As more of us welcome cats into our homes as indoor companions, we're still learning about how this lifestyle affects their happiness and natural instincts.
A perfect example of this is scratching. A cat targeting the couch is a major problem for owners, which is why it has become one of the top behavioral issues they report. Just how common is it? Studies show unwanted scratching is an issue for 17% to 42% of all house cats. One vet clinic in the U.S. even reported that it was a concern for 84% of the cats they treated.
Thankfully, the solution isn't to stop the scratching, but to redirect it. Giving your cat a designated scratching post is a much better approach. Scratchers give cats a healthy outlet for this completely natural behavior, which helps save your furniture and carpets from damage.
This is where the big question comes in for anyone trying to pick the right scratcher: “What kind of scratching surface do cats actually prefer?” Let's explore the answer.
What the Research Says About Your Cat's Perfect Scratcher
While we've known for a while that cats will use scratching posts if you give them one, past research didn't focus on what kind they actually like. More recent studies, however, show that two things are essential for saving your furniture: choosing the right type of post and using positive reinforcement to encourage your cat.
To figure this out, scientists ran a large internet survey of over 4,000 cat owners. They asked about the types of scratchers people provided, which ones their cats seemed to prefer, and whether their cat was still scratching things they shouldn't.
The results revealed a major disconnect!
The scratching posts most people buy are not the ones that are most effective at preventing unwanted scratching. This suggests that many of us are unknowingly offering our cats the wrong options.
Here’s what the study found about materials:
- What Cats Prefer: The survey showed that cats by far preferred a scratcher covered in sisal.
- What Owners Provide: Interestingly, while many owners did provide sisal (58%), even more provided carpeted posts (61%). The only exception to the sisal rule was with older cats (10 years and up), who tended to favor carpet.
And here’s what it found about the shape and style:
- What Cats Prefer: When it came to the shape, a simple, vertical scratching post was a clear favorite overall.
- Age Matters: However, younger cats (under 9) showed a strong preference for multi-level cat trees. Senior cats (10 and older) stuck with the straightforward vertical post, likely due to changes in their agility and health.
Even with scratchers in the house, a little over half the owners (52%) reported that their cats still scratched furniture. Many had already tried placing a post right next to the off-limits spot, which shows that location alone isn't always the answer.
Based on all this, the scientists' top recommendation is clear: to best prevent unwanted scratching, choose a scratcher covered in sisal fiber.
What Makes a Scratching Surface Irresistible to Your Cat?
Many of the scratching posts you see online or in stores are covered in soft carpet. While they might look nice, they’re actually a poor choice for scratching. A cat needs a rough, satisfying material that lets them hook their claws into it and shed the outer layer of their nails. With carpet, their claws are more likely to get caught in the loops. A bad experience like that is a sure way to send them right back to your sofa.
Without a doubt, sisal fabric is the ideal texture for scratching. It’s important to know, however, that not all sisal scratchers are created equal. Many mass-produced mats contain chemicals or glues that aren't safe for your cat or your home. This is why it's so important to choose a scratcher made from 100% natural, toxin-free fibers, ensuring it’s both safe and built to last.
At Hilde & Phill, we take this a step further by recognizing that every cat is different. Some sisal mats on the market are VERY coarse, which can be too rough for some cats' paws. That's why we offer replaceable natural sisal mats with three different textures: soft, medium, and coarse. Our softer sisal, for instance, is perfect for cats with sensitive paws, giving them a surface that’s gentle but still completely satisfying to scratch.
Why Do Cats Love Sisal So Much?
A huge part of the appeal comes down to its unique texture. Sisal is coarse and durable, letting cats get a good grip with their claws for a strong pull. This shredding action is incredibly satisfying for them.
It also leaves behind obvious scratch marks, which is a key way for cats to visually claim their space.
Finally, sisal's texture mimics tree bark, the natural surface that cats scratch when they are outdoors. Using a sisal scratcher taps directly into these core instincts, making it feel completely natural to them.
Final Thoughts
Scratching is a completely natural and healthy behavior for your cat that just needs an approved spot for it. As we've seen, the secret to saving your furniture comes down to two simple things: choosing a scratcher they'll actually love and rewarding them whenever they use it.
If you're looking for more ways to improve your cat's life, Hilde & Phil's blog is the perfect place to start. We share a new post every Friday covering important topics like scratching solutions, the truth about declawing, fun indoor enrichment ideas, seasonal tips, and so much more.
If you enjoyed this, here are a few other articles you might like:
- Know Your Cat’s Scratching Style
- Sisal Fabric vs. Sisal Rope
- 5 Best Sisal Mats for Cats You’ll Love
- Training Your Cat or Kitten to Use The Cat-e-Corner
