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.