Many cats, especially if they spend all their time indoors, will need a scratching post in order to keep them from sharpening their claws on beloved household items.

Scratching is an innate action for your pet, and providing your cat with a means to exercise this need is a must. Evaluate your cat’s needs by looking at how he handles other aspects of his life. Is your cat particularly playful? If so, he might like a scratching post with a toy attached. If your pet enjoys climbing, a cat tree may serve him well. A scratching mat may be best for a pet that has already established an area to scratch on. This way, the mat can be placed in the spot your cat already goes to and prevent him from scratching on things you’d rather he didn’t. Your Austin vet clinic can point you in the direction of an appropriate pet shop for your needs.