The Ultimate Guide to Tall Cat Scratchers: Everything You Need to Know

Cats are natural scratchers. They need to scratch to keep their claws healthy, mark their territory, and relieve stress. Providing your cat with a tall cat scratcher is an excellent way to meet their scratching needs and protect your furniture.

What is a Tall Cat Scratcher?

A tall cat scratcher is a vertical scratching post that is typically taller than the average cat. They are designed to allow cats to stretch their bodies and scratch in a natural position.

Why Get a Tall Cat Scratcher?

There are many benefits to providing your cat with a tall cat scratcher:

• Prevents scratching furniture: Tall cat scratchers provide cats with a designated scratching surface, which helps to prevent them from scratching your furniture.
• Promotes healthy claws: Scratching helps to keep cats' claws trimmed and healthy.
• Provides exercise: Climbing and scratching on a tall cat scratcher gives cats a great workout.
• Reduces stress: Scratching is a natural stress-relieving activity for cats.
• Encourages playtime: Many tall cat scratchers come with toys and other features that can help to encourage cats to play.

How to Choose the Right Cat Scratcher

There are a few things to consider when choosing a tall cat scratcher for your cat:

• Height: The height of the cat scratcher should be tall enough for your cat to stretch their body fully.
• Material: The cat scratcher should be made of a durable material that will withstand your cat's scratching. The most common materials are sisal, carpet, and cardboard.
• Stability: The cat scratcher should be stable enough so that it will not tip over when your cat is using it.
• Features: Some tall cat scratchers come with additional features such as toys, perches, or hiding places.

How to Get Your Cat to Use a Tall Scratcher

Once you have chosen a tall cat scratcher, you need to encourage your cat to use it. Here are a few tips:

• Place the scratcher in a visible location: Cats are more likely to use a scratcher if it is in a place where they can easily see it.
• Sprinkle catnip on the scratcher: Catnip is a natural attractant for cats. Sprinkling some catnip on the scratcher can encourage your cat to use it.
• Play with your cat on the scratcher: Playing with your cat on the scratcher can help to teach them that it is a fun place to be.
• Reward your cat for using the scratcher: When your cat uses the scratcher, give them a treat or praise. This will help them to associate the scratcher with positive experiences.

Best Tall Cat Scratchers

There are many different tall cat scratchers on the market. Here are a few of the best:

• Armarkat Cat Scratching Post: This cat scratcher is made of high-quality sisal and is available in three different heights.
• SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post: This cat scratcher is made of a durable cardboard material and is available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
• PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge: This cat scratcher is made of a soft, durable fabric and features a built-in lounge area.

DIY Tall Cat Scratcher

If you are on a budget or want to customize your cat's scratcher, you can build your own. Here are the materials you will need:

• A tall pole (at least 36 inches)
• Sisal rope
• Wood glue
• Screws

Here are the steps:

1. Cut the sisal rope into 6-inch pieces.
2. Apply wood glue to the bottom of the pole.
3. Wrap the sisal rope around the pole, starting at the bottom.
4. Secure the sisal rope with screws.
5. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.

Conclusion

Providing your cat with a tall cat scratcher is an excellent way to meet their scratching needs and protect your furniture. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the right cat scratcher for your cat and encourage them to use it.