Scratching Posts for Cats: Structure

Introduction to Cat Scratching Posts

MetPet.com Staff Writer

Cats will use a variety of structures as scratching posts.  The structure must be suitably tall or long, be sturdy and have a pliable surface.  Although they are typically vertical, scratching posts can be horizontal or slanted.  Most cats prefer some variety and some busy cats will scratch every available surface in the area. 

A structure that is 3' tall or greater, about the length of a cat standing upright on his back legs and stretching up with his front legs, makes stretching easy.  It's hard to imagine a structure that is too tall. 

A structure that is 6" wide or greater, about the width of his shoulders, allows him to scratch a single flat surface with both paws at the same time.  Narrower structures such as small trees, signposts or fence pickets can be grabbed around with both paws and, while not as satisfying, will also do the trick. 

A structure that has long, vertical and narrow furrows that cats can run their claws along is very helpful as are surfaces that are pitted with tiny crevices and holes. 

Try it yourself
To get an even better idea of what your cat is looking for, try this easy experiment:

Take a chopstick, sturdy pencil or pen with a narrow tip or even unbend a paperclip.  Dip the end in glue, paint or nail polish and let it dry. 

Now try to remove the dried glue, paint or nail polish by pushing it into a hard, flat surface such as tile or plastic or a soft surface such as dirt.  Now try pushing it into and through a pliable surface such as rough tree bark. 

It's not a perfect example but it will give you an idea of what your cat goes through when maintaining his front claws. 

Out of doors
Indoor/outdoor cats find trees, fence posts, sign posts, gates, doors, decks and most other permanent wood structures very appealing as scratching posts. 

Not right
A hard surface such as this metal signpost won't do as claws can't penetrate it.  Cats will leave this for the dogs to use as their own bulletin board. 

Although this small tree trunk looks promising, the bark comes off too easily so claws can't get any serious purchase.  The wood below is also surprisingly hard and slick as well. 

Acceptable but not perfect
Deck posts are sturdy, wide, flat and will likely get the once over from your curious cat if they are easily accessible from the ground. If the surface is slick, smells strongly of waterproofing chemicals or is too hard, they will look elsewhere. 

Trees with low hanging branches make the trunk difficult to access.  In addition, the sap from trees like this evergreen can also discourage cat scratching. 

Just right
This sturdy medium-sized tree trunk, securely fastened into the ground by deep roots is a nice choice.  Although the wood underneath is relatively hard, the rough and sturdy bark has enough grooves and pockets to catch and hold onto a claw. 

The split rail fence post is another good choice.  The base is set firmly into cement and the post is already furrowed and slightly shredded to begin with.  The post is even better than the tree trunk since it clearly shows signs of use: hanging bits of wood, deep grooves and other obvious signs of claw damage will invite other cats to investigate further.

Related information:
Scratching posts for cats: Overview