect scratching post?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>If you&#8217;re unsure where to start, this guide will help you find the scratching post your cat not only needs, but will also enjoy using.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>1. Stability<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>This is the most important factor to consider. A wobbly post can be dangerous and discourage your cat from using it. Choose one with a sturdy base that won\u2019t tip over.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>When possible, test the stability yourself. Although you\u2019re much stronger than your cat, the post shouldn\u2019t wobble or tip over to ensure safety.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>2. Sisal Rope<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>Carpet, cardboard, and sisal (either rope or fabric) are the most common materials used for cat posts. Something around the house, like cardboard, makes a decent surface for scratching, but it isn\u2019t very sturdy. While it\u2019s also budget-friendly, it doesn\u2019t last long. Try looking at posts with natural materials if that&#8217;s an option.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/cat-health-care\/are-jute-rope-scratching-posts-safe-for-cats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sisal<\/a> is one of the best options on the market, it comes as rope that\u2019s wound around a post. It does wonders for claws, feels great on your cat&#8217;s claws and cats love trying to shred it. Another benefit of sisal is the appealing noise the post makes and cats love it<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p><strong>3. Size And Shape<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>Most cats prefer to scratch vertically, so they need a scratching post that is taller than their body length. This allows them to fully stretch and exercise.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>If your cat scratches the carpet in your house, try using a horizontal scratcher to see if your cat prefers that shape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>If your cat needs both vertical and horizontal surfaces, you can consider a multi-surface post.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>Oven-Baked Tradition wants you to keep in mind that all cats are different. It may take time for them to learn how to use their energy in the right way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container wp-block-paragraph wp-block\">\n<p>Never punish your cat for scratching in the wrong place. With support, praise, encouragement, and patience, you and your cat can have a happier relationship. An amazing scratching post can help too!<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How often have you had to shoo your feline friend away from your drapes, rug, or sofa?&nbsp; Despite your best efforts, sometimes cats just can\u2019t stop scratching.&nbsp; But why do cats love scratching so much? And if they&#8217;re scratching things they shouldn&#8217;t, how can you teach them to scratch appropriately to protect your home?&nbsp; This [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":20857,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"20072,18272,18681,3701,12942,6312","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[120,118],"tags":[],"region":[906,907,908,910,909],"class_list":["post-20850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cat_blog","category-training","region-bc","region-i18n","region-on","region-qc","region-wc"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20850","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20850"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20850\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20865,"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20850\/revisions\/20865"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20850"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20850"},{"taxonomy":"region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ovenbakedtradition.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/region?post=20850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}