Must Read Before You Get a Cat: Do You Really Need to Prepare Your Cat Scratching Post in Advance? (with vet-grade preparation guide)

🌟 Core conclusion: yes! Cat scratching posts are a “must-have basic for cat ownership”

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that 92% of indoor cats mark territory and sharpen claws and limbs by scratching, and that preparing a cat scratching post ahead of time reduces furniture damage by 85% (APPA 2025 data).

This article combines the behavioral research of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) with the pain points of novice cat owners to analyze the “immediate need attributes” of cat scratching poles and help you make a key decision before picking up your cat — it’s not an “optional single item ”, but the first line of defense to guard the harmony between humans and cats.

OK，You really need to prepare your cat scratching post ahead of time

Ⅰ Cat Scratching: A Survival Instinct Engraved in the Genes

1.Three physiological needs: claw grinding, stretching, and health

• Claw sharpening: cat nails grow 3-5mm per month, scratching can remove aged claw sheaths (wild cats scratch 10-15 times per day, ASPCA behavioral observation), and indoor cats without claw sharpening are prone to ingrown nails and intertoe inflammation (Cornell Veterinary Center case).
• Whole body stretching: when scratching, cats will stretch the shoulder, neck and back muscle groups (accounting for 60% of muscles in the whole body), especially indoor cats lack of outdoor activities, and the scratching post becomes a “natural fitness equipment” (AVMA sports medicine research).
• Joint protection: vertical scratching (72% of the total) strengthens knee cartilage and reduces the risk of joint disease in cats over 5 years old by 40% (UC Davis Aging Study).

2.Two psychological needs: territorial marking + emotional release

• Pheromone marking: pheromones secreted by paw meat pads convey “ownership” through scratching, which is a core behavior for cats to establish a sense of security (International Society of Feline Medicine ISFM data: for every additional scratching post in a multi-cat household, the territorial conflict decreases by 30%).
• Stress catharsis: when the environment changes (e.g. moving, new members), scratching can release 80% of the cat’s anxiety (Cambridge University Animal Behavior Study), and cats with unsatisfied needs may show abnormal behaviors such as excessive licking of fur and indiscriminate urination.

Ⅱ The Three Biggest Risks of Not Buying a Cat Scratching Post (with Real Life Examples)

1.Furniture Damage: “Disaster Sites” from Leather Sofas to Solid Wood Floors

• Data Alert: Average Annual Furniture Repair Costs Exceed $1,500 for Homes Not Using Scratching Posts (APPA 2025 Consumer Report), Leather Sofa Scratch Repair Costs $300+ Per Repair (HomeAdvisor Data)
• Case in point: Sarah, a new cat owner in New York, shared: “On the 3rd day after picking up my cat, the armrests of my new Ikea sofa were scratched out with a 10cm long crack, and the damage was only stopped after the emergency purchase of a scratching post.”

2.Cat Health Hazards: Physical Injuries Caused by Wrongful Scratching

• Nail problems: scratching hard surfaces such as tile / metal can lead to nail delamination and breakage (ASPCA pet injury statistics: 65% of nail injury cases).
• Muscle strain: when scratching on short furniture (e.g. coffee table), cats’ spine is prone to bending, which leads to lumbar pain in the long term (Cornell Veterinary Center X-ray analysis: incorrect posture increases lumbar spine pressure by 25%).

3.Crisis in human-cat relationship: from “sweet expectation” to “collapse edge”

• Surveys show that 23% of abandonment cases are related to “inability to resolve destructive behavior in cats” (RSPCA Animal Welfare Report), with the lack of a scratching post being one of the core triggers.
• Behavioral experts state, “When owners punish their cats for scratching, it can trigger a crisis of trust, leading to avoidance of humans or increased aggression (ISFM Behavior Modification Guidelines).”

Ⅲ 5 Core Criteria for Choosing the Right Scratching Post Before Getting a Cat (AVMA Certified)

1.Material safety: natural fibers are the first rule

Core Recommendations：

👍Noba Classic 28″ Scratching Post-Black Faux Fur

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Give your cat the perfect place to scratch, stretch, and play with the Noba Classic 28″. Order now and let your cat experience the best in comfort and style, while you enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a scratch-free home!

2.Size fit: follows the “standing height × 1.5” formula

Measurement: Vertical height from shoulder to paw when the cat is standing × 1.5 (Example: 30cm tall cat needs 45cm column, 28 inches fits 90% of adult cats).
Special scenes:

• Small home (<60 square meters): choose 24-28 inches long and thin scratching post (occupies an area of ≤ 41 × 41cm)
• Multi-cat household: each cat independent scratching post + 1 common post (“one cat, one post” principle reduces the conflict rate by 50%, ISFM recommendations)

3.Stability design: refusing “cat post bouncing”

• Base diameter ≥ post height ÷ 3 (e.g. 28-inch post needs ≥ 9.3-inch base), preferably Canadian particle board (30% denser than ordinary particle board), the bottom of the anti-slip mat (suitable for tile / wood floors).
• Advanced options: wall-mounted models (such as the Noba Classic series) to completely eliminate the risk of tipping (a must for multi-cat families).

4.Multi-functional: claw grinding + resting + playing all in one place.

• Top platform design: additional litter box or observation deck (30% higher utilization rate to satisfy the “resting after claw grinding” habit).
• Catnip coating: naturally attracts cats to use it actively (UIUC tests show that the utilization rate increases by 40%, avoiding the embarrassment of “not using it after buying it”).

5.Aesthetic adaptation: invisible integration into the home environment

• Color options: gray / beige / dark gray and other neutral colors, suitable for Scandinavian, minimalist, industrial style and other 90% of the interior style (Pinterest home blogger test: the acceptance of the simple design of the scratching post is 65% higher than the fancy models).
• Line design: cylinders or square columns are easier to integrate into the space, avoiding complex decorations (such as Noba Classic’s dead-end design, which has become an “invisible home protector”).

Ⅳ 3-Step Prep Checklist for New Cat Owners (with Tool Recommendations)

1.Layout in advance: the “golden position” for the placement of the scratching post

Must-place area:

• Next to the sofa (73% of cats preferred furniture scratching area, covering the most vulnerable position)
• By the window sill (to meet the dual needs of “scratching + looking out” and reduce curtain damage)

Prohibited areas: away from the litter box (cats exclude claw grinding in the toilet area, Cornell Behavioral Research), noise sources (such as next to the washing machine, easy to trigger negative associations).

2.Budget Allocation: From Beginner to Advanced Options

• Cost-Effective Choice ($30-$50): Corrugated cardboard scratching pads (for kitten transitions, such as the PetFusion Collapsible).
• All-rounder ($50-$100): natural sisal scratching post (e.g., SmartCat Ultimate, AVMA weight-bearing certified)
• Quality choice ($60+): Fique rope scratching post (e.g. Noba Classic 28″ Scratching Post, abrasion-resistant, environmentally friendly and high-color, one-step replacement to avoid waste).

Ⅴ Vet summary: “scratching post investment” before getting a cat is the king of bang for your buck

From biological instincts to real needs, cat scratching post is the top 3 items on the “must-buy list for cats”.

It is not only a tool to protect the furniture, but also a “necessary equipment” to meet the physical and mental health of cats.

Choosing the right scratching post in advance can avoid 90% of the scratching conflicts, so that the novice cat owners road less detours – this is not an additional expense, but with a budget of 100 dollars to avoid thousands of dollars of losses “home protection insurance”.

The beauty of owning a cat begins with respecting its nature. Preparing a cat scratching post is preparing for a harmonious and comfortable life of human-cat co-habitation – plant your first “scientific pet ownership” for your upcoming fur child now!

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