How Long Should A Cat Scratching Post Last?

If you have to replace your cat’s scratching posts every couple of months, the problem is either low construction quality or an insufficient number of posts in the house.

A scratching post deteriorating quicker than usual is a common issue with cats prone to stress-induced scratching.

To save your money and guarantee your cat’s comfort and safety, learn how to choose a cat scratching post that will last for years. A higher initial price often leads to long-term savings.

An Average Lifespan

Single-cat households have an average scratching post lifespan of six months to two years.

This lifespan is the average for mid-range scratching posts, so you can expect a low-quality post to last less than six months and an expensive post to last over two years.

The Post’s Material & Construction

A scratching post’s material and construction quality determine how resistant it will be to abuse. The most popular scratching post materials are cardboard, sisal rope or fabric, and carpet. The base may be from plastic or wood.

Cardboard is the least durable material and needs to be replaced every three to four months in single-cat households and more frequently in multi-cat homes. However, it’s cheaper than other options, and many cats love the texture.

Carpet is more durable than cardboard but not as long-lasting as sisal rope or fabric. The lifespan of a carpet cat scratcher is up to two years, but it also depends on the overall construction quality.

Sisal is a natural fiber from Agave sisalana plant. The material is very stiff and durable, so scratching posts with sisal rope or fabric can last several years. The construction itself sometimes breaks sooner than sisal deteriorates.

A natural solid wooden base is best because it won’t break as quickly as cheap, light plastic. Some scratching posts have a base covered in fabric, and its quality also plays a role.

The size of the scratching area matters. Small scratching posts deteriorate quicker because a cat constantly scratches the same area. Larger scratching posts last longer because a cat can scratch different places.

The scratching post should be sturdy and not move a bit when you try to shake it. If a post is shaky from the start, it won’t last long, especially if your cat is active.

The Cat’s Activity & Habits

Cats use scratching posts not solely to trim claws. Scratching posts are versatile, allowing cats to relieve built-up energy by jumping and climbing, stretch their backs after periods of inactivity, and relieve anxiety.

Consequently, how long will a scratching post last depends on a cat’s activity level. A lazy cat that occasionally uses a scratching post solely to trim claws won’t need a new post for a good while.

However, an active cat that uses a scratching post as a playground can break a scratching post in no time, mainly if it’s cheap and wobbly.

Scratching releases happiness hormones in the feline brain, so some cats use scratching posts as stress relief. Stress-induced scratching inevitably speeds up the scratching post deterioration.

Scratching posts last longer in households with calm cat breeds like Persians or British shorthair but tend to deteriorate quickly in homes with active breeds like Oriental, Bengal, or Burmese.

Territorial cats scratch more because felines have scent glands on their paws. A cat doesn’t have to live with other cats to be territorial, but such behavior is more likely in multi-pet households or if a cat doesn’t have its personal space.

The Cat’s Claws

As a rule of thumb, the sharper a cat’s claws, the quicker a scratching post will deteriorate. Cats that never have their claws trimmed and only use a scratching post will need a replacement more often.

On the other hand, cats that get regular claw trimming don’t damage the scratching post surface as much.

Declawed cats may cause little to no damage to scratching posts, but they need it regardless because scratching is instinctive and necessary to relieve stress.

The Number of Cats

The longevity of a scratching post or cat tree largely depends on the number of cats using it daily. Naturally, the more the post is used, the quicker it deteriorates.

Furthermore, scratching posts often become a playground and a meeting point in multi-cat households. Cats love to jump and climb on scratching posts when running away from other cats.

Sometimes, cats in multi-cat households scratch the post more frequently than necessary to mark their territory. Cat paw pads have tiny glands that release pheromones when a cat scratches something.

To estimate the amount of time a scratching post will last in a multi-cat household, we can divide the average lifespan of a scratching post by the number of cats.

For example, if a single cat could use a basic scratching post for two years, two cats would only use it for a year. For this reason, every cat should have at least two scratching posts.

However, fitting so many scratching posts into a house is sometimes tricky. Assume someone has five cats – does this mean they should have ten scratching posts?

In that case, quality prevails over quantity. You can have one scratching post for every cat, but they should be high-quality to ensure durability.

If you’re raising a kitten litter, expect the scratching post to be very short-lived. Kittens over three months have higher activity levels than adult cats and find scratching posts highly amusing.

Kittens begin scratching at about eight weeks old and are ready to go to new homes at about 16 weeks old, but you would be surprised how much damage they can do in two months.

How to Understand It’s Time to Change the Post

While you can estimate approximately how long a scratching post will last, its lifespan isn’t fixed. You need to look for the signs that a cat scratching post is old to provide your pet with a replacement when necessary.

You might need to replace the scratching post if your cat begins avoiding it. Some cats switch from a scratching post to carpet or furniture, showing owners that they don’t like the post anymore.

If your cat ignores the scratching post, although it was using it actively before, chances are that the material has become unpleasant to your cat’s touch, or the construction feels unsafe.

Sometimes, cats ignore their scratching posts simply because they get bored. If the post is fairly new, evaluate its appearance.

There’s no need to throw the post into the trash if it doesn’t look worn and torn, but you may want to get your cat a second post.

If the construction has become wobbly and can break, you need to replace the post. Cats love to scratch their claws against something sturdy, like a tree trunk or couch.

If the post’s construction is stable, but the sisal rope looks torn, you can replace only the rope. The same refers to carpets and cardboard. Replacing only the scratching area is often cheaper than buying an entirely new post.

If the post is very old, but your cat uses it as usual, and you see no signs of deterioration, there’s no need to change the post for a new one.

How to Pick a Durable Scratching Post

To avoid spending money on a new post every several months, learn how to choose a durable cat scratching post. Often, an expensive scratching post costs less than a cheap one in the long term because it doesn’t need a replacement.

Consider scratching posts with a wooden base. The scratching area material depends primarily on your cat’s preferences – some cats will only scratch cardboard or carpet. However, sisal is the most durable scratching post material.

Try to shake the construction to ensure it isn’t wobbly. Ensure that the base of the post is heavy and keeps the construction sturdy. The best cat scratching post is one that withstands daily jumping and climbing.

Sturdy construction can handle years of abuse. Even if the rope is damaged, you can replace it without buying a new post.

If you’re concerned about the post’s stability, consider wall-mounted scratching posts. For a multi-cat household, choose a cat tree with several scratching posts – this way, every cat gets its scratching area, minimizing the damage.

Some scratching posts come with a guarantee. Such options cost more but are often worth the money for owners of very active cats or multiple cats.

If the post has accessories such as toys or cat beds, evaluate their durability. Cats can finish low-quality toys in no time, so the most durable cat toys are made with sisal rope or fabric with double stitching.

Ideally, fabric elements should be removable and washable to prolong their lifespan because not all stains can be cleaned up manually.

Sources