You have probably heard of cat trees before, but are they really good for anything besides costing you money? The bottom line is that cat trees are godsends to anybody with a cat, as they help to keep your cat busy and happy. Why do cats like cat trees so much?
IT GIVES THEM A PERCH
First off, cats enjoy cat trees, especially the taller ones, because it provides them with a perch to look down on us mere mortals. Yeah, cats seem to think they are the boss of the house no matter where they are, and it’s why they like to look down on the people they are with.
Ok, all jokes aside, cats do enjoy perching up high because it provides them with a great vantage point to see what is going on around them.
Whether this is so they can hunt for prey from a good vantage point, keep an eye on you, or just pretend that they are in charge of the home, cats love to perch up high. There is a reason why cats will jump onto and hangout on fridges and high up cabinets, because they want that vantage point, which is something that every good cat tree will provide them with.
THEY ARE COMFORTABLE TO SLEEP ON
Another reason why cats enjoy cat trees is because they usually provide your feline companions with a comfortable place to sleep. Cats are usually not too picky when it comes to where they sleep, but they do have preferences.
A good cat tree will come with several sections and platforms, usually with good cushioning, sometimes with walls or roofs too, all of which provide your cat with a comfortable, safe, and secure sleeping spot. Cats love to lounge around, especially on soft surfaces, and a good cat tree will provide them with just that.
A good cat perch will come with something that almost resembles a little dog house, an elevated one, where your cat can feel safe and cozy, have a comfy place to sleep, and usually still keep an eye on the humans below.
THEY HAVE TOYS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH ENTERTAINMENT
The next reason why your cat is going to love a cat tree, at least a good one, is because they provide your cats with entertainment. Many cat trees come with toys, either hanging toys or standing toys, or even sometimes motion-based toys. We all know that cats love to swat at balls, play with strings, and everything in between.
A good cat tree will come with 1 or several toys so your cat can let out some anger, emotions, and just have some fun swatting a ball or something like that.
Moreover, cats are just very curious and explorative, and many like to be on the move. A cat tree can keep your cat busy and occupied simply by allowing it to climb around on it and move from one section to another. If you have a cat that is constantly exploring the house and getting into trouble, a nice cat tree with a lot of entertainment features might just be the solution you are looking for.
Whether you have a kitten or a senior cat, this resource helps you quickly identify potential problems, take proper steps in emergency situations, better understand diagnoses and treatment options, and communicate more effectively with your veterinarian.
Yet another reason why cats love cat trees is due to territoriality issues. Not all cats are very territorial, but hey, at some point or another, everybody likes a space that they can call their own. You know the feeling, sometimes you just want a single room, or even a single thing in your home to be just yours and nobody else’s. Maybe you just want something to be yours alone, or maybe you want a space where you can unwind without having other people breathing down your neck.
Well, this is kind of like what a cat tree is for cats. This is something that belongs to your cat, it is their space, where they can play, they choose where to lounge, and so on and so forth. Like we said, not all cats are territorial, and not all are loners, but some are, and some are those things to quite a large degree.
If you have a cat that likes to be alone from time to time, and if you have a cat that wants a space to call their own, a cat tree will help accomplish these things and satisfy those needs.
MOST COME WITH SCRATCHING POSTS OR SCRATCH PADS
Another reason why cats really enjoy cat trees is because they usually always come with some kind of scratch pad or scratching posts. To elaborate, cats have claws, and they need to use them. Cats always feel the need to use their claws, which is why you probably have shredded pillows and sofa legs in your home.
At the very least, a good cat tree will keep those claws on the scratching posts and away from your furniture. Also, did you know that cat claws keep growing, and they need to be trimmed, kept relatively short, and they need to be sharpened too? Well, scratching does all of these things and more, such as spreading around oils.
Cats need to scratch for claw health, and they feel the inherent need to do so anyway. A good cat tree with a scratching post will satiate these needs.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, there are many reasons why cats like cat trees, so we would definitely recommend investing in one for your feline friend.(You can read our full guide on best cat scratching post here ).
Cat owners recognize as early as meowing, gagging, or heaving retch that a cat will vomit not long after. Just as suddenly as the symptoms show is the return of your cat back to its seemingly good health, as if no vomiting ever happened. Leaving you a rug full of bodily fluid.
This is a very familiar situation for me and maybe for a lot of cat owners. Owning a Scottish Fold cat, I have cleaned up my share of cat vomits. It happens once or twice in a month, but after it happens, its as if no throwing up occurred.
Cats throwing up is an unpleasant thing
Nobody wants to deal with cats throwing up, but you have to understand that they do it on cue. Sure, it is part of owning a pet, but there is always something you can do. Understanding the triggers and what you can do about it will let you know when to worry about your cat vomiting.
Why Cats Vomit and When You Should Be Worried
The most common culprit in cats vomiting is hairballs. But, it could very well be a lot of things that it may be careless to assume your cat vomiting is associated with hairballs. Also, vomiting may be occasional or chronic.
Occasional vomiting is usually caused by eating too fast, eating too much, eating spoiled food, and hairballs.
Hairball – a cats constant grooming with their tongue causes them to ingest some, if not a lot of their hair. This hair, as they pass through the digestive tract can’t be dissolved the same way a normal food does. They accumulate within and form a furball. These hairballs irritate the cat’s stomach that they eventually expel them normally by vomiting.
Frequent vomiting caused by hairballs may indicate the need to check with the vet. They may introduce diet and treatments that will help reduce hair build-up. Hairball can be prevented by grooming your cat regularly and in some cases with their food diet. That way, they lose the chance of ingesting more hair.
Eating too fast – A lot of times, cat do not chew their food. They simply gobble too quickly that they swallow food that can be in huge chunks. Cats eating too fast may sometimes be because they are trying to compete with another cat in the household.
If this is the case, try to separate feeding locations for different cats to avoid competition. Serve cat food in controlled food dispense so that it initiates slow eating.
Eating too much at once – As with humans, when you eat too much, your stomach may not be able to hold it and may send a signal to the brain to expel what’s in excess. This is the same with cats. Therefore, the best practice in feeding them is to feed them 5 small meals a day.
Dry food soaks itself up in fluid in the cat’s stomach then swells up. This causes vomiting and can more likely happen with senior cats.
Eating spoiled food – Spoiled food irritates the cat’s tummy just as much as excessive eating and unchewed food.
Ingestion of foreign bodies – While cats are more particular about what they gobble up than dogs, it is often in them that we see intestinal blockages. A lot of instances are caused by cotton, string, or small toys at cause blockage and trauma to the gut.
Ingestion of specific toxins – Toxicities happens lesser in cats than in dogs simply because of their fussy and picky nature.
However, there are a few exceptions:
Grass – cats love to nibble on grass and with its unavailability inside the house, they may become bored that they will start to nibble on house plants instead. Plants like Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) and lilies are toxic so be sure to cat-proof your house and avoid plants like these.
Antifreeze – The taste of antifreeze is appealing to cats despite it’s being toxic and poisonous for them. Do not use this in ornamental water features. Make sure to keep all bottles labeled, and wipe up spills instantly.
Food allergies – Not every food is suitable for felines, therefore any change in diet should be slow and transitional. At a minimum, it should take at least a week to transition from the old food to the new one.
Parasites – The most prevalent intestinal parasite, roundworms affect cats of all ages. A huge chunk of them found in cats results in vomiting, diarrhea, or worst – failure to thrive. Another kind is the tapeworm which is transmitted when cats hunt or by fleas. This is why tapeworm is more common in older cats than younger ones.
Pet stores may offer medications, however, a lot of them are proven ineffective so it is still better to reach out to your vet.
Blood in the Vomit Or Disease Signs
Kidney / Liver Disease – These ailments cause cats to vomits. Not only that, but it will also make them feel lethargic and lose appetite that will, later on, result in weight loss and intensified thirst.
Liver disease in cats may show symptoms like yellow discoloration of skin and gums. They can also happen alongside pancreatic and intestinal ailments known as triaditis.
Your vet may suggest blood tests and investigations find out underlying reasons as well as to understand the best treatment option they can advise.
Gastrointestinal diseases – Bacteria, viruses, or other small parasites cause infectious intestinal diseases. These may result in your cat having inflammatory bowel diseases.
Cancers – Lymphoma and adenocarcinoma are two of the most common cancers in cats that cause partial blockage and result in vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, and appetite loss. Treatment options for this situation depend upon the cat’s age, condition, cancer location and severity of the disease.
What To Do – Contact Veterinary Diagnosis
Should I take my cat to the vet for Vomiting?
When you see the following symptoms in cats and your gut tells you that you need to visit the vet, do so:
Continued vomiting
Not keeping any meals down
Change in appetite
Change in drinking pattern
Change in toilet pattern
Blood in vomit and stool
Lethargy
Change in behavior
Change in grooming
Your vet will check the cat and this may include investigations such as blood tests, x-rays, urine samples, or ultrasound. Only then will the vet be able to know what is going on in your cat and the best course of action to take.
No animal is more obsessed with grooming than cats. By nature, they are heavy groomers and their idle time is spent mostly on removing loose fur on the body. Not to mention, cats groom even more when they are uncomfortable about something.
The amount of fur falling on your carpet perhaps could be just the same amount of hair your cat may have ingested. The more fur swallowed, the more hair combines to form a ball-like piece more so known as the hairball.
The ball of fur that is foreign to your cat’s stomach will eventually lead to an unpleasant experience not just for them, but for the cat owner, too.
Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?
Cat’s notoriety in excessive grooming causes them to swallow too much fur in the process. The occasional hairball is typical for cats. It happens to long and short hair cats and may occur from the kitten stage to old age.
When moggies groom, they ingest tiny amounts of fur through their tongue that picks up loose or dead hair. Cat’s tongue is hooked making it easy to latch things to swallow. This leaves no surprise that your cat ingests a lot of hair in the course of grooming.
The problem starts when these furs accumulate. Being the unfamiliar object hairball is, it is very unlikely that it will go on with the digestion process. In its place, the feline will attempt to get rid of it. The most common way they release hairball is through vomiting.
It will surprise you that hairballs vomited are not actually round in shape but, like a tube. This is because when these balls of hair are spewed, they have to pass through the esophagus which is a long and skinny pathway within the cat’s body.
Vomited hairball is not at all a pleasant sight to see. As disgusting as it is for us, it is an awful experience for your cat.
Symptoms of Hairballs in Cats
Properly identifying a hairball situation is the most important step when considering the course of action for treatment. Seeing your cat spit up a hairball can be alarming and as a cat owner, you may instantly think something is wrong. This is an even further reason for you to accurately identify whether or not it is an immediate concern.
Cats hacking, gagging, vomiting, or coughing up as they try to eliminate hairball is unpleasant to hear. But, it should be encouraged in a way. At least, it is an indication of success in getting rid of the hairball. Most of the time, cats can get rid of them pretty quickly and won’t have to be the source of worry.
However, some cats are just not that capable of doing such and they may require the assistance of their owner. These are when you should be on the lookout for symptoms to know if there is a need to contact the vet.
The signs you should be on the lookout for are:
Continuous vomiting, gagging or hacking without hairball coming out Lethargy Constipation Diarrhea Lack of appetite
These symptoms may vary in a range of severity, yet each of them points out that hairball may be causing severe problems in your kitten’s system. If your cat appears to choke, take advantage of 24-hour emergency services in your area. CPR also helps.
Best Cat Food for Hairball Control and Prevention
Now that we are aware of hairballs, what causes them, or when to check with the vet, another area we should tackle is control and prevention. We can’t do much about their licking behavior, but we can provide them a good kind of cat food to help them manage loose fur better.
Providing the best cat food for hairballs is part of the highly suggested approaches in managing hairball in cats. We’ve compiled a list of cat foods that we believe are the best for hairballs based on personal experiences as well as experiences of other cat lovers, too.
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A brand famous for using only the very natural and the best ingredients, Blue Buffalo comes with its hairball control cat food – Indoor Hairball & Weight Control. It kicks things off by listing real meat as its first ingredient.
Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball & Weight Control is a high-quality source of protein. In addition, it has a number of grains, vegetables, and fruits to provide the cat with a wide range of wholesome nutrition.
This specially formulated cat food has increased fiber that promotes normal peristaltic movement in the cat’s digestive system. It facilitates the elimination of hairball from their stomach instead of the cat having to throw it up.
The supplementary phytochemicals and antioxidants are also known to develop and improve the health of both skin and fur, minimizing the chances of shedding which is, exactly the main reason for hairball formation.
Indoor Hairball & Weight Control for Adults comes from Blue Buffalo’s Blue Line. This means that its recipe features life protection formulation that is supplemented with [LifeSource](https://bluebuffalo.com/why-choose-blue/lifesource-bits/) bits. These kibbles that are mixed with Blue Buffalo’s cat food contain the precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are carefully selected not just by holistic veterinarians but animal nutritionists, too.
REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo dry cat food always features real meat as the first ingredient. High-quality protein from real chicken helps your cat maintain strong muscles. Plus, it contains wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit.
HAIRBALL & WEIGHT CONTROL: Made with a blend of natural fiber sources including cellulose and psyllium seed husks to help control hairballs, plus it’s formulated with an optimal blend of protein and calories to help your cat achieve and maintain an ideal body weight.
WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists, to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance.
NATURAL CAT FOOD: BLUE dry cat food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It never contains chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
Contains one (1) 7 lb. bag of BLUE Indoor Hairball & Weight Control Natural Adult Dry Cat Food, Chicken & Brown Rice
A household name popular for making specialty diets for cats and dogs, Hill’s Science Diet developed a specifically formulated food for cats who are prone to hairball formation. Hairball Control for Adults by Hill’s Science Diet is relatively exceptional because it sources its protein from real chicken at the same time blending it with healthy fruits and vegetables with both dietary and insoluble fiber.
Hairball Control for Adults by Hill’s Science Diet provides Omega-3 and Omega-6 as well as vitamin E. These nutrients are responsible for maintaining your kitten’s fur and skin into a healthy state, reducing risks of hair loss.
Hill’s Science has a team of about 200 vets, food scientists, and nutritionists, all helping with preparing the superior pet food using locally available and imported ingredients. They prepare the food using high-grade ingredients like real chicken, lamb, or salmon to ensure that the cats get all the nutrients it needs.
The formulation also includes the blend of antioxidants to help strengthen your mouser’s immune system. Perfect for cat aged 1 to 6 years old that have neem suffering from a hairball, this cat food is also formulated to enhance your cat’s normal weight and build muscle instead of accumulating fats.
Available in: 2.1 oz, 4.6 oz, 16 oz, and packs of ten 4.6 oz
Flavor: Chicken and Tuna
Crude Protein: 30%
Crude Fat: 17%
Crude Fiber: 6.5%
Moisture: 11%
Here’s introducing to this list a formulation for cat’s hairball control by Greenies. Not cat food but, a premium quality treat that is specially prepared for cats one year or older. Feline Smartbites Hairball Control by Greenies is another way to manage hairball without having to change your cat’s current diet.
Feline Smartbites Hairball Control by Greenies may appear to be a simple treat, but each bite is jammed with real chicken protein, added with fiber for wholesome grains. The FiberBlend formulation is your cat’s source of roughage to help sweep the hairball in the gut as efficiently as possible.
You may disagree that this treatment is included in this list, but treats are something to eat, too. So, technically they are still food. Toms will surely love Feline Smartbites Hairball Control by Greenies double texture where the inside is soft and the outside, crunchy.
This snack is perfect for your cat for the balanced and complete nutrients it has. Plus, it doesn’t just aid in a hairball, it also helps in food digestion.
Contains one (1) 2.1-oz. pack of FELINE GREENIES SMARTBITES Hairball Control Natural Treats for Cats Chicken Flavor; Natural Cat Treats Plus Vitamins, Minerals & Other Nutrients
Minimizes hairball formation and supports healthy digestion with GREENIES FIBERBLEND formula for adult cats when fed in conjunction with a hairball control diet
Made with natural ingredients, plus vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for a nutritionally complete and balanced snack
With less than 2 calories per treat, your cat will love each and every bite, and you’ll feel great rewarding them
Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, your cat will devour these cat snacks and their delectable dual-texture
Designed by veterinarians to help healthy digestion when fed in conjunction with a hairball diet
Backed with 50 years of scientific research, Royal Canin has garnered its reputation as one of the top foods to give to your pets. Therefore, it is no surprise the food line they have for cats is included in this list.
What makes Indoor Intense Hairball 34 by Royal Canin is the formulation of both insoluble and dietary fibers it features. Insoluble fibers help your cat sweep the hairball down the gut. Dietary fiber ensures that all the nutrients contained in the food are completely and properly absorbed.
Indoor Intense Hairball 34 by Royal Canin comes in kibble form in a triangular shape for that easy chewing with the least amount of food particles left between your cat’s teeth. This helps in keeping tartar and plaque build-up. So, it is not just about hairball, it is for dental issues, too.
The formulation of Indoor Intense Hairball 34 by Royal Canin assists in the movement of swallowed hair through the tabby’s intestinal tract. In turn, it is eliminated correctly without the regurgitation leaving your cat with less digestive issues.
Marked appropriate for one year and older, Indoor Intense Hairball 34 by Royal Canin uses a combination of fatty acids and certain fibers to reduce inflammation. This makes it even more ideal for cats that frequently get an upset stomach.
Pros
Contains a distinctive blend of dietary and insoluble fibers
Efficient packaging
High protein and fat content from chicken meal and fat
Start your adult cat’s nutritional needs to support her optimal health inside and out. Hairball Formula by Purina One contains Omega-6 fatty acids that are essential in the promotion of stronger and healthier fur and skin. Very efficient in minimizing if not elimination shedding in cats that cause them to get hairballs.
Just like Hill’s Science Diet, Purina ONE believes that wheat and corn gluten are not totally that bad to your cats. For this reason, you can expect these ingredients to as well be present in Hairball Formula by Purina One.
It still comes with chicken protein from real chicken meat, although it may have poultry by-product as one of its ingredients listed. Animals’ proteins are vital in controlling shedding. Hairball Formula by Purina One makes up for it by having natural fiber as the main ingredient.
Natural Fiber as the main ingredient helps reduce hairballs and control their formation. With that, you can be sure your feline is in perfect health and shape with the meals you give them. Just remember, when your cat’s skin is well-fed and nourished, you won’t have to worry about them shedding so much hair.
The market presents so many choices for cat foods related to managing hairballs and it can be overwhelming to decide which one to pick for your precious furball. We’ve sure narrowed them down to 5, but that is still so many choices to choose from.
Going through a comparison of each of the cat foods for hairballs on the list, it gave us a better understanding of the best cat food for hairball control and management. The review should be able to give you all the reasons we chose it as Top Pick.
Indoor Hairball & Weight Control for Adults (with LifeSource Bits)by Blue Buffalo makes it as our favorite. The LifeSource Bits Technology, the high proportions of protein, vegetables, and fruits, the antioxidants and phytonutrients that it comes with, we did not see with other cat food.
Conclusion
Deciding on your cat’s diet to help with managing hairball issues can be downright infuriating. But, as we have pointed out in this article, there are things you can do to help your cat.
The most important thing is to provide them the best food that is beneficial for their health. This is especially true whether they get hairball or not.
You may also, as always, reach out to your veterinarian to find out more about these products and ways in proper managing of hairballs.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What can I give my cat to prevent hairballs?
A: Most of the cat foods we reviewed are appropriate to give to your cat to manage hairball. However, there are also other things you can do to control these balls of hair. On top of finding the right diet, you may go with altering your cat’s lifestyle like brushing them regularly and a good amount of exercise. You may also distract them if you notice too much grooming going on by offering toys they can play with.
Q: Does wet cat food cause hairballs?
A: Cat’s diet that causes hairballs is not just limited to wet food. Your cat’s food may be dry or wet and they may still get hairball. This is because, it is not from the diet, rather from their constant grooming and swallowing of their fur. There are wet and dry cat foods that are specially formulated to go against the process of hairball formation.
( Check out our full guide on best cat scratching posthere )
The first thing that we teach our pets is where to pee and poop. For all fur parents, potty training a cat or a dog is challenging but rewarding. There is an unexplainable feeling once your pet obeys your commands. It’s an achievement for both you and your pet.
There are two possible causes as to why your cat is not using its litter box: behavior or medical problems. What should you do in this situation? It’s your responsibility as the parent to resolve it before you get frustrated with all the cleaning that you have to do after every pee and poop your cat makes.
Is your cat not using litter box all of a sudden? That’s a cause for concern! It’s a bit frustrating and alarming if that happens, which is why you have to know what’s causing the behavior. In this way, you’d be able to put a stop to it before it becomes a habit.
Cat Not Using Litter Box All of a Sudden: Here’s Why
Even if you have an idea as to why your cat is doing it, it is still best to consult your cat’s vet so that you can dismiss any health issues instantly.
A more serious reason is if the cat is not feeling well. If your cat has trouble peeing or pooping, chances are, they feel hesitant to use the litter box. Urinary tract infection is one of the most common medical problems a cat experiences in their lifetime.
Once you do, here are other possible reasons why your cat started not using its litter box:
Cats have sensitive noses. If they smell something off in their litter box, then they will look for a more suitable place to do their deed. Cats may even pee or poop right beside the litter box or anywhere around the house if their litter box doesn’t meet their standards.
Bullied by Other Cats
This scenario is applicable for households with several pet cats using a single litter box. Some cats assume leadership in a pack and will bully another cat by forbidding them to use the litter box.
Familiarity
Your cat knows if you made any changes to the litter or the box itself. Hence, you have to make gradual changes with what your cat is familiar with.
Moving the litter box to a different location, trying out a new cat litter, buying a separate box—all of these minor changes have a significant impact on your cat. For that reason, try your very best not to overwhelm your cat with too many changes too frequently.
Size Matters
You may have noticed that though your kitten has grown into a cat, it still uses the same litter box from when it was a baby. That is another possible reason why your cat does not want to use the litter box anymore.
Have you noticed that cats usually turn around in one spot before they poop? If they cannot do that in their current litter box because it’s too small for them, then you need to change it into a much larger one. The perfect litter box size for a grown-up cat is 23 inches long.
Stress
As mentioned above, cats are sensitive to all kinds of changes in their surroundings and their routines. These include a new member of the family, be it a person or a pet, a new place and environment, misunderstanding between family members. If they feel something is not right, they will act like a child having tantrums.
Litter Box Style
Make sure that your cat can quickly get in and out of the litter box whenever they need to empty their stomachs.
Older cats have problems with moving. If the litter box is high, then they will not make an effort to climb into it to poop.
In line with this, you might want to avoid enclosed litter boxes as well. Cats don’t like it when they feel trapped.
How to Lure Your Cat to Use the Litter Box
Even when you’ve already potty trained your cat in the past, sometimes, you just have to go through the process again. To teach your cat how to use the litter box again, follow the tips and tricks listed below.
To make sure that the litter box is ideal to use, wash it with warm water and mild soap, and then rinse it with clean water.
Next, dry the box altogether. Make sure to wear a face mask and rubber gloves while doing this. Pregnant women should refrain from cleaning the litter box to avoid any infections from the cat droppings.
Litter Box Location
Make sure to put the litter box in a strategic location. Place it far from your cat’s food and water supply. Look for a quiet area in your house that is far from any foot traffic, and ensure that your cat can access it quickly and easily.
To Each, His Own
Provide a litter box for every single one of your cats if you happen to have more than one feline baby. Ideally, you should have an extra box aside from the ones assigned to each cat.
Blocked Access
If your cat favors a specific area in your house to do its thing, think of ways to make it unpleasant for the cat. You can spray it with a cat deterrent solution or lay it with aluminum foil; cats don’t like the sound and feel of foil.
Recreate the Area
Observe the area where your cat poops or pees and replicate it in the litter box. If your cat keeps on pooping on paper, then put some paper linings on the bottom of the box.
On the other hand, if it likes the cold feel of tiles, then keep the bottom of the litter box exposed.
Clean the Area
Thoroughly clean the area where your cat pooped or peed, making sure that there is no trace of any smell to discourage the cat. If the cat smells traces of their poop, they will consider that area their territory and will do it again.
Conclusion
If you are a fur parent of a cat not using litter box all of a sudden, remember that cats are susceptible. If you notice changes in your cat’s behavior, the first thing that you need to do is to have them checked for any medical problems. If the vet says they are healthy, then go back to when the cat started to behave differently.
The problem may not be with the cat, but with some changes that we made without realizing that it would disrupt the cat’s routine and environment.
In the end, the most important thing to do is to look after your pet’s well-being the same way as we take care of ours.
Are you looking for a reliable high quality best cat scratching posts that your kitty will love? Today I am going to reveal some of the best scratch posts for cats.
This guide is a result of 10 hours of extensive research. That may be a bit extreme for cat scratching posts, but it still matters 😉
If you have a cat, you need to make sure that they have everything they need to be healthy and happy, including something of their own to scratch on. Cats prefer natural sisal products of a durable sisal product to scratch.
The ultimate cat scratcher or cat scratching posts that are satisfying will leave cats scratchins when it’s needed the most. Like the times it helps them avoid going to the corner of the couch.
Scratching posts are one of the best cat scratch deterrent accessory items you can have. If you don’t give them scratching pads, chances are they are going to end up destroying the sofa, curtains, and a whole lot more in your home. Because cats need to scratch and claw, for a variety of reasons.
Top Popular Cat Scratching Post Reviews
These are our top picks for 2021 for the best for many different reasons. We love bringing your the best bang for your buck and we hope you enjoy these cat scratching post as much as we do!
We picked these for usability, quality, uniqueness, and those that we think will spark your cat’s interest. It’s so important to keep you cat entertained and nourished. And part of taking on both of these is having something for them to scratch.
The PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post is a scratcher, a play area, a sleeping area, and a whole lot more. It can be turned six ways for a variety of uses for your cat, assuring that they are never going to get bored with it.
Your cat can use this for scratching, stretching, sleeping, and playing, and they can stretch at numerous angles, so all of their muscles get stretched out. It’s a perfect match. & that’s why we have listed in our list here.
Features
Size: This is not a huge cat scratcher, so it is ideal for small spaces. It measures 18 X 10.5 X 16 inches. It may not be a large scratcher, but it is huge when you think about all of the different ways that it can be used.
Construction: The PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Scratcher and Post is made from durable corrugated cardboard, and each piece is glued together separately for durability. It comes pre-assembled, and all materials are tested to ensure that they comply with international standards for pet products.
Design: It is designed so that it can be used in many different ways. It allows cats to get a full horizontal stretch while scratching, and the cubby hole is great for play and exploration, as well as a good place for a nap.
Warranty: If you are not one hundred percent satisfied with this product, or if there are any manufacturer defects, you can return it for a replacement or full refund. There is a six-month warranty on all PetFusion products.
Pros of PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical – Best Overall
Price: This cat scratcher can be purchased for less than $40 and is of better quality than other scratchers made with similar materials. It will last for several months, even up to a year, so you are getting a lot of value for the perfect money.
Environment-friendly: This product is made from environment-friendly, recycled materials. The corrugated cardboard is 100 % recycled, and each piece is glued together using a non-toxic glue that is food-based, made from starch (similar to a flour and water paste).
Unusual shape: The shape of this scratcher is different from most, but it still allows for a full horizontal stretch. It isn’t a tall cat scratcher, but it does let your cat scratch from a variety of angles, and there are many opportunities for play.
Cons of PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical – Best Overall
Shreds easily: One of the biggest problems with this cat scratcher is that it is too easy for cats to shred. This means that you are going to have a lot of mess every time your cat scratches at it. Be sure to keep a broom or vacuum nearby so you can keep the area around the scratcher tidy.
The Midwest Feline Nuvo Grand Forte cat tree is the answer to your prayers if you have a cat that loves to scratch on furniture. Now, they can have their own piece of stuff to scratch as much as they want, and you aren’t going to have to spend a lot of money on it.
Ease of assembly: This is easy to assemble, so you can have it ready to use in just a few minutes. The pole easily attaches to the base, and everything you need for assembly, including the tools, are all in the box.
Durability: The strong supports are wrapped in sisal, giving your cat a sturdy and durable area to claw and scratch at. The sisal makes this a very strong cat scratcher that is going to withstand many months of abuse by even the most destructive of cats.
Sturdiness: This is a very sturdy unit. The base is quite heavy, which is going to ensure that the scratcher won’t topple over while kitty is busy scratching and stretching, even when they are reaching up to the highest levels.
Warranty: This cat scratcher comes with a one-year limited warranty protecting you against any manufacturer defects. If you have any questions or concerns about this scratcher, contact the award-winning MidWest customer service team for fast and excellent support.
Pros of Midwest Feline Nuvo – Best For Kittens
Comfort: This scratcher may not have an area that is specifically designed for sleeping, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t catch kitty snoozing on the base. This is because it is covered with a soft, furry fabric that cats love to get comfy on.
Height: Most cat scratching posts are no more than two or three feet tall, which isn’t always tall enough for very large cats. This post is different than most because it is well over four feet in height which is one of the best features in my opinion.
Great for climbing: Because it is tall, it is going to help satisfy your cat’s need to climb. This means that your curtains are going to be safe because they have something of their own they can climb on.
Good for kittens: with the many textures of this post this will be worthy of getting for your kitty to grow into. Kittens love to climb and this will be a great toy for your kitty to do so. The soft top allows your kitty to climb to the top while they cat sit on the top enjoying their victory.
Cons of Midwest Feline Nuvo – Best For Kittens
Sisal: While sisal is ideal for cat scratching posts, it is better to have sisal fabric rather than sisal rope, which is what this scratcher has. This is because the fabric is a lot stronger and more durable than the rope, and it can take more wear and tear. Sisal fabric also encourages cats to use the post more because it is softer.
3. VETRESKA 41.3″Cactus Cat Scratching Post with Sisal Rope – Most Fun
Cactus cat trees are becoming trendy. And looking at it I can see why. The green makes it a gorgeous addition to your room, while giving your cat something fun to play with. This cactus tree is made of sisal rope and gives your cat something fun to hang and jump on. It is one of the tallest cactus cat trees on the market.
Features of the VETRESKA Cactus Cat Scratching Post
Cool design: This cat scratcher is very unique in design. It comes in 31″ or 41″ and gives a very cool look to your room. Now your cat can enjoy her cat post with this beautiful green rope.
Multi-purpose cat scratcher: This post is not only for scratching, but cats can jump, climb, stretch, and jump on this. This will bring great entertainment to a single cat or multiple cat family.
Study Base: Base is made with you and your cat in mind. It is made to be study to help support your cats entertaining needs. The sturdiness of the base will reassure your cat to play and use this post.
Easy Installation: No tools are needed for installation. Just simply plug the branched into the base.
Pros of the VETRESKA Cactus Cat Scratching Post
Size: This is one of the largest cactus cat scratchers on the market. With the 41.3″ your cat can stretch his muscles out and use it comfortably. Yet it’s not so big that it can fit in the average room without taking up too much space.
Value: This is not just a cat scratching post. Your cats can climb, jump, hang, and stretch with this tree. This is no ordinary post and can bring a lot of fun to you and your cat.
Sturdiness: Not only is this a durable cat scratcher, but it is also extremely sturdy. The base is made from heavy wood, so it is going to keep the unit in place. It isn’t going to topple over while kitty is stretching out against it.
Made with safety in mind: climbing post is made of high qualified harmless PVC pipe and wrapped by hand with natural sisal rope.
Design: This is no boring cat post. The shape is of this most is made to attract your cat’s attention, along with any guest that lingers by it. This is a conversation piece for your family and friends.
Multiple cats: Even though this is one post, the design of this will let multiple cats play on this for hours. Don’t be surprised if your cats chase each other while playing who gets to stay at the top.
Cons of the VETRESKA Cactus Cat Scratching Post
Price is Higher than most: While this is the tallest cactus cat scratching post, it is priced extremely high. The price can turn potential buyers away. So maybe when this becomes less trendy, the price will go down. However, can you put a price tag on uniqueness or quality? We still think this is a worthy buy despite the price tag.
The AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts does more than I expected. It is also a play area, and a place where they can hide or nap. This is an all-in-one activity center for cats that is going to help keep your cat from destroying your drapes, and it isn’t going to cost you a lot of money.
This unit has two platforms for your cat to sit on, as well as three jute-wrapped scratching posts. Some of the best features include:
Best Materials: Many different materials are used to make this cat scratcher, so your cat has a variety of scratching surface to scratch. Materials used include jute, corrugated cardboard, carpeting, and MDF, and the stand is made from compressed wood. All of the scratching surface are carpeted for best kitty comfort.
Scratching posts: Some cat scratchers only have one post. This one has three, so your cat has options and isn’t likely going to become bored and move on to the sofa. The posts are covered in jute, which is going to stand up to a lot of abuse from your cat. This is a great option for multiple cats.
Curved-top rim: The top section is ideal for lounging and has a curved-top rim so your cat can feel nice and snug. There is plenty of space for your cat to get comfortable, making this an ideal cat bed as well as a scratcher.
Ease of assembly: This unit is easy to put together. All of the hardware and tools needed for the assembly are included, so you don’t have to go out and buy any special tools or screws. This scratcher has a screw-together assembly, so it is ready to use in a couple of minutes.
Amazon Basics Cat Tree dimensions
Pros of Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree
Sturdiness: This is a best sturdy unit that isn’t going to topple over, thanks to the heavy base and the way it is designed. Your cat can safely jump on this scratcher, play on it, scratch at it, etc., and then when they get tired out, they can use the top tier for sleeping.
Height: Cats need to be able to stretch vertically, and your cat can do just that because this unit is plenty tall enough. It is three-tiered, so it has lots of space for your cat to jump, play, scratch, and more.
Size: This unit may have plenty of room for playing and sleeping, but it isn’t going to stand out like a sore thumb. It is small in size, so it isn’t going to take up a lot of space, making it ideal for apartments.
Cons of Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree
Missing items: Due to packaging errors, your order may arrive with some parts missing. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to contact customer service to have replacement parts sent out. Parts that tend to go missing are the hardware and Allen wrench.
5. Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post – Best Value For Large Cats
The Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is tall enough for most cats to be able to get a full vertical stretch while scratching, which their muscles need. It is 32 inches in height, so it is great for even larger cats to scratch at.
The base is heavy and sturdy, which means that even if your cat jumps up and pushes at the top of the unit, it isn’t going to topple over. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite features
Features of Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Ease of assembly: You can easily put this unit together in just a few minutes. The base and post simply screw together, using two screws that are included in the box. Screw the pieces together, and watch your cat enjoy hours of scratching, stretching, and fun.
Sisal covering: There are many different fabrics that can be used to cover scratching posts, but one of the best choices is sisal, because it is so durable, and safer than carpet, which can snag and tear the claws.
Best Square shape: Most cat scratching posts are tubular in shape, which makes it difficult for a cat to be able to grab onto it with both paws. The Pioneer Pet SmartCat is square, so it is easy for them to claw from both sides.
Best Appearance: This is an attractive cat scratcher that will work in any room in your home. It is small, and can easily be hidden behind sofa, such as a piece that your cat likes to scratch (the post will give them an option so they will scratch it).
Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Pros of Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Quality: This is one of the best cat scratching posts that is made from very durable materials, so it is going to last for several months. Some cat owners say that their cats are still using this scratcher a year after they purchased it.
Value: This is an inexpensive cat scratcher, costing a lot less than comparable models made from similar materials. You can get this online for less than $40, and it is also going to help you save money by protecting your sofa and other stuff.
Height: The 32″ makes this a good post for cats who like to stretch. You would be surprised at how long cats can get when they stretch out, which is why they need a best scratcher that is tall enough to let them get a full vertical stretch. This unit is a lot taller than other similar models, allowing for plenty of stretching.
Cons of Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Slippery: The top of this cat scratching post is slippery, so it is not ideal for cats that like to jump onto the surface, which is most cats. You may want to cover this with fabric so your pet won’t slide right off. an easy fix for a well priced item.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of your various options and the price range for best cat scratching posts.
Any of the products we have talked about today are going to be great for your cat. Even if you live in a small space or you have large living room. Cats like scratching surfaces to mark their territory.
Scratching posts really all provide plenty of scratching area, and some even come with toys and a place to sleep or hide.
Check out our next article with useful tips to train a kitten to use scratching post. Here’s a video that you might enjoy.
Wanting to show your cat some love they can understand? Check out this video:
We have many more reviews and helpful advice to assist you to make an informed decision for quality items for your feline. Perhaps your searching to find out what is the best material for cat scratching post?
More questions about cat scratching posts
Here, we have answered some of your frequently asked question
How do I get my cat to scratch the scratching post?
To get your cat to scratch the scratching you can sprinkle some catnip on the post and into the fabric. Spending time around it and playing with your cat to encourage the use of the post. You can encourage your cat to engage with the post by placing treats at the top of the post. And be sure to reward your cat every time they use it.
Why won’t my cat use the scratching post?
Cats need to feel secure and if the post is not stable or sturdy they may refuse to use the post. It may also be the post isn’t a proper size/fit for your cat or there is not enough interaction with the post to keep the cat’s attention active.
Does a scratching post dull cat’s nails?
It actually does not dull them, but it does help to keep the muscles strong and exercising it helps to maintain their claws by helping to work that outer layer of claw off so a brand new, nicely sharpened claw beneath can come in.
We hope this post brings you some helpful information for you and your kitty. Cats can bring so much joy and we love being a part of you and your cat’s journey.
