I was first introduced to the TopCat Scratching Post when my mom got Caymus and Murphy. Rags was declawed so he didn’t have a scratching post.
We were trying to find scratching posts that the cats liked because they were using the furniture for scratching posts. A local pet shelter in Mission, KS, Pet Connection, was selling them and if you bought one then you helped support the shelter, so we thought we’d give them a try.
Vinyl Bottom Scratching Post
They were a hit. We bought the TopCat Scratching Post with the vinyl bottom. The attraction for us was that the cats were already leaning up to scratch, so it seemed ideal that they stood up. Also, we liked the weight of them and how sturdy they were.
If your kitty feels sturdy when they are scratching, then they will be more inclined to scratch.
TopCat Flat Scratcher
TopCat Scratching Posts also makes a scratching pad, which we also bought and the cats used it on occassion, but not as frequently as the post.
Our vet had also recommended getting a scratching post that didn’t have carpet on it because if you taught your kitty that it was okay to scratch their scratching post with carpet on it, then your kitty wouldn’t understand that it wasn’t okay to scratch other carpet – since it was the same texture.
These posts are made from sisal and are very well made. However, over time, cat-scratching activities can fray your post, so they have replacement posts available. How great is that?
Charlie using TopCat Scratching Post
So when I brought home Trigg and Charlie, I immediately headed over to the Pet Connection and bought a post.
Unlike the cardboard scratching devices laying around the house, both Trigg and Charlie both like it. Of course, when they were shorter and weighed less, the post often became a part of their chasing and pouncing game.
Trigg is more athletic than Charlie and still uses the post to his advantage during their chasing games.
As kittens, they were immediately interested in it and tested it out, so it wasn’t hard to get them to use it. However, if you are considering the post for your older kitty – even if they are a year or two old, then you’ll want to place the unassembled post on the floor for the first day to help your cat become accustomed to their new post.
Trigg Using The TopCat Scratching Post
It isn’t a good idea to physically try and force your cat to scratch by holding their paws. They will resist and even dislike their new toy. But some cats, like Charlie and Trigg did, will like the psot immediately and will start scratching.
However, if you scratch your fingernails on the post or start playing near the post with a string toy, they will instinctively use the post. Placing toys at the top of the post or rubbing the post with catnip will also help in encouraging them to use it.
Trigg and Charlie, Ragdoll Cats, Use The TopCat Sisal Scratching Post
Do you have a TopCat scratcher? How do your kitties like it?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I have owned a TopCat scratching post for three years and LOVE it. Raina loves it too! It has always been durable and of “top” quality. The company was fantastic to work with as well. I have recommended it to three friends, all of which who have bought one and loved them! I really think it’s a great company that produces great products. Thanks for featuring them on FloppyCats!
Alissa, I am so glad to hear that! I have loved these posts for years and should have featured them earlier! Charlie and Trigg use them all the time, but it was hard to have my camera available when they did – as it only lasts a minute or so and then they are off to the next thing!