Why Your Cat Needs Cat Scratchers and How to Choose the Right Type

If your cat is scratching your couch, carpet, or curtains, you are not alone. Scratching is one of the most natural and instinctive behaviours in cats, and no amount of training will ever fully stop it. The solution is not to stop your cat from scratching - it is to give them a better place to do it.

At Pet Shopee Australia, we stock a wide range of cat scratchers to suit every cat and every home. In this guide, we explain why cats scratch, the different types of scratchers available, and how to choose the right one to save your furniture and keep your cat happy.

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Why Do Cats Scratch?

Scratching is deeply hardwired into cat behaviour. Understanding why cats scratch helps you choose the right scratcher and place it in the right spot.

🐾 1. To Keep Their Claws Healthy

Scratching helps cats shed the outer sheath of their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. Without a scratcher, cats will find other surfaces - usually your furniture - to do this.

📍 2. To Mark Their Territory

Cats have scent glands in their paw pads. When they scratch, they leave both a visual mark and a scent mark to signal their territory to other animals. This is especially important in multi-cat households.

💪 3. To Stretch and Exercise

Scratching is a full-body stretch for cats. It works the muscles of the back, shoulders, and forelegs. A tall scratching post that lets your cat fully extend their body is important for physical health.

😌 4. To Relieve Stress

Cats scratch more when they feel anxious or excited. It is a self-soothing behaviour. If your cat scratches excessively, it may be a sign they need more enrichment or are feeling stressed.

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Types of Cat Scratchers Available in Australia

Not all scratchers are equal. Cats have different preferences, and the best scratcher for your cat depends on their scratching style, size, and personality.

🪵 1. Scratching Posts

The classic cat scratcher. A vertical post covered in sisal rope, carpet, or fabric. Most cats prefer vertical scratching, making this the most popular option for Australian households.

• Best for: Cats who scratch vertically on furniture, doors, or walls
• Height tip: Choose a post tall enough for your cat to fully stretch - at least 60cm for most cats
• Stability: Must have a heavy, stable base so it does not wobble when used
• Material: Sisal rope is the most durable and satisfying for most cats

🌳 2. Cat Trees with Built-In Scratchers

Cat trees combine climbing platforms, perches, hideaways, and scratching posts in one unit. They are ideal for active cats who need both physical exercise and a dedicated scratch surface.

• Best for: Active cats, multi-cat households, indoor-only cats who need stimulation
• Pros: Provides climbing, resting, hiding, and scratching all in one
• Cons: Takes up more floor space, higher price point
• Browse our range of cat trees and cat furniture for ideas

📦 3. Flat Cardboard Scratchers

Flat or angled cardboard scratchers are placed on the floor. Many cats love the texture of corrugated cardboard. They are affordable, lightweight, and often infused with catnip to attract cats.

• Best for: Cats who scratch horizontally on carpets or rugs
• Pros: Very affordable, cats love the texture, lightweight and portable
• Cons: Creates cardboard dust, needs replacing more often than sisal
• Tip: Flip the cardboard insert over when one side is worn to double the lifespan

🧱 4. Wall-Mounted Scratchers

Wall-mounted scratchers attach directly to the wall, saving floor space. They are great for smaller homes or apartments and can be positioned at the perfect height for your cat.

• Best for: Small apartments, cats who scratch walls or door frames
• Pros: Space-saving, stable since they are fixed to the wall
• Cons: Requires wall mounting, may not suit renters

🛋️ 5. Sofa and Corner Scratchers

These scratchers are designed to attach directly to the corner or arm of your sofa - the exact spot most cats target. They are a practical solution for cats who are determined to use furniture.

• Best for: Cats who specifically target the couch or armchairs
• Pros: Placed exactly where the cat already wants to scratch
• Cons: May not suit all sofa shapes or fabrics

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What Material Should a Cat Scratcher Be Made Of?

The material of a cat scratcher matters a lot. Cats are picky about texture, and the wrong material means your expensive scratcher will be ignored in favour of your couch.

🥇 1. Sisal Rope - Best Overall

• The most popular material for cat scratchers in Australia
• Rough texture satisfies the urge to scratch and shred
• Extremely durable - lasts much longer than carpet or fabric
• Preferred by the majority of cats

📄 2. Corrugated Cardboard - Budget Friendly

• Cats love the rough, shredding texture of cardboard
• Very affordable - good for trying out a scratcher style
• Needs replacing more frequently than sisal
• Can create cardboard dust and mess

🧶 3. Carpet - Soft but Less Ideal

• Soft texture that some cats enjoy
• Can encourage cats to scratch real carpet in your home
• Less durable than sisal - fibres catch on claws and pull apart faster
• Better suited to older or less aggressive scratchers

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How to Get Your Cat to Use a Scratcher

Buying a scratcher is only the first step. Here is how to make sure your cat actually uses it.

📌 1. Placement Is Everything

• Place the scratcher next to the furniture your cat currently scratches
• Put scratchers near sleeping spots - cats love to scratch when they wake up
• Place one near the entrance to a room your cat frequents
• Do not hide scratchers in corners - cats want to scratch in visible, social areas

🌿 2. Use Catnip to Attract Your Cat

• Sprinkle dried catnip on the scratcher to make it more appealing
• Use catnip spray on the surface if your cat is not interested
• Not all cats respond to catnip - about 30 percent are not affected

🙌 3. Encourage and Reward

• Gently bring your cat's paws to the scratcher and mimic a scratching motion
• Reward with a treat every time your cat uses the scratcher
• Praise calmly - do not startle your cat with loud excitement
• Never force your cat - patience and positive reinforcement work best

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How Many Scratchers Does a Cat Need?

The general recommendation from animal behaviourists is to have at least one scratcher per cat, plus one extra. So for one cat, you should have two scratchers placed in different parts of the home. For two cats, have three or more.

Variety also helps. Having one tall sisal post and one flat cardboard scratcher gives your cat options and means they are less likely to resort to your furniture. Having scratchers in multiple rooms ensures there is always one conveniently nearby.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall should a cat scratching post be? +

A scratching post should be at least 60 to 70cm tall for an average adult cat. It must allow your cat to fully extend their body when scratching. If the post is too short, your cat will look for a taller surface - like your furniture - to fully stretch.

My cat ignores the scratcher. What should I do? +

First, try moving the scratcher to a more prominent location near where your cat already scratches. Add catnip to make it more attractive. Check if the post wobbles when used - an unstable scratcher will be rejected immediately. You may also need to try a different material or orientation.

Should I replace a scratched-up scratcher? +

Not necessarily. Many cats actually prefer a scratcher that is already broken in and smells like them. Only replace it when the surface is completely worn down and no longer provides grip, or when it becomes structurally unstable.

Is sisal or carpet better for a cat scratcher? +

Sisal is generally better. Most cats prefer the rough, coarse texture of sisal rope over carpet. Sisal also lasts much longer and does not encourage cats to scratch real carpet in your home. Carpet-covered scratchers can sometimes confuse cats into thinking all carpets are fair game.

Can kittens use adult cat scratchers? +

Yes, but make sure the scratcher is stable and not too tall for a small kitten to use comfortably. A flat cardboard scratcher is a great starting point for kittens. As they grow, introduce a tall sisal post so they develop healthy scratching habits from a young age.

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