Health Benefits of a Cat Scratching Post
Published 1st June 2024
Cat scratching posts aren't just about saving your furniture; they're vital for your feline friend's health and happiness. They give your cat an outlet for their natural scratching instincts and offer numerous physical and mental health benefits, keeping them vibrant and content (and help save your furniture too!)
Physical Benefits
A cat’s primal urge to scratch isn’t just a whim; it’s a workout in disguise. Stretching, reaching and clawing are all part of the physical benefits that cats receive from this essential behaviour and scratching posts provide a natural manicure station for your cats. “Stropping,” is the process where cats pull their claws through a surface, and helps to sharpen and maintain claw health. By removing the outer sheath, this ensures precision and strength in your cat's scratching prowess and reduces the risk of painful issues like ingrown claws.
Muscle Stretching and Flexibility
Cats are incredibly flexible creatures and stretching is a crucial aspect of their daily routine. A scratching post is the ideal tool for them to stretch their bodies, promote muscle flexibility and prevent stiffness. Regular stretching also helps maintain a cat’s agility and contributes to their overall physical health, including keeping their digestive system regular and healthy.
Getting to grips with Omlet's new, extra tall cat scratching post!
Endorphin Benefits
Scratching isn’t merely a physical necessity for cats; it's also an emotional release. When a cat scratches, their body releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that promote pleasure and relaxation. This natural high gives your cat a sense of contentment and well-being.
Stress Relief
Cats often scratch as a way to alleviate stress or anxiety. It’s a self-soothing behaviour that helps them relax and by having a designated scratching post, cats can redirect their stress into a positive outlet, and reduce destructive behaviours that may stem from anxiety.
Marking Territory
Your cat is communicating when scratching. It isn’t merely about sharpening claws; it is a means of marking territory. Cats have scent glands in their paw pads and when they scratch, they leave their scent behind. This territorial marking behaviour is their way of leaving a message that they were here and this post belongs to them.
Weight Management
Utilizing a scratching post isn’t solely about maintaining claw health; it doubles as a workout regimen for your cat. With statistics revealing that 40% of domesticated cats are overweight, there are significant calorie-burning benefits to engaging in activities like stretching, reaching, and digging claws. Particularly for indoor cats, this form of physical activity assists in weight management and mitigates obesity-related health concerns.
Furniture Protection
Cats' scratching on household furniture is frustrating for cat owners! Providing them a sturdy scratching post as an alternative will help redirect or deter cats from scratching furniture, curtains, and other household items, preserving your belongings.
It's important to avoid punishment, as this can lead to stress and anxiety in cats. With patience and understanding, cat owners can find a balance that satisfies their cat's natural instincts while preserving their furniture.
What is the Best Scratching Post?
Now that you understand the science behind why cats need a scratching post, how do you decide which one is best for your feline friend? Based on the physical and mental benefits that cats receive from a good scratch, it’s best to look for a scratching post that delivers on tall enough, sturdiness, durability, and engagement.
We recommend you look at Omlet's latest offering, the Switch LED Cat Scratching Post. This is a highly durable, topple-proof scratcher that's extra tall for a full body stretch. The recyclable / replaceable scratching sleeve is crafted from sisal, with vertical grooves for claws to lay claim. The Switch features a variable colour-changing LED light system with built in modes designed to switch up the entertainment and engage your cat mentally.
