For many of us, cats are veritable family members that can brighten our mood with their positive disposition and make us care for them via their affectionate nature. Cats are independent, clean and let’s be honest, stubborn pets, that are perfect for the living circumstances of most Aussie pet owners. They don’t need daily walks; they are happy to be left alone and they are also fantastic hunters, which can be a lifesaver if you’re unfortunately dealing with a pest infestation. As of 2026, there are an estimated 5.8 million pet cats in our country, and no less than 33% of all Aussie dwellings are home to at least one kitty.

Cat ownership has increased by 7% between 2019 and 2025, and the average Australian spends around $1,600 per year on cat-related products and accessories, required for the proper development of our furry little friends. Cats are perfect as apartment pets, as they thrive in small environments. Plus, they are self-grooming and capable of forming genuine, life-long bonds with their owners. But there is also an issue. Cats, by all accounts, are not fully domesticated. In fact, genetically speaking, there are virtually no differences between wild cats and the small fluffball that looks at you right now.

Therefore, occasionally, your kitty’s innate hunting instincts can come to the surface, which is not exactly ideal, as the only thing he can stalk and hunt in your dwelling are your grandma’s favourite drapes. Cats have a natural instinct to claw objects, and in your absence, they might concentrate their energy on your couch, favourite slippers or that cute little futon that you’ve purchased less than one week ago. A distraction will be needed. So, most owners should invest in a cat scratching post.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

In short? It’s in their nature. Cats have scent glands in their paws that get stimulated whenever your kitty is clawing an object. In their natural habitat, this helps with communication. Cats can utilise their scent glands to ward off potential rivals, attract mates, or signal the borders of their territory. Moreover, cats scratch because they need to keep their claws sharp for self-defence, keep their musculature ready for pouncing, and also because scratching helps kitties shed their outermost keratin levels, which is essential for preventing fungal infections and overgrowth.

Additionally, it feels good for them. Unlike our anatomy, cat claws are directly attached to their skeleton. They are, if you want, part of their fingers, and this is why claw degloving is such an inhumane practice. For cats, not having claws is pretty much a form of amputation. When they claw, they are not just using their paws, but rather, they are stretching their full back musculature, and thus, they release endorphins. For your kitty, scratching objects is simply their second nature, and it’s something that’s inherently difficult to train out. So, realistically, the best option available would be to invest in a cat scratcher.

Even the most gentle and lovable kitty can turn into a veritable menace when left alone. I speak from experience in this regard. I will never forget how my childhood cat, Micky, clawed EVERY SINGLE garment I had in my closet, only because I forgot to close the door. Granted, I was 12 and my fashion belongings were not exactly that valuable. But I had to change my whole wardrobe pretty much overnight. And what could I do? Be mad at her? She was the most lovable kitty I’ve ever seen, but in the end, that’s nature.

How Will a Cat Scratcher Help?

A cat scratcher will not eliminate your kitty’s natural clawing instinct, but rather it will act as a distraction that will protect your home while also supporting your kitty’s physical health. A top-shelf cat scratching post will strengthen your kitty’s claws, help her reinforce the musculoskeletal system, relieve her stress and also be a way to mark the boundaries of her territory.

But most of all, a cat scratcher will correct unwanted behavioural traits that, otherwise, would be almost impossible to prevent. Whether you like it or not, your kitty will scratch objects regardless of whether you present her other accessories. Toys and treats can distract her attention for a while, but eventually, the soft fabric of your couch or the scratchable potential of your drapes will prove to be too much of a temptation.

A cat scratcher will be an outlet that will keep your kitty busy and distract her attention from the other objects available in your house. A cat scratching post will simply feel better for your kitty than the other scratchable things in your dwelling, and could, therefore, transform into one of the best investments you can make for the proper development of your fluffball.

But What Should You Pay Attention To?

For one thing, it’s important to choose a cat scratcher with a solid and sturdy base that will support the weight of your fluffball, without risk of toppling over.  A good quality scratcher doesn’t rock when scratched, is not top-heavy and is also made of sisal fabric, which presents a better durability to stretchability ratio than simple wood or basic carpeting. You will also need to pay attention to the size of the scratcher.

Now, how big the cat scratcher needs to be will depend on the size of your kitty. Some breeds, for example, like Maine Coons, will require scratching posts that are more than 150cm in length. However, for most kitties, a cat scratching post with a size of around 100cm should be more than adequate.

Is your kitty a bit of a climber? In that case, you could consider platformer-like posts with special perches on top. Likewise, some options on the market even come with hideouts or integrated dangling toys, which can act like a mental stimulant for your cat. There are a lot of options available on the Australian market nowadays, and the prices of a high-quality cat scratching post, in 2026, should be more than acceptable for most Aussie families.

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Business/81622-What-To-Look-for-In-a-Cat-Scratching-Post.html