The cat scratcher is an indispensable accessory in every feline's home. In addition to being a way to stimulate the animal's interaction with the environment, the scratcher is a fun toy that helps to relieve the discomfort of growing nails and maintains the primitive instincts of pets. There are several types of cat scratchers, made with different materials and that can be indicated according to the following criteriaTo understand everything about this toy, we have prepared a guide with the main benefits, available models and even tutorials on how to make a homemade cat scratcher. Come with us!

Cat scratchers help maintain feline instincts

The habit of scratching and sharpening their claws is part of the wild instinct of cats. Even after being domesticated, some feline behaviors remained and, nowadays, happen purely instinctively. Before coexistence with humans, cats used trees and stones to scratch and sharpen their nails. With domestication, this habit was directed to other objects such as sofas,curtains and furniture - which has become a major concern for many guardians.

In this sense, cat scratchers help to keep the wild side of animals active without promoting the destruction of the house. In addition, the scratcher is a matter of well-being for your cat, as he feels the need to trim his nails and they need a specific object for this.

What are the benefits of cat scratching posts?

A cat house with a scratching post is a very enriching experience for cats. Every feline needs to explore its instincts in a healthy way, which is why it is highly recommended to catify the house with scratching posts, niches and shelves. This way, in addition to promoting the animal's well-being, you prevent these instincts from being directed to the wrong places, such as the living room sofa,for example.

Another great benefit is that the scratcher works as a kind of toy for cats and is a huge success among the furry ones. It is guaranteed fun for them, and best of all there are different models capable of pleasing all tastes.

Cat scratcher: the choice of material makes a lot of difference

• Sisal scratcher: one of the best materials for the scratching post is sisal, a very hard and resistant plant fiber. The sisal scratching post has high durability and is usually very successful among cats;

• Cardboard scratcher: It's no mystery that cats love cardboard, but the cardboard scratching post doesn't last as long as the sisal model. It is necessary to change the entire scratching post or the refill regularly;

• Felt scratcher: this type of material is common in scratchers attached to interactive toys. Like the cardboard model, the felt scratcher also has a shorter lifespan than the sisal one;

Vertical or horizontal cat scratcher? Know the difference between them!

Before you buy or learn how to make cat scratching posts, it is important to take into consideration your pet's personality and feline behavior pattern. Cats can be classified as "bush cats", which is when the animal has horizontal habits and prefers to stay close to the ground, or "tree cats", which is when the pet loves to venture to the highest places in the house and is considereda "vertical" cat.

Knowing the difference between these cat behaviors is essential when deciding which model is best to give your pet. The horizontal cat scratcher, for example, is usually in the form of mats or ramps and is very suitable for kittens. Vertical cat scratchers have several possibilities, such as the classic pole model or the model withfloors.

7 models of cat scratchers you need to know about

1) Pole style cat scratcher

This is the most traditional model of cat scratcher. It consists of a very wide wooden pole that is all wrapped in sisal and is attached to a fabric base. In addition to being simple and inexpensive, some models of cat scratchers have a differential: they come with other rope toys, such as balls or mice, to stimulate the predatory instincts of felinesduring play.

2) Scratcher mat for cats

As its name suggests, this model of cat scratcher imitates a carpet. It consists of a horizontal base that is entirely covered by materials such as cardboard or felt so that your friend can scratch it. It is usually indicated for kittens or elderly cats with locomotion problems, as it is a model that is easily accessible to them.

3) Ramp cat scratcher

This type of cat scratcher is very similar to the carpet, the only difference is that it has a slight slope that turns it into a small ramp. The entire base is also covered with materials suitable for the cat to scratch, and it is a model that usually pleases cats with horizontal habits.

4) Cat scratcher for sofa

For the more cautious pet parent, this is the best cat scratcher. Sofa is unlikely to be a target for a kitten living in a place with environmental enrichment, but in any case, the cat scratcher for sofa helps to preserve the upholstery. It is fitted to the arm of the armchair, protecting its sides. So even if the animal tries to scratch, the sofa will be protected from the effects of the scratches.its claws.

5) Cat wall scratcher

If you don't have a lot of space to buy a large cat scratching post, a good idea is to invest in a wall-mounted cat scratching post. This type of accessory consists of a board made of cardboard or other fabrics that are attached to the wall using screws or suction cups. This way the kitten has a "fixed" place on the wall to scratch whenever it wants.

6) Scratcher for cats with house

It is no mystery that cats love to hide in unusual places. The good news is that with the cat scratching post with house you offer a comfortable and quiet place for your pet to rest during playtime. He can scratch the outside of the house, and take a few naps inside it.

7) Cat scratcher with floors

The structure of this type of cat scratcher can vary a lot. Usually, the toy has several floors and can be accompanied by burrows, beds and houses, reminiscent of the previous model. With these different accessories, everything becomes more fun for the pet, as the moment of distraction will not be limited only to the act of scratching. The animal will be able to climb the floors, rest at the top and even take outa nap inside the cottage.

Scratcher for cats: price will vary according to model and material

The price of the cat scratcher will depend a lot on the model and material chosen, in addition to the brand. In the case of the sisal scratcher, it is worth investing in a more elaborate toy, since the durability of the product is high and will probably accompany your little friend for long years, unlike the cardboard scratcher, which must be changed regularly. But how much will each toy cost?according to its structure?

It is possible to find the mast model for about R$ 40, while the models of house or with floors made cost between R$ 100 and R$ 300 (it can even be more expensive than that, depending on the style). Some options of cheap scratchers for cats are the models of sofa, wall, carpet or ramp. They can be simple or a little more elaborate and resistant, ranging from R$ 50 to R$ 50.150.

For those who like to venture into the universe of "do it yourself", here's good news: it's totally possible to learn how to make cat scratching posts at home. We've separated some ideas below that can guide you on this adventure, check it out!

How to make cat scratching post out of cardboard?

You will need:

• Cardboard cut into strips;
• Hot glue;
• A whole cardboard box (a shoe box or wooden box will also do);
• Ruler;
• Stylus;

Step by step:

Step 1) Take the cardboard box and personalize it however you want. You can cover it with contact paper, for example, or paint your kitty's name on top - let the creativity roll!

Step 2) With the base made of the scratcher, take the length and height measurements with a ruler. This will serve as a reference when cutting the cardboard into strips with the stylus.

Step 3) After cutting out the cardboard, use the hot glue to glue the strips to the base. But remember: you need to cut out enough strips to fill the inside of the box.

Step 4) Let it dry and choose the place to fix the scratcher. It can be glued to the wall or supported on some furniture.

Step 5) The cat scratcher is ready to be used by your little friend!

How to make a cat scratcher out of PVC pipe?

You will need:

• Round wooden base;
• Fabric;
• Hot glue;
• PVC pipe;
• Cover for PVC pipe;
• Piece of wood the size of the pipe circumference;
• Screwdriver;
• Drill;
• Sisal rope;

Step by step:

Step 1) To start, you need to place the round wooden base on top of the fabric and make a slightly larger template. The size should be enough to cover the base by pulling the fabric down;

Step 2) Then cut out the fabric and cover the base. Use hot glue to attach the fabric to the underside of the base;

Step 3) After that, you should fix the piece of wood that fits into the PVC pipe over the base of the scratcher;

Step 4) With the drill, drill a hole in the side of the PVC pipe closest to the base and then screw the PVC pipe to the piece of wood inside. This will help keep the scratcher fixed;

Step 5) Wrap sisal rope around the entire pipe and glue with hot glue;

Step 6) Finally, just put the lid on top of the barrel and the scratcher is ready!

How to make homemade cat scratcher with velcro or carpet?

You will need:

• Base for the scratcher (can be made of wood, MDF or a sturdy cardboard box);
• Hot or white glue;
• Carpet or velcro plate;

Step by step:

Step 1) Choose the base of the scratcher and glue the carpet tile or Velcro to the frame.

Step 2) Leave to dry.

Step 3) The scratcher is ready to use, and you can place it anywhere, such as on the sides of the sofa, for example.