Should I build a cat scratching post ?

It is very expensive to replace your furniture every once in a while, just because your cat scratched on it. I once had my favourite couch destroyed because of this, so i know what I'm talking about. To prevent this, you can buy a cat scratching post. But is this really the best solution? Isn't it better to build one yourself, and if so, what do I have to look out for? This post should clarify these points and more. In the end, you will be ready to make the right decision - for you AND your cat!

Reasons to build a scratching post

There are several reasons why one could feel inclined to build a cat scratching pole. One certainly is the need to make stuff. Quite a few men love to build things to feel manly. And it is very satisfying to use your own hands and tools to make something of use. It takes quite some practice to get things right, and a scratch post is simple enough to create to be a good practice for beginners. It comes with great rewards: If you're making one for your girlfriend or wife, she will love you even more...and, as i said, it's a very good feeling to complete a project. Moreover, your pet is gonna like it and might even sense, that you've put a lot of hard work into building her a piece of heaven.

Another reason is having total control over the endproduct. Only you know your cat best. You know what she likes, her size and behaviour – why not custom tailor her furniture? This way, you can higher the acceptance rate. Because it isn't always easy at first, to get a feline to use a scratching post. Some retail products might alo be too short, or not stable enough. You can overcome these issues by building them yourself.

You also might want to save on cost. This is a very common reason.Why buy a expensive product, if you can make your own for less? But you have to factor in quite a few things. For once, your worktime is not free. Is building stuff your hobby? Then you might consider yourself working for free, but otherwise...you have to decide if it's worth it to you. Then, some materials you need to buy can be expensive. Scratching post sellers often buy in bulk and donot have to restock their supplies visiting hardware stores. You might be at a disadvantage here. But you might be able to use leftover materials you would otherwise throw away. One idea would be to use the stem of a tree, or at least a part of it in your project.

A couple additional ideas...

Use a treestem as a base. You can often get these for free,just ask around! Then, wrap it with woven sisal rope. This is the gold standard when it comes to scratching pole materials. Some use pieces of carpet, but this isn't a very durable solution. I would also recommend against using cardboard. It might be cheap, but it's not worth your time. Then, make sure to mount it on a heavy baseplate. This is of paramount importance, because cats just hate everything wobbly. Your feline friend is going to refuse your homemade scratching post , I can guarantee you that! A good thick piece of wood might not be too cheap, but it makes or destroys your whole project. Some people also like to top the post off with a plate your cat can climb on to. This is very favourable, because you can put treats or a bit of catnip on there to make her use the post more.

This way, you'll be able to save on furniture cost BIG TIME!

What cats are doing if left alone

I admit to it: I'm a total cat person. I love just how they behave. They're no so atttached like dogs, but just as cute, if not more. They love a good patt, but are pretty self sustainable creatures at the same time. Some people certainly find this more than a little scary. Afterall, THEY want to be thes Boss. THEY want to decide what to do. And so they're treating their pets like little salves for their own guilt ridden amusement. I know, i'm certainly exaggerating the situation here. This is not my goal. It's just that some folks are irritated by cats and they propably won't take any joy in this little article. Because, what I'm gonna talk about lies in the heart of cat culture: What are they doing if you aren't looking? Here are a couple of ideas. Ideas? Well..yes, noone can know for sure! Can you?

If your cat loves to go outside, you have no handle. But what exactly is she doing? Perhaps talking with their cat friends , planning an attempt to overthrow humanity? Here are three more realistic scenarios:

Hunting

Cats are hunters by nature. It is in their instincts to follow prey, and then kill it. It's a very joyfull activity, even though it does not look this way. Have you ever witnessed your cat tear appart a little mouse or bird with her razor-sharp claws? It is ugly business but at the same time very natural. Some cat owners dissaprove of this behaviour. They go as far as declawing their feline „friends“ because they're denying their real, true nature. Those are the same people who complain about shredded furniture instead of just buying a cat scratching pole. You just have to know what you'Re getting into! A cat is certainly no tiger, but it hunts, if you want it or not. It is not your soft, cute fur pillow but a hunting machine. A cute one I suppose, but nevertheless. You cat is always very proud after a successful hunt. So praise her for the success. This is how you establish and keep a healthy relationship with your cat.

Fighting

I n some regions, you can't find any sleep at night. The reason is not loud car traffic or imoral neighbours. No. It's cat noise! These high-pitched shrieking noises are coming from cat fights. Felines are very territorial creatures by their very nature. They want to be the ones to hunt in a large area. But in our urban environment, there is lots of competition. So outdoor cats are fighting against outdoor cats. Sometimes, they get bruised and scratched. You can see it the next morning. Not every scratch requieres medical attention, but some do. So keep the number of your vet very close to your heart. You might need it. BTW, it is very interesting to watch a catfight. So if you ever have the chance to see one, do not pass by....observe :)

Visiting „friends“ in the neighbourhood

This one might hurt you a little. You are your cats best ...but possibly not it's only friend. I know that our cat sometimes stays away from home for hours, days. The reason for this is a cat friendly couple in the neighbourhood, feeding him. What can you do about it? Nothing, because you can't choose the people your cat loves to hang out with.

Welcome to my Cat Blog!

Dear Visitor,

I'm happy and excited to have you on my newly started blog. It is an honor to welcome ever visitor to my little place on the internet. But before I get on posting stuff, i want to talk about me a little. My name is Mark and I just love cats! It all started as a little child. I lived with my parents in a very quiet neighbourhood, with many wild cats. I kust loved them, adored them and played with them all day long. My mom was sometimes a little afraid, because not every cat was friendly. Some were rather feral and dangerous, because they loved to scratch. It took a couple myself. Fortunatly, my aunt was a nurse, living just a block away. She would treat my wounds carefully. Well, but this did not stop my love for cats. After i moved out i got my first one, a massive maine coone. Not the perfect cat for a beginner, but i just loved the her mighty ways.

If i would need to start all over again. I'd propably get a cute one from the shelters right away. I believe in animal rights, and every cat has the right to live a happy life in company with friends. And this is what's all about it: Friendship. We come to love felines for what they are. We do not posess them and they do not posess us...even if it looks otherwise sometimes.

I currently live with a 6y old tomcat. He is still very wild and curious, loves to explore the world ..and is a good hunter. I think that this is very important. Pets need to excercice their natural instincts. They should not be humanized. If a cat needs to scratch to tone their muscles (to get ready for hunting)..than this should not be forbidden. I hate animal cruelty and people using their pets as toys. Their sharp claws are part of their nature, and so is scratching.

I know that...firsthand ;)

But for now I want to wish you a lot of fun with my little Cat Blog...see you soon!

Mark