How to choose the best cat scratching board for your cat? 【Must Read for American Cat Slaves】

Cat Claw Sharpening Equipment Guide
According to the American Pet Association’s 2023 research, having a professional Scratching Post or Scratching Mat can reduce furniture damage by 89%. Scientifically selected scratching tools not only satisfy your cat’s natural instincts, but are also an important piece of equipment for guarding your furry child’s bone health.

1. The Importance of Cat Scratching Boards and the Authoritative Data Supporting Them
   Environmental Enrichment and Behavioral Regulation
   Research from Feline Health Center at Cornell University
   Studies have shown that the incidence of undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture in cats decreases by an average of about 30% when appropriate cat scratching boards are set up in the home, along with a significant increase in the overall well-being and sense of security of cats.

Recommendations from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
The AVMA emphasizes that environmental enrichment is critical to feline mental health. Cat scratching boards not only satisfy a cat’s natural scratching instincts, but also prevent behavioral problems by effectively relieving stress and anxiety.

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery study Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery study
This study suggests that regular use of appropriate scratching equipment can help maintain feline paw health, prevent pain and infection problems caused by overgrown claws, and reduce behavioral abnormalities caused by inadequate scratching outlets.

The above authoritative data fully proves that providing cats with suitable cat scratching boards is not only the key to meeting their natural needs, but also plays an important role in preventing behavioral problems and safeguarding health.

2. Understanding the different types of cat scratching boards
   Cat scratching boards in the US market are categorized into the following types, each with its own unique design and function:

Vertical Cat Scratching Post (Scratching Post)
Made of durable jute rope (Sisal Rope) wrapped around the post, it is suitable for cats who like to stand up to scratch and stretch their bodies.

Flat Scratching Pad
Made of corrugated cardboard or carpet for cats that like to scratch on their stomachs, it’s economical and easy to replace.

Scratcher Lounge
Combines scratching and lounging in one, which can satisfy your cat’s need for scratching and also serve as a cozy resting area for your cat.

Wall-Mounted Scratching Board (Wall-Mounted Scratcher)
Compact design for homes with limited space or where cats like to scratch high up.

Combination Interactive Scratching Toys (Interactive Scratcher)
With catnip, roller ball toys and other interactive elements, especially suitable for active cats.

3. How to choose the most suitable cat scratching board for you?
   When choosing a cat scratching board, please consider the following aspects:

(1) Material selection
Jute rope (Sisal Rope): Sisal rope:
It is the first choice for vertical cat scratching post, which is durable and conforms to the scratching habit of cats.

Corrugated paper (Cardboard):
Commonly used for flat cat scratching mats, it is cheap and easy to replace, but less durable.

Carpet or wood:
According to the cat’s preference and home security needs, other materials are chosen appropriately.

(2) Size and height
The height of the vertical cat scratching post is recommended to be at least 24 inches (60cm) to ensure that the cat can fully extend its body.
The flat cat scratching mat should be large enough for the cat to comfortably get down and scratch.
(3) Observe your cat’s scratching habits
Prefers to scratch standing up:
Choose a vertical cat scratching post is more suitable.

Prefer lying down scratching:
Prioritize the flat cat scratching mat.

Prefer high scratching:
Wall-mounted cat scratching board is a good choice.

Like interactive play:
Combination products with catnip or other interactive elements are available.

(4) Safety and Stability
Ensure that the chosen cat scratching board has a stable structure, is not easy to tip over, and has no sharp edges to avoid injury to the cat.

(5) Additional Functions
If your cat has a special preference for catnip, choosing a cat scratching board with catnip can further enhance the appeal.

4. Recommended popular cat scratching boards in the US market
   To help you get started, here are a few popular cat scratching boards in the US market:

Frisco 72-Inch Cat Tree & Scratching PostFrisco 72-Inch Cat Tree & Scratching Post
Ideal for multi-cat households, it is functional, solidly constructed, and a favorite among consumers.

SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching PostSmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post
The classic jute rope design is durable and preferred by many cats.

PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher LoungePetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratching Post Lounge
Premium corrugated material, not only meets the scratching needs, but also has a resting function and stylish shape.

Catit Lounge Scratcher with CatnipCatit Lounge Catnip Scratching Pad
Designed for cats scratching on their stomachs, with catnip for an attractive look.

5. Tips: How to make cats love cat scratching boards
   Use catnip when appropriate:
   Sprinkle some catnip on the cat scratching board, it can quickly attract your cat’s attention.

Reasonable placement:
Place the cat scratching board in an area where the cat often moves, such as next to the sofa, by the window or near furniture that the cat often scratches.

Positive encouragement:
Reward the cat with snacks or petting when it uses the scratching board to enhance its willingness to use it.

Patient guidance:
Instead of punishing the cat when it scratches the furniture, gently guide it to use the cat scratching board.

6. Conclusion
   Authoritative data and many studies (including Cornell University, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery) have shown that cat scratching pads not only satisfy cats’ scratching instincts, but also play a key role in relieving stress, preventing behavioral problems, and maintaining paw health. Choosing the right Scratching Post, Scratching Pad or Scratcher not only protects your furniture, but also dramatically improves your cat’s quality of life and well-being.

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