Why do cats like sisal rope

Border Options Photos and descriptions of each border type and all colors. Measuring Guides Guides for the measuring and placement of rugs in each room of your home. Our Softest Rugs Ranked Searching for a rug that is soft underfoot? We have our softest rugs ranked for you. Accessories Cleaners, rug pads and more for your area rugs. Ask the experts Rug Questions? Free Shipping Try before you buy Free Samples. December 4, As you know, this physical feature is endearing to cats everywhere.

They are drawn to it and could be the answer to your scratched sofa problems. Which is which, sisal fabric or rope? That is the question. The most common type is the sisal rope, but there are also scratching posts made from sisal fabric. So what is the difference between the two and what is recommended to be using on a scratching post? On the upside, if you want to appease your pets then the sisal fabric is a good choice for both scratching post or a cat scratcher.

Even with its lack of durability, your cat can have a good scratch and can shred the post with gusto. The downside is that you have to replace the fabric often as it will surely be worn out faster than its rope counterpart.

It may be because they are selling brand new cat scratching posts or toys with sisal rope on them. So here are some places to start looking for sisal rope for your DIY project. When buying online, it is important that you thoroughly check what kind of rope for cat scratching post was used.

If it is sisal, then you are pretty good to go. It is also always recommended to read reviews before making any purchase. You can also get a feel from other cat owners because they usually include their experience with the product in their feedback or reviews.

Different brands may also be considered as you look into what kind of rope is safe for cat scratching post to ensure the safety of your cats. To determine how much rope you will need depends on the circumference of your cat post. Does your cat post get wider from top to bottom or is in the circumference from top to bottom?

So, 24 x 4 equals Therefore, this means that you will need to wrap the sisal rope around the post a total of 96 times to get from the top to the bottom. Since you know that you need to make 96 full wrap arounds and each wrap 10 inches, multiply 10 x 96 to get the total length of sisal rope you will need to complete the job, which in our case is inches.

There are lots of tutorials online on how to do it. In a nutshell, you can start by purchasing sisal rope. You can buy this online or at your local hardware store. You can then wrap around the sisal rope on a sturdy base or post. Wide tree branches can be used as the base, but wood beams work best. You can also make a sisal rope mat if you do not want a vertical scratching post.

It really depends on your preference. Your cat scratching post does not have to be a natural color. RIT dyes are non-toxic and you can add a color pop to your room that both you and your kitty will love. Try this Ombre look! Now, if you are not too keen to use sisal rope, then you could make use of alternatives. If sisal rope is not easily available, you may use hemp rope as your second rope, wood, corrugated cardboard, or carpet.

Unfortunately, sisal trumps hemp in all aspects including durability, appeal, and long-lasting effect. You may also try other mediums such as wood, corrugated board or carpet. These three options have advantages and disadvantages which we outline below:. Wood is a natural alternative to be used as a scratching post. The disadvantage is that with constant scratching on wood, it may produce splinters that can hurt the paws of your furry friend.

It is also a breeding ground for bacteria especially when exposed to water or moisture. This can be a good alternative but just be wary of its consequences. One of the cheapest alternatives to scratching post is the corrugated cardboard.

Read the scratching post vs corrugated cardboard comparison here. It is readily available and comes cheap. On the downside, cardboard easily shreds and does not have any credibility as durable. If you intend to use this as an alternative, then be prepared to replace your corrugated cardboard often. Also, imagine the mess it makes with all the shredded cardboard strewn at your home? It might not be a pretty sight.

Sisal is an excellent choice of material with which to cover a scratching post. It is made from the Agave sisalana plant that is native to southern Mexico but can be cultivated to grow in many places around the world. The material is sustainable and biodegradable. It is also used to make carpets and rugs.

When it is used for scratching posts , sisal is strong and rough, with a similar consistency and feeling for your cat as tree bark, a favorite scratching substrate for wild felines.

Sisal is quite durable, and it can last on your scratching post for years before needing to be replaced, depending on how many cats are enjoying it.

When you visit stores and look at catalogs, you will see many scratching posts that are covered in carpet, but there are several negatives to using that material, including:.

Carpet doesn't shred when a cat scratches at it. Instead, it usually catches the cat's claws and pulls on her toes. This is upsetting to her and often results in avoidance of the post.

Many people who believe their cat won't use a scratching post have only provided carpet-covered varieties. Their cat has taken one swipe, found it to be objectionable, and never touched it again.

Carpet may be found elsewhere in your home. When you are trying to teach your cat to scratch a post and not household items, it's best to provide a post covered in a material that isn't found in other spots in your home. Your cat should be able to clearly tell the difference between the items she is allowed to scratch and those she is not. Therefore, carpet is not a good choice for many households. Sisal is an excellent material for providing the necessary distinction between scratch-appropriate and scratch-inappropriate items.

Many cat scratching posts are covered with sisal rope, but sisal fabric is a better option. As a cat scratches at the rope, its fibers become dislodged and are sharp. This will dissuade the cat from continuing to use the post. Conversely, sisal fabric becomes softer as it is scratched, encouraging more and more use. Furthermore, sisal fabric allows a cat's claws to slide through the material, shredding as they go.

Cat's love this because they feel as though they are leaving a visible mark for other cats to read, plus it feels great to them. In contrast, the scratching action of claws on sisal rope is constantly interrupted by the bumps; it is not a smooth, satisfying scratch.