Frequently asked questions
Why is the cat scratching?
Seeing a scratching cat is completely natural to us. Just as natural as scratching is for a cat. It is not enough to say that it is natural - it is instinctive, absolutely needed! This is what cats have in their DNA. They have to mark their territory - when they scratch, they leave a scent from the glands they have under their paws and a visual mark in the form of scratches on a specific object. The smell and scratch mark left behind is a signal for everyone who enters the house about the presence of our cat. When scratching, the cat also stretches the muscles and leaves the old claw cuticle (keratin sheath). All these activities let your pet to satisfy its needs, make the cat feel comfortable in the place where it lives. Scratching, unfortunately, can be destructive to our interior design. Therefore, the sooner we direct our pet's needs to the right cat scratching pole, the longer our furniture will live.
How to teach a cat not to scratch?
It is not possible. The only way to make scratching not bothersome for us is to direct its instincts to the scratching post.
Is one scratching post enough for a cat?
To meet the basic needs and instincts of our cat, one scratching post will usually be sufficient. It should be borne in mind that a cat without a scratching post will also scratch - our furniture and interior design elements. In the case of a large house / flat, when our cat is scratching more than one place, it is worth placing one scratching post at each of these points. It is worth placing a large, developed scratching post in our cat's favourite place, and decorate the less-frequented spot with a small model of a scratching post. In the case of a larger number of cats, it's a good idea to go for a large, extended scratching post or a few smaller ones so that there is no risk of competition for a place to scratch or rest.
Is the cat not going to scratch the wooden parts?
Cotec scratchers are made of cat-friendly elements that encourage scratching (sisal cord, sisal lining). For practical and purely aesthetic reasons, we also use varnished wood. So is there a risk that the cat will destroy these elements by scratching them intensively? Let's start with the fact that cats scratch mostly vertical surfaces and those where they can attach claws (to leave a scent trail, shed the old claw sheath). Varnished wood is not attractive for cats for scratching due to its texture, hardness and smooth surface. Even if the cat accidentally scratches the wooden elements, the varnish used effectively prevents any serious damage or scratches.
Why does the cat refuse to use the scratching post and / or is scratching the furniture?
A common problem after purchasing a scratching post is the lack of interest from the cat. There can be several reasons, and the most common are:
- incorrect placement: the cat will not use the scratching post in a place it does not like. You should watch the cat and place the scratching post where it stays the most and where people are most often, because the cat must have someone to show who the master of the space is
- the wrong size: the cat must stretch out, so depending on the size / The length of the posts must be chosen appropriately. If you have a problem with choosing a scratching post, please contact us!
- stability: most scratchers on the market are light and therefore unstable. The cat will not jump on a scratching post which is unstable and may fall down. Cotec scratchers are heavy and stable, so this will not be a problem for the cat.
My cat is lazy. Will it want to use the scratching post?
The cat needs to scratch and will do so. For those cats that are not very active and do not jump a lot, simply choose the right scratching post. It must first of all have a stepped design, i.e. each element must be relatively close to each other. Maximum stability is also very important, so that the cat does not get scared of the scratching post and does not get discouraged. These basic properties should be supplemented with the features of our cat, and the selection of the Cotec scratching post will be trouble-free and certainly accurate. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Can I make sisal poles by myself?
Winding the cord around a pole is not easy (to obtain a durable element). Getting the proper tension and compaction of the string on the column is a key element of its strength. In addition to the pole structure itself, this strong coiling guarantees its high quality and scratch resistance. Of course, you still can try and wind the rope by hand, but you will have to repair definitely more frequently than in case of using the right equipment.
How often should I change the scratching post?
The scratching post, like every utility item, has a limited lifetime. Cotec scratchers are high-end products in terms of durability. We do everything to make our products last for years and there is no need to change them often. Due to the modular structure, it is not necessary to replace the entire scratching post, but only its individual parts (in the case of post scrapers).