Are scratching posts a neccesity?

[AbbyMom]

I used to think that all cats loved vertical scratching posts. Then I started fostering and found out that cats are just like people...they have their own likes and dislikes.

Most of my fosters prefer the wicker furniture, especially the laundry hamper. This does not bother me as it doesn't really show the marks and well, the hamper is easy to replace.

Most of them hated the cardboard, but a few loved it.

Most of them hated the sisal rope, but a few used it.

One cat ripped the carpeting constantly and ignored all scratching posts.

But they all needed something.

[Medusa]

My cats like the ones w/twine. (I know it's called something else but I don't know what it is.) I have a vertical and a horizontal. When I had the ones w/carpet on them, the cats then decided it must be ok to scratch on the carpet! So I gave them away and now have these. They use them several times a day.

[Medusa]

P.S. I gave the scratchers away, not the cats.

[Freedom]

Ha ha oh Mary! Thanks for clarifying, I am SURE we thought you got rid of the cats and kept the posts!

NancyS: Are scratching posts necessary? Well, cats scratch, it is a normal behaviour for them. The do it -
- to clean off dead nails
- to sharpen nails
- to deposit scent

So in general, a cat IS going to scratch, it is just a question of WHERE. By having a scratcher, you guide the cat to the appropriate place. I have vertical and horizontal ones, fabric and sisal. Ebony still prefers to use Dad's recliner.

When I first had cats I used teh cardboard ones. A bit messy, but I'd keep them for MONTHS. With this many cats, now, it doesn't make much sense cost wise for me.

[Donnaj4962]

When I first got Tabitha (18 years ago!) I had to go away for work, and my parents took care of my girl. They weren't thrilled, as they weren't "cat people". But they knew I had no one else I could trust. So, I come home a week later, and find ALL KINDS OF CAT TOYS ALL OVER THE PLACE.... and a scratching post that my Dad had made!

Believe it or not, we still have it to this day. Tabby used to sit on the top of the post and look outside more than she "used" it. Sasha actually uses it, and sometimes she like to just lay across it and look outside. (She is too big to sit on top of it!)

It is just a base made of board with carpeting on it. Then he took a piece of post, wrapped carpeting around it and attached the post to the base. Very simple, but works fine!

[orangemm]

We have a great one that has lasted through at least 10 cats. It is 3 boards slanted like a teepee with sisal wrapped around the wood. The rope has been replaced, but the cats love it because they can sit on their haunches and scratch away! Don't know where I got it, but it's heavy & indestructible.

They also love the TurboScratcher, the circular toy with corrugated cardboard in the center and a ball they can chase outside the ring. It's not too expensive and you can buy refills for the center.

[catmandu]

I would take a look in the Salvation Army stores or Godwill stores and quite a few times they have old scratching posts available for very little money.
I got carriers there for 3 dollars!
Its amazing what people will donate.
I wish I had know about this when I was young.

[nancys]

A lot of good ideas - thanks everyone!