The PetFusion is larger than most cardboard scratchers, with a 34-inch length that's more than long enough for your cat to lie on top of it. This makes it a great reclining scratcher for fully grown cats. It also has curves and a big "peekaboo" hole through the center, which will likely attract interaction between multiple cats if you are fortunate enough to have more than one kitty in your home. Thankfully, our cats are great at letting us know when enough is enough; you just need to understand their signs. Slow blinking- When a cat looks at you and blinks slowly, this is them telling you that they trust you. This is a sign that they are open to physical affection from you. Cats are creatures of habit. Changes in the environment like moving, having a new person move in, or getting a new pet are common examples.

One of the most important habits for strengthening your bond is to avoid punishment. Pets don’t process things the same as humans, and associating punishment with avoiding behavior is not beneficial. We have already gone over a few of the signals that you can interpret as “please stop.” There is one sign, however, that is more complicated than others – the elevator butt. Modern-day domesticated cats have only moderate genetic differences from ancient wild cats, meaning that they’re still wired very similarly.The life changes specifically noted in this study were not enough vertical space, living with other cats, and apartment living. Our selection for best overall is the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post. It's well made and has a classic design that comes in two neutral colors to coordinate with most home decor styles. Most importantly, the majority of cats find the shape and the sisal carpet covering will appeal to your cat and their clawing habit. If you'd prefer a cat scratching post that's more streamlined, consider the 7 Ruby Road Wall Mounted Scratcher, which can be mounted to the wall or secured to the floor. What to Look for in a Cat Scratching Post Size Signs that your cat may be under stress are inappropriate urination, skin and coat changes, and a lowered immune system. This sign is likely the hardest to identify as good or bad because it largely depends on the temperament of your kitty. In the wild, felines will typically communicate via visual and chemical messages, unlike other species where physical communication is king.

Purring- This is probably the easiest signal to identify. If your cat is purring, it’s safe to say that they are happy with your interaction. As socially based creatures, humans have a hard time understanding that sometimes a cat needs to communicate affection indirectly. Identifying The Elevator Butt Response We tested 19 of the most popular cat scratching posts available, letting our testers' cats flex their claws as we evaluated everything from build quality to how easy each scratcher was to assemble. Our testers' favorite is the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post, which has a stable base and is wrapped in durable sisal that will stand up to years of scratching. Plus, it's the right height for your cat to be able to stretch out fully.While testing, the scratcher lounger did everything it promised—providing ample surface area for scratching and a comfortable lounging space for our participating cats. Keep in mind also that cardboard scratchers tend to "shed" as your cat rips into it. Expect to bust out a vacuum every once in a while to clean up around the scratcher.