It is that sound in the middle of the night. The dreaded one that cues you for a mess to clean up in the morning.The sound of your old cat regurgitating… yet again.

If your cat is throwing up it might be time to change its diet to a more easy to digest food. Two of the best cat food choices for cats that vomit are Grain-Free Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Yellow Pea Recipe by Hill’s Science Diet or Intense Hairball Cat Food by Royal Canin. It is always best to check with your vet if your cat is having frequent vomiting to get a health plan for your cat.

Cat owners know, the older the cats get, the more frequently they tend to get sick. And along with this is their recurrent vomiting. However, this doesn’t always mean there is something seriously wrong with them.

A lot of times, going to the vet when your senior cat throws up is not necessary. You just need to find a way to give them relief on your own. The first step is to find the best cat foods that help or prevent the vomiting and that promote healthy eating.

Why Vomiting Occurs In Older Cats

Along with your cat’s aging comes the development of few or more diseases. Which chronic vomiting can be a sign of a serious disease. There are three common concerns with older cats that vomit: chronic small intestinal disease (caused by inflammatory bowel disease or cancer), hyperthyroidism, and kidney failure. Other concerns are heartworms or parasites which can occur during any time of owning your cat.

So it’s best to understand the difference between chronic vomiting and occasional vomiting.

While it is normal for cats to vomit every once in a while, there are situations when their vomiting is but for simple reasons. Some of them you can deal with even without bringing them to the vet.

Occasional or short-term vomiting happens once or twice, or lasting less than 24 hours. Chronic vomiting affects cats’ lives and is what you should watch out for. If they throw up frequently and excessively, it could be an indication of a health problem that needs to be addressed by your veterinarian. If you are concerned or worried it’s always best to check in with your veterinarian.

Other reasons your older cat can be throwing up is:

• a sensitive stomach
• a food allergy
• furballs
• eating too much or too much at once
• eating food that has gone bad
• or ingestion of toxins or poisons like antifreeze​

Best Cat Food For Older Cats That Vomit

Fortunately, when it comes to older cats that vomit, there are foods specially formulated to keep your cat from constantly throwing up.

This section will review some of them and you may just be able to find what you need in this list.

#1. Best Cat Food for Gastrointestinal Issues High Energy by Royal Canin

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Effective management of gastrointestinal disorders that can be causing vomiting in cats, both short and long term can be aided by dietary therapy. Felines suffering from gastrointestinal problems need a diet that can be easily digested. This is crucial for their tummy to recover as it reduces irritation within.

Vomiting in cats may look like a simple problem, but it is not. When cats constantly throw up, they lose electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride. Not to mention B vitamins that are also released upon gastric secretions.

These foodstuffs are essential for many developments within the cat’s body. Depletion in these nutrients can result in the progression of complications or slower recovery.

This canned cat food, Gastrointestinal – High Energy by Royal Canin. is specially formulated to promote good digestive health. It uses highly digestible proteins, probiotics, and fiber. Gastrointestinal disorders may also cause intestinal inflammation, therefore Royal Canin made sure to throw in Omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA from fish oil to lessen swelling.

Ingredients and Nutrition

• Crude Protein: 8%
• Crude Fat: 5%
• Crude Fiber: 1.5%
• Moisture: 78.5%
• Calorie Content: 1092 kilocalories per kilogram

Feeding Guide for Royal Canin Gastrointestinal

Pros

• Packed with ingredients that nourish intestinal microflora
• Omega 3 fatty acids for reducing inflammation
• High energy levels for older cats
• Helps to prevent bladder crystals for urinary health.
• Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics support digestive health and help your cat have healthy poop.

Cons

• Too expensive
• It has to be prescribed by your vet

Dry Cat Food Options for Cats that Vomit

#2. Best Cat Food for Intense Hairball 34 Cat Food by Royal Canin

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With cats spending a huge amount of time grooming themselves, they can potentially, with the helped of their barbed tongues, ingest and swallow a considerable amount of hair. Once ingested, these hairs can become compressed within their digestive tract, resulting in the creation of hairballs.

These hairballs, in turn, are either thrown up or expelled through their feces. To help ease cats’ difficulty in managing hairballs, Royal Canin developed cat food that keeps hairballs in a tolerable situation by moving them through the gastrointestinal tract without any blockage.

All thanks to its ingredients that promote healthy intestinal transit like a specific blend of dietary fibers, psyllium, and insoluble fibers. It also contains a precise amount of nutrients with high protein and fat content to guarantee a healthy level of nutrients.

This adult dry cat food, Intense Hairball 34 Cat Food by Royal Canin, has been proven to reduce twice as much excess hair in the cat’s body in just 14 days of feeding. Its popular ingredients that help achieve these results are chicken meal, brewer’s rice, corn, rice hull, corn gluten meal, pea fiber, wheat gluten, and fish oil.

For best results, pair this dry cat food with Hairball Care Thin Slices in Gravy wet cat food for a treat your cat will love.

Ingredients and Nutrition

• Crude Protein: 34%
• Crude Fat: 15%
• Crude Fiber: 6.9%
• Complete balanced meal for adult cats
• Specially formulated for cats 1 year and older prone to hairballs​

Feeding Guide

Note: not for senior cats

Pros

• Composed of a detailed blend to reduce hairballs
• Blend of minerals to maintain urinary tract health
• Amino acids for a stronger heart and brighter eyes

Cons

• Contains ingredients that are allergens to cats
• Isn’t the best option for senior cats. For senior cats we recommend trying Blue Buffalo indoor hairball control.

#3. Purina One – Sensitive Skin and Stomach

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One of the most affordable yet highly effective dry cat food formulas for vomiting cats is the low-budget cat owners is a Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach cat food by Purina One.

This dry cat food is packed with every nutrient needed by senior cats to promote superior well-being. They can achieve 100% complete and balanced nutrition through the taste that they all love.

This kibble has the right amount of protein in every cup and is made with real turkey as the first ingredient. Along with it are excellent ingredients like dried carrots and peas. This blend delivers an antioxidant-rich combination of vitamins to keep your mouser healthy.

It also encourages healthy skin and a lustrous coat with the omega fatty acids it has. While every ingredient might be easy to digest, its shape and texture also promote healthy teeth and gums by eliminating plaques and tartar buildup.

Sensitive Skin and Stomach by Purina One contains ingredients like turkey, brewer’s rice, corn, gluten meal, poultry-by-poultry products, soybean meal, fish meal, dried yeast, and whole-grain corn. The most important thing is, you won’t have to worry since it has zero added fillers.

Ingredients and Nutrition

• Crude Protein: 34%
• Crude Fat: 13%
• Crude Fiber: 4%
• Moisture: 12%
• Calorie Content: 4,040 kcal/kg, 430 kcal/cup

Feeding Guide for Purina One Sensitive Skin

Pros

• An easily digestible formulation that is specially prepared for cat companions with sensitive systems
• Made with real turkey as the first ingredient for the superior protein source your cat deserves
• Purina ONE is veterinarian recommended
• manufactured in U.S. facilities, where they check for quality and safety for your cat.
• crunchy texture helps to reduce plaque build-up to promote strong teeth and healthy gums
• Each serving of dry cat food has added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, including omega-6 fatty acids to help your cat’s sensitive skin and an antioxidant blend to support her healthy immune system

Cons

• Contains chicken ingredients that may cause food allergies to cats
• The bags are not resealable​

#4. Best Cat Food for Grain-Free Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Yellow Pea Recipe Diet by Hill’s Science Diet

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This brand’s reputation goes way back to 1907 when it was founded in a small rendering facility in Topeka, Kansas. And, with a long history like that, you are guaranteed you are getting just the right product for your cat.

Vets often recommend cat food that has a high presence of prebiotic fibers for older cats or adult cats who vomit. This is because these fibers help in facilitating proper digestion. It also supports cat grown microbiome. Microbiomes play an important role in the cat’s overall health and disease.

The high-quality cat food for sensitive stomachs has aside from prebiotic fibers, vitamin E, and Omega 6 fatty acids to aid in nourishing especially the senior cats’ skin. Aside from that, it contains antioxidants that help in boosting the immune system of cats. This is great dry cat food for cats that have food sensitivities and it’s also grain-free.

This food formula is crafted with premium natural ingredients like chicken, yellow peas, carrots, apples, broccoli, cranberries, and real salmon that give your cat omega fatty acids(grain-free). These ingredients help to provide a calming combination for the cat’s tummy since they are more balanced. The blending allows for settling the stomach that results in less vomiting.

Ingredients and Nutrition

• Crude Protein: 29%
• Crude Fat: 16%
• Crude Fiber: 3%
• Moisture: 10%
• Grain-free
• Recommended for adult cats, including those with a sensitive stomach and skin​

Feeding Guide for Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin

Pros

• Contains prebiotic fiber for supporting digestion
• 100% grain-free high-quality adult dry cat food
• Crafted with premium natural ingredients like chicken, yellow peas, carrots, apples, broccoli, cranberries, and real salmon that give your cat omega fatty acids (great for skin and coat health)
• #1 recommended by US veterinarian and made in the US

Cons

• Contains some ingredients that cause skin allergies​

#5. Adult Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach with LifeSource Bits

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Despite its being a newcomer in the cat food industry, Blue Buffalo sensitive stomach has paved its way to make them a household name. Now America’s leading natural pet food company, they are known for various lines of cat food. Some can be brought to local pet stores, the others only through veterinarians.

One of their formulations is Adult Sensitive Stomach with LifeSource Bits. Food is specially formulated for older cats with sensitive stomach and vomiting problems, it has real chicken meat and brown rice as the first ingredient. This is so felines have the perfect source of protein while allowing them to gain lean and strong muscles.

Aside from chicken and rice, it also includes prebiotics that aid in facilitating appropriate digestion as well as boost nutrient absorption for senior cats. Other ingredients listed are deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, peas, dried egg products, and fat.

Adult Sensitive Stomach with Lifesource Bits by Blue Buffalo has no grains like soy, corn, wheat, and other synthetic additives that may cause food allergies for moggies.

Ingredients and Nutrition

• Crude Protein: 32%
• Crude Fat: 16%
• Crude Fiber: 3.5%
• Moisture: 9%
• Calorie Content: 3,773 Kcals/kg, 422 Kcals/cup

Feeding Guide for LifeSource Bits by Blue Buffalo

Pros

• Has premium ingredients like real chicken for high-quality protein
• Supports the immune system and the cat’s overall well-being with high-quality ingredients omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, along with wholesome grains, garden veggies, and fruit. (great for a healthy skin and coat)
• Suitable for sensitive stomach cat
• made without poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
• LifeSource bits include a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals chosen by vets and animal nutritionists to support your pet’s immune health

Cons

• Some cats are having difficulty chewing small-sized kibbles

8 Other Reasons Why Cats Throw Up

1. Change in Diet
   The majority of cats live and breathe by routine. This means even with a small diet change, it can likely cause cats upset stomachs and cause them to throw up. With that said, if you are thinking of changing from one food to another, high quality or not, do so gradually to lessen the chances of vomiting for cats with sensitive bellies.
2. Hairballs
   Obsessed with cleanliness, cats are known to groom themselves by licking their body (that is covered in fur). When they do that, they end up swallowing their hair that in turn becomes undigested. To expel these hairballs, cats tend to vomit. Hairballs can cause stomach issues and to prevent vomiting it’s best to switch to cat food that specializes in hairball control.
3. Overfeeding or Eating Too Fast
   Cats are known to be unable to control eating especially when prepared with their favorite food. They may end up getting overfed and may trigger throwing up. Ingesting food too fast may also cause vomiting. You can prevent vomiting by placing their food on a paper plate or a flat surface so they get less food with each bite.
4. Cat Allergies
   A lot of cats are picky eaters. This is because the majority of them are prone to food allergies. Cats’ allergies develop from their reaction to certain components in cat food.
   Low-quality fillers, fish, eggs, artificial flavors, and preservatives are but a few of the common ingredients that cats may be allergic to or they may have food sensitivities. Changing to high-quality cat food with high-quality ingredients may prevent vomiting.
5. Parasites
   Parasitic infestations can also cause your cat to vomit. Cats are highly susceptible to hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms. These types of parasites all have the reputation of firing up the urge to throw up.
   Cat parents who let them outside are more prone to parasites. Parasites can also come from fleas or ticks. Your cat can get some relief from medicine from the vet, while extra cleaning to remove the parasites may be needed.
6. Certain Diseases
   The serious underlying condition may also be another cause of cat vomiting. Frequent and excessive throwing up could be an indication of diabetes, kidney failure, liver diseases, gastritis, cancer, or irritable bowel movement.
7. Food Poisoning
   The digestive system of a cat has a strong immune system. When they ingest anything that is toxic, their body can kick it out through vomiting. Some of the most common items that can be toxic to felines are human food, some plants, insecticides, and other chemicals. Make sure any toxic items are in an area not accessible to your feline.
8. Non-Food Items
   That phrase that says, “curiosity killed the cat” is true. Their curiosity will let them explore and discover a lot of things and along the way, they may even end up eating the things that they lay their curiosity upon.
   Indigestible items like houseplants, grass, small toys, toilet paper, and string are just a few that may trigger their vomiting.

Buying Guide: Cat Food For Older Cats Who Vomit

Extra care should be given to older cats especially when it comes to their diet. Bump it up with the proper nutrition they need and it will surely add extra years to their lives.

Speaking of proper nutrition, there are numerous cat foods that promise to be the best when it comes to managing vomiting issues with cats.

Buying Guide For Cat Foods for Older Cats

1. Quality

Low-grade food usually comprises of low-grade ingredients, too. They may have fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives which in the long run will ruin the welfare of your cat. Always go for cat foods that have superior nutritional ingredients.

2. Type of Cat Food

Cats may find either dry or wet cat food palatable in most cases. However, cats can be picky sometimes. Especially when they feel they are having a hard time digesting or chewing the food. They’d rather go with the foods that will not make it hard for them to eat.

3. Food Safety

Always check on the labels of the cat food to confirm if the brand you are getting is tested and approved by the FDA and other relevant agencies. This is especially true when you want to avoid food poisoning in cats.

Conclusion

Vomiting in cats is always dreadful, but as long as you know why they are experiencing that, the easier you will be able to treat them. Sometimes, all it takes is just a switch in their diet.

While all the cat foods we reviewed are highly recommended, we are putting more emphasis on the top pick which is… Tadaaa! Sensitive Stomach and Skin by Hill’s Science Diet.  This is one brand that is the best cat food for older cats that vomit.

This formulation is designed to offer your cat a more balanced diet. The blended ingredients provide them with what they need to get balanced digestion. It doesn’t just cater to a cat’s vomiting issue, but it also helps them get better skin and coat.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why does my older cat throw up after eating?

Cats are fast eaters and most of the time, they do not chew what they eat. This leads to the stomach walls expanding too quickly. When that happens, a signal is sent to the brain to instigate regurgitation.

Why is my cat throwing up her wet food?

Cats eating fast tend to be the ones who vomit after eating either wet or dry food. Both types of food, if eaten quickly may not be digested well, thus vomiting. Also, rough plays or sudden movements after eating may spur vomiting.

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Choosing the right cat litter box for your cat’s needs is not as simple as it may sound to be. I remember when I was just about to take home my cat, who was then a kitten, I had a long list of litter box I wanted to check out first.

You can use the Rubbermaid container rather than getting a larger litter box. Aside from the fact cat litter boxes only go up to a certain size, there are many reasons reusing a storage container is a great and possibly better idea.

No, it isn’t. It is where the odor of my whole house will rely on, once the cat comes in. It is where my cat will do his private business. The only spot in the house where she should. Therefore, I have to be very careful in considering all the factors.

Eventually, I got home with a couple of litter boxes. Things were great until she started growing big.

In not so much as 9 months after, she can no longer fit in the largest box that the pet store had. When she steps in and starts trying to paw the sand over his thing, it makes a whole lot of mess. There wasn’t anything bigger than the size I already have.

The Magic of Repurposing

I can’t stop my feline from growing, nor can I do magic on modifying her litter box. But, there’s one thing I can do – repurpose a Rubbermaid container as a mess-free litter box! Or, it can be Sterilite or any big box.

• A lot of felines kick litter out of the box when they cover their deposits. If your litter box is too low, be ready for a huge mess to sweep out every time they have to go.
• A few of the older or arthritic cats can’t always aim their streams down past the top lip of a shallow box.
• Rubbermaid containers are taller. So, you won’t have to bend all the way down to the floor to lift it up.
• These storage boxes are nearly impossible to tip over even for a 20-pound cat. Most cat litter boxes are too shallow and can be flipped easily with the weight on the edge. Even more so when it has just a lightweight load of litter.
• Commercial cat litter boxes are simply too small. They are impossibly tinier than what they should be accommodating.

If you think about it, a lot of pet toys and products are pretty much made to appeal to people rather than the pet. This could be especially true in conventional litter boxes. Most of them are fancy but ridiculous. And, cats simply won’t appreciate them.

What can I use as a cat litter box?

Any Rubbermaid container that allows for a two inch depth of cat litter works great as an alternative to a cat litter box, a cardboard box can be used temporarily for smaller spaces or for kittens.

Where should I put my litter box?

Cat boxes should be placed in a quiet place around your home, like the laundry room or in a second bathroom. It should not be too hard to get to, but private enough that your cat feels secure when using it.

DIY Cat Litter Box Out Of A Storage Container

A visit to a pet shop or a simple google search will let you know that a mess-free litter box, the largest one, will cost around $29 to $40. And, it is not even guaranteed your moggy will like it. Making your own mess-free cat litter box out of a storage box will cost you just about $6. None, if you are repurposing an old box.

In this write-up, we’ll show two different types of DIY Cat Litter Boxes out of storage containers – one that has the entry slot on the side and the other one at the top.

Side-Entry Cat Litter Box

What You’ll Need

• Flexible and lidded plastic storage box (18 gallons/68 liters or anything deep enough for your cat to stand in without touching the lid)
• paper
• sharpies
• soldering gun
• file

Procedures

1. Cut a piece of paper with the measurements of 7 to 10 inches (18 cm) wide and tape it to the side of the box. This will serve as your template for the markings on the box of where to cut.
2. With a sharpie, the paper you cut, and a ruler, draw vertical lines around the paper template. Draw the horizontal line 4 inches (10 cm) from the bottom. Save the template so you can re-use it the next time you have to DIY another cat litter box.
3. Cut through the markings on the box with a hot soldering gun. If possible, use a soldering gun with a flat tip for cutting plastic. But, any soldering gun tip will work just fine. We just want to cut by melting the plastic to assure us that the plastic won’t crack while we cut, which normally happens when sawing.
   

   Note: If a soldering gun is not available, a saber saw (handheld jigsaw)
   or mini-hacksaw will work too. Make sure to cut it slowly with a fine-
   toothed blade. Rubbermaid boxes are made to be tough.

Try to brace the plastic as you saw through so that it doesn’t shake back and forth as you cut. Cracks may happen especially if sawn, if it does with what you are doing, you may repair it by covering it with a piece of clear package plastic wrapping tape.

4. Put it on both sides. Based on experience, it will hold up fine to washing and bleaching.Once the whole entry point has been sawn off, you will want to take a file and smooth any sharp edges from the cuts you made. There could probably be about one or two spots that may need a little touching up. Be sure to file them smooth to prevent your cats from getting injured from it.

If you are doing this DIY litter box for a kitten, make a different slot that is a little lower than 10 inches from the bottom. Just the right height so they can walk in easily without throwing too much litter outside the box.

If your cats are slender, you may choose to make the entry narrower than 7 inches. Alter the opening according to your mousers’ sizes.

Top-Entry Cat Litter Box

What You’ll Need

• 18-gallon bin
• A plate or something to draw a circle outline with
• A strong pair of scissors or soldering gun
• sharpies
• file or sandpaper

Procedures

1. Find a plate or something you can trace a circle with. It should be with the size of an 8 to 10-inch circle, depending on the size of your cat.
2. Trace the circle on to the lid with a sharpie.
3. Cut it out carefully with a hot soldering gun. Soldering guns as previously mentioned are ideal in cutting through plastic surfaces to avoid getting cracks and at the same time keep the edges from being left too sharp.

   If there aren’t any available soldering gun, a cutter, a strong pair of scissors will do. Once you start cutting along the lines, it wouldn’t be so hard to follow. In case there are sharp edges or cuts, you may file them smooth.

4. Once the entry point on the lid is done. You may pour in litter sand and put the lid on.
5. (Optional)
   You may want to have the DIY cat litter box look presentable or not too messy for your cat. On this part, be ready with a piece of indoor or outdoor carpet. One that you can fit on top of the lid. You may use a doormat or a car floor mat.

You may grab a piece of paper to trace and make a pattern to fit on top of the end product lid. You may use a big piece of drawing paper, a butcher paper, or a wrapping paper. Anything that would be as large as the top lid of the cat litter box. Be sure that it fits inside the raised edges of the lid.

Cut the carpet according to the size of the top lid.

Now that you have the carpet for the top of the lid, use the entry point you made on the lid to trace it to the back of the carpet. This is so you will have a reference of where to cut the entry point on the carpet.

After tracing, you may proceed to cut the carpet. Make sure it fits the top lid and the entry point. You may either glue it down to the top lid or allow it to be loose for easy cleaning.

What is the best DIY Cat Litter Box: Top or Side Entry?

Both entry points are ideal and working for cats. It depends on how big your cat is.

Can they jump high enough to reach the top lid? If not, then the side-entry kind should be your option.

Personally, I prefer the top entry. First, my cats are big enough to climb up the top. Second, the tracks that get in their feet will fall off inside the litter box when they try to climb out of the box. If there are still any residues, then the top lid will sure to catch them.

Unlike the side-entry cat litter boxes where they can step out of the box and leave tracks all over the place.

Talking about tracks, you may want to go with a litter trap to position on the entry points. This is to make sure something catches the litter when the cats’ feet step out of the box.

There are brands like 3M that manufacture mats that are specific for litter trapping. You can simply place it along the cat’s pathway. Once or twice a week, shake the mats outside or over the box to return the litter.

The good thing about them is they can be rinsed with water, too. And, you may want to do habitual rinsing for new mats, especially that at first they may smell like the factory where they came from. While you may not find it offensive, your cat just may.

Rinse them off at least once a week and leave them under the sun or allow the breeze to dry them up. In no time, you will notice there’s practically no smell left.

Final Word

There are several things you can use as cat litter box alternatives. Your choices may range from storage containers, disposable litter boxes, cartons, cat litter mat pads, or even an old cabinet that you can remodel.

In reality, the cat won’t mind if their cat litter boxes are fancy, robotic, or plain old box. As long as they can do their business they are fine. The best way to entice them to use their cat litter box is to strategically position them around the house.

Be sure to have one cat litter box per cat. Some may say that it would be ideal to have two. But, as long as cats are trained to do their business where they are supposed to, they will find that spot and won’t mess up with other parts of your house.

Finding a good rope for your cat post will make you and your furry friend very happy. There is no denying the love cats hold for digging their claws into something satisfying.

Generally, one coil of 100 feet of 3/8 inch 100% sisal rope is best for cat scratching. Sisal rope is made from an agave plant and holds the same texture as tree bark making it irresistible to cats. It is also known for its long durability.

If you are a cat parent, then you probably have a scratching post at home. Scratching posts are terrific and ingenious creations to help your cats when they scratch their claws. Read some of the best cat scratching post here.

These scratch posts are also lifesavers for your beloved furniture. Over time, they can get pretty worn and torn. You may consider using a rope-covered one for lasting use. It is important to know what kind of rope for cat scratching post needs to be used.

Sisal and Its Features

What is the best material to use for a cat scratching post?

The most common and most popular type of rope used is sisal. When cat owners are asked what kind of rope is best for a cat scratching post, then you will always hear sisal as the favored answer.

Sisal is made from the agave plant. It is very robust, durable and tough. Scratching posts made from sisal can be expected to last for a very long time.

If your cat is fond of scratching, then ensuring that you have a good post to help your pet through is significant. Do not underestimate the small agave plant because it can produce one mean sisal rope.

Is sisal rope safe for cats?

Sisal rope is non-toxic because it’s a renewable resource. Sisal rope has a texture similar to the bark of trees.

A lot of cats find the sisal rope as appealing.

As you know, this physical feature is endearing to cats everywhere. They are drawn to it and could be the answer to your scratched sofa problems.

Two Types of Sisal: Fabric or Rope?

Which is which, sisal fabric or rope? That is the question. The most common type is the sisal rope, but there are also scratching posts made from sisal fabric.

So what is the difference between the two and what is recommended to be using on a scratching post? Sisal rope is robust and can handle a lot of your cat’s scratching while the fabric may not be as durable.

On the upside, if you want to appease your pets then the sisal fabric is a good choice for both scratching post or a cat scratcher.

Even with its lack of durability, your cat can have a good scratch and can shred the post with gusto. The downside is that you have to replace the fabric often as it will surely be worn out faster than its rope counterpart.

Read more about: What Size Sisal Rope Do You Need For Your Scratching Post

Where to Buy Sisal Rope

During our research we’ve found it hard to find sisal rope at our local pet shop. It may be because they are selling brand new cat scratching posts or toys with sisal rope on them. So here are some places to start looking for sisal rope for your DIY project.

1. Walmart
2. Lowes or Home Depot. Or your local home improvement store.
3. Amazon

When looking for your sisal rope it’s always good to make sure that it is chemical free and safe for pet use. For re-doing your cat post you can use ¼” or ⅜” size of rope. ¼” rope will be easier to work with, but the ⅜’ is more durable.

When buying online, it is important that you thoroughly check what kind of rope for cat scratching post was used. If it is sisal, then you are pretty good to go.

It is also always recommended to read reviews before making any purchase. You can also get a feel from other cat owners because they usually include their experience with the product in their feedback or reviews.

Different brands may also be considered as you look into what kind of rope is safe for cat scratching post to ensure the safety of your cats.

How To Calculate How Much Sisal Rope You Need For Your Cat Post

To determine how much rope you will need depends on the circumference of your cat post. Does your cat post get wider from top to bottom or is in the circumference from top to bottom?

Doing the math is simple with three different measurements and a little calculation.

1. Take a piece of rope or string and wrap it one time around the post. (If your post is wider in the middle, measure your rope here)
2. Hold the rope or string where it meets the rest of the rope and carefully place it along a ruler.
3. The measurement on the ruler is the circumference for your post.
4. Use the calculator to get an estimate of how much rope you will need for your cat post.

If your cat scratch post is 24 inches tall, and your sisal rope is ¼ inch thick, multiply ¼ inch to get up to 24 inches in height. So, 24 x 4 equals 96. Therefore, this means that you will need to wrap the sisal rope around the post a total of 96 times to get from the top to the bottom. Since you know that you need to make 96 full wrap arounds and each wrap 10 inches, multiply 10 x 96 to get the total length of sisal rope you will need to complete the job, which in our case is 960 inches.

Do-It-Yourself Sisal Rope

If you are up for it, why not make your own sisal rope for your cat’s scratching post? There are lots of tutorials online on how to do it.

This is definitely for the more adventurous DIY person.

In a nutshell, you can start by purchasing sisal rope. You can buy this online or at your local hardware store. You can then wrap around the sisal rope on a sturdy base or post. Wide tree branches can be used as the base, but wood beams work best. You can also make a sisal rope mat if you do not want a vertical scratching post. It really depends on your preference.

Your cat scratching post does not have to be a natural color. RIT dyes are non-toxic and you can add a color pop to your room that both you and your kitty will love. Try this Ombre look!

What Are Alternatives to Sisal Rope?

Now, if you are not too keen to use sisal rope, then you could make use of alternatives. If sisal rope is not easily available, you may use hemp rope as your second rope, wood, corrugated cardboard, or carpet.

Unfortunately, sisal trumps hemp in all aspects including durability, appeal, and long-lasting effect.

You may also try other mediums such as wood, corrugated board or carpet. These three options have advantages and disadvantages which we outline below:

Wood

Wood is a natural alternative to be used as a scratching post. It is known to be durable and can mimic a cat’s natural environment; hence it is very appealing to cats.

The disadvantage is that with constant scratching on wood, it may produce splinters that can hurt the paws of your furry friend.

It is also a breeding ground for bacteria especially when exposed to water or moisture. This can be a good alternative but just be wary of its consequences.

Corrugated Cardboard

One of the cheapest alternatives to scratching post is the corrugated cardboard. ( Read the scratching post vs corrugated cardboard comparison here )

It is readily available and comes cheap. On the downside, cardboard easily shreds and does not have any credibility as durable.

If you intend to use this as an alternative, then be prepared to replace your corrugated cardboard often. Also, imagine the mess it makes with all the shredded cardboard strewn at your home? It might not be a pretty sight. The cleanup can be a total nightmare.

Carpet

Last on our list is carpet. Fortunately, carpet comes in different styles, textures, colors, and sizes. You have a lot of choices with this one that it may be hard to decide which one to go with.

You can also easily attach the carpet to different surfaces. The downside is it is not known as long-lasting. The claws of your cat can also catch on the carpet’s material.

Overall, knowing what kind of rope for cat scratching post is important. The popular choice for cat owners will always be sisal rope.

You can stick with the tried and tested material, but at the same time, you can also experiment with the alternatives. Whatever you choose, the significant thing is that it appeals to your cat.

You may need to do some trial and error before you find the right material and that is okay. It takes a lot of patience to find the one that works best. Ultimately, remember that happy cats equate to happy pet owners too.

Cats are a lot of fun no doubt, but if they are not kept busy, they can do some serious damage to your home. To help keep your cat busy, and to help maintain its claws, let’s help you find the best rope for cat scratching post right now.

Best Rope for Cat Scratching Post

SGT Knots Twisted Sisal Rope

If you are into repairing old scratching posts for your cats or even making your own, the SGT Knots Twisted Sisal Rope is a really good option to go with. Here you get a total of 50 feet of rope for a very low price, but just because it is inexpensive does not mean that it is any less durable or effective than a more expensive option.

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SGT Knots Review

The SGT Knots Twisted Sisal Rope, for one, is environmentally and cat-friendly. In other words, it has not been treated with any harsh oils, chemicals, or other substances which may harm your cat or the environment around it. Being environmentally friendly and non-toxic is a very big deal here. Furthermore, SGT Knots Twisted Sisal Rope is made of 100% natural and biodegradable materials, so once you throw it out, it will degrade on its own, thus not filling up landfills. On a side note, this does come in various lengths and widths, depending on what your needs are.

Key points for SGT Knots Twisted Sisal Rope

• SGT Knots Twisted Sisal Rope is industrial strength, so it should last quite a while, even if your cat scratches it non-stop.
• It is very stiff and hard and used to tie boats to piers, and for many other industrial purposes too. This means that it is the perfect option for cat scratching posts.
• They can scratch it for quite some time without it fraying or coming apart.

This sisal rope is also great for claws because it helps file them down and to keep them sharp.  Not to mention that it draws your cat’s attention away from your furniture too. The only downside here is that the stiffness and hardness of this makes it a little hard to work with and tie down.

Twisted Sisal Rope (1/4 inch) – SGT KNOTS – All Natural Fibers – Moisture/Weather Resistant – Marine, Decor, Projects, Cat Scratching Post, Tie-Downs, Wicker Chair, Indoor/Outdoor (50 feet)

• NATURAL SISAL ROPE – Stiff and sturdy twisted sisal rope made in Brazil, from Agave sisalana fibers. The perfect 100% natural choice for heavy duty indoor and outdoor applications. Great for situations that require a bit of stretch.
• ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY – 100% biodegradable organic, untreated fibers. No oils, chemicals, or artificial agents added during the manufacturing process.
• INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH – Compared to other natural ropes such as Manila, all-purpose sisal rope is stiffer and able to withstand harsh conditions. Resistant to moisture, abrasion, and all weather conditions. Sisal is the preferred natural fiber for all projects, from marine-bound bindings to tie-downs, repairing/crafting a cat scratching post, and fixed outdoor uses.
• WIDTHS and LENGTHS – SGT KNOTS Natural Sisal Rope available in lengths of 10, 25, 50, 100, 600 and 1,000 ft and diameters of 3/16, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 in.
• VETERAN OWNED and OPERATED – Just like the Marine Corps, SGT KNOTS is committed to being the best of the best. We continue to live by the motto, Semper Fidelis—Always Faithful. Our loyalty to our customers is what makes us who we are, and the reason we continue to grow in popularity and product offerings. We promise to maintain the strength and consistency of our products. We also pass down our bulk savings to our customers.

SGT Knots Twisted Sisal Rope

Pros

• 100% natural and biodegradable
• Very tough and durable
• No harsh chemicals used
• Sharpens and shortens cat claws

Cons

• A little too stiff to work with easily
• A little difficult to tie down

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Recommended Buys: Best Rope for Cat Scratching Post

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SGT KNOTS TWISTED SISAL ROPE

• Very tough and durable
• Sharpens and shortens cat claws
• 100% natural and biodegradable

T.W Evans Cordage Twisted Sisal Rope

T.W Evans Cordage Twisted Sisal Rope is another good option to go with for cat scratching posts. Here you actually get a full 100 feet of it for the same price as the 50-foot long rope we just reviewed above, making it a super cost-effective option to keep in mind.

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Review

For one, the T.W Evans Cordage Twisted Sisal Rope is made to be cat and eco-friendly. Just like the above option, this rope is made with 100% natural fibers.

They are also biodegradable, which means that you won’t pollute the planet once you have to throw it out. At the same time, there are no harsh oils, chemicals, or other such toxins used to make this rope.  Making it totally safe for your cats to scratch and chew on all day.

Buying products that are eco-friendly and animal safe is quite important after all. Keep in mind that T.W Evans Cordage Twisted Sisal Rope is a little thicker than the above option.

On one hand, this does mean that it should last a bit longer and that your cat can scratch it a whole lot before it needs replacing again. On the other hand, being so thick means that it is a little hard to work with when you are actually trying to put in on the cat post.

Now, also keep in mind that this stuff frays pretty bad and once it wears down, it will make quite the mess in your home.

T.W Evans Cordage 23-410 3/8-Inch by 100-Feet Twisted Sisal Rope

• Sisal is a natural fiber rope
• Biodegradable and economical fiber
• Oil and chemical free
• Safe for use with pets
• Working Load 180 lbs

T.W Evans Cordage Twisted Sisal Rope

Pros

• Thick and durable
• 100% natural and chemical free
• Very low price
• Sharpens and shortens cat claws

Cons

• A little hard to work with
• Makes a bit of a mess

West Coast Paracord Premium Sisal Rope

Another good option to go with, West Coast Paracord Premium Sisal Rope works great for cat scratching posts, plus it is perfectly fine for many other purposes too. Here you get a full 100 feet of it for a very low price.

It’s quite similar to both of the above options we looked at, but still great.

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Review

If we are talking about the best value for the money, this is a great choice to keep in mind. It’s ¼ inch thick and you get 100 feet of it. West Coast Paracord Premium Sisal Rope is also made with 100% natural fibers, plus it contains no toxins, harsh oils, chemicals, or other such things. It is 100% cat and environmentally friendly. The whole thing can degrade back into its original state once used up, this not creating any additional waste for our planet.

Now, just like with the other options we looked at, this is pretty stiff, so getting wound tight around a scratch post can be a bit of a pain in the butt. On the other hand, West Coast Paracord Premium Sisal Rope is also very durable due to being so stiff. It should realistically last for several months before needing replacement, plus it does a good job at keeping your cat’s claws off of your furniture.

This rope is also a good option when it comes to other DIY home projects, although beware that it will fray quite a bit and thus make a mess after your cat has scratched it for a while.

1/4-inch Premium Sisal Rope – 100 Feet – Pet Friendly

• This all-natural, environmentally friendly rope is pet friendly
• Great for cat-scratching posts, cat toys, dog toys, and much more
• Sisal rope is strong and durable with resistance to UV damage and comes with a little flexibility
• Can be used for other DIY projects as well such as wall hangings, tie-downs, nautical and outdoor use as well
• This is a 100 foot length of 1/4-inch sisal rope

West Coast Paracord Premium Sisal Rope

Pros

• Very durable
• Lots of rope for a low price
• Cat and environmentally friendly

Cons

• Frays quite a bit
• Stiff and hard to work with

Conclusion

If you are looking for sisal rope to make your own or repair an old cat scratching post, in all honesty, all of the above options are worth the money. They are all quite similar, have the same pros and cons, and they will all help keep your cat occupied too.

Cats love to scratch!  So be sure to provide them with the best sisal rope for cat scratching post when it comes time to replace the rope.