You can make your own scratching post or buy a ready made one from a pet or department store. If you don't provide a scratching post, then your cat will use your furniture or their possessions to claw up.
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History
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Originally, cats scratched at tree trunks, large plants or tree roots long before people domesticated them as household pets. When they began to live with people, they still roamed outside and continued their scratching there. Lately, it has become too dangerous in many areas for cats to live outdoors. This shift in keeping cats indoors lead to the making of the first commercial cat scratching posts.
Types
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Commercial cat scratching posts come in mostly three types of materials--corrugated cardboard, sisal and carpet. The cheapest is corrguated cardboard, but they are destroyed very easily. Sisal is a tough rope-like material that many cat owners think is the most durable. The most common kind of scratching posts are carpet-covered pieces of wood. All of these types can come in an array of sizes, shapes, colors, add-on perches or tunnels.
Function
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A scratching post has two functions for the cat. First, they get to sharpen their front claws, which seems to be a pleasureable thing for the cat to do. Secondly, they make marks that other cats can see. These marks tell other cats. "Stay away. This is my territory."
Misconceptions
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Scratching posts will not eliminate the need for you to clip your cat's claws. Cats usually do not sharpen the claws on their hind feet on a scratching post.
Expert Insight
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You can make your own scratching post by attaching carpet scraps to your wall and smearing catnip on it to encourage the cat to use it. Not all cats care for catnip, however.
Warning
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Even declawed cats can still damage furniture and fabrics with the nubs left to them. A scratching post is still needed for them. Declawing should only be done in extreme situations and if the cat is to spend most of his or her life indoors.
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