People found that as cat lovers we all love our cats, but we don’t love it when they start clawing furniture, shoes, clothing, etc. How can you stop your cats from doing this?
Well, to begin with, it is best to start training them while they are young, although older cats can easily learn that they are not allowed to do certain things (whether or not they will listen is another story).
Next look at how to train a cat to not scratch furniture and other items in your home, you need to start with a good quality scratching post.
(You can read our full guide on best cat scratching post here ).
But, you shouldn’t go out and get just any post, because some are cheaper in quality and will just fall apart.
Today we are going to look at one of our favorites and a best scratching post, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post.
Pioneer Pet SmartCat
If you want to make sure that you are getting a durable scratching post that is going to hold up well, even in a multi-cat household, this is a great option. This is a tall post, standing 32 inches high, so cats can easily get a good vertical stretch.
The Pioneer Ultimate Scratching Post has a sturdy base that keeps it from wobbling and tipping over, so even if your cat jumps on top of it, it is going to be safe. The fabric is durable, fibrous sisal, something that most cats love to scratch at.
Features
Appearance
Some scratching posts are huge, ugly things that take up a lot of space. This post is tall and narrow, and it will even fit into any corner. It is beige in color, so it will go with most color schemes.
Shape
Rather than being tube-shaped like a lot of other scratching posts, this one is square. This makes it a lot easier for cats to grab onto either side while scratching, to get a really good scratch and stretch in.
Easy assembly
It only takes a few minutes to put this scratching post together. It comes with the two screws that are needed to connect the scratching area to the base. That’s all there is to it.
Sturdy base
The base is solid and sturdy, measuring 16 by 16 inches. The large base will help ensure that your pet isn’t going to go flying if they jump on top because it isn’t going to end up tipping over.
Sisal covering
Many scratching posts are covered in carpeting, which can actually be dangerous as cats’ claws can get caught in the fibers and end up pulling and snapping off.
This scratching post is covered in sisal, which cats like, and their claws won’t get snagged. The woven sisal is fibrous and durable plus it naturally inspires scratching!
Getting Your Cat to Use the Ultimate Scratching Post
Not every cat is going to automatically be drawn to a scratching post. Sometimes, cats need a bit of coaxing, and then they need to feel like they made the decision, and that you had nothing to do with it.
If you get this scratching post and your cat won’t use it, don’t despair, thinking that you have wasted money. There are some things that you can do in order to interest your pet in this new piece of “furniture,” including:
Toys
Attach a dangly toy to the side or top of the scratching post. They will want to play with the toy, and eventually, will start scratching on the post.
Catnip
Cats love catnip (kittens, not so much until they are six months to a year in age). So, if your cat is ignoring the scratching post, spray the sisal with liquid catnip.
Location
Make sure that the scratching post is placed in a location where your cat spends a lot of time. That way, they can use it to stretch after waking up. If your cat already scratches furniture, place the post in front of the furniture as a distraction.
Use it yourself
This may sound silly, but people found if you are scratching your own nails on the material, your cat will likely be interested in seeing what you like about it and start using it.
Give rewards
Every time you see your cat using the scratching post while you are training it, make sure that you give plenty of praise, and maybe even a couple of treats.
We have talked about some of the great features of the Ultimate Scratching Post, but does it really hold up to a cat that loves to scratch? Yes, it is durable, but that doesn’t mean that it is perfect.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of buying this scratching post.
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Quality
This is a high-quality scratching post made with durable materials. It is sturdy, and won’t topple over, even when your cat is in a full stretch and pushing at the top of the post.
Height
This scratching post is taller than many others on the market. It is tall enough thus allowing cats to achieve a full stretch, even larger cats such as Maine Coon Cats.
Value
Other, similar scratching posts can cost upwards of $100 in pet stores. This one sells for less than $40.
Durability
There have been problems with the fabric coming off this scratching post after just a few weeks of use.
Some cats don’t like it
This scratching post has a rough surface that some cats do not like the feel of.
Slippery top
The top section of this scratching post is meant for cats to sit on, but it is slippery, so they tend to slide right off when they jump up.
Conclusion
While it is loads of fun to have cats in the home, it is not fun to have them destroy your furniture and other items. But, you don’t want to punish them for their misdeeds, because this can cause psychological problems for them.
This is why it is so important to make sure that they have something that they know is theirs to scratch on whenever they feel like it.
The Pioneer SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is one of the best scratching posts that is an ideal solution. And it isn’t going to cost a lot of money to save your furniture.
Customer reviews of the Ultimate Scratching Post by Pioneer Pet recommend this product highly with a 5 star rating. People found this product to be well made product and has sisal material that is fibrous and durable.
