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Why You Should Invest in a Scratching Post Rather Than Declaw Your Cat #ChewyInfluencer

Why do you suppose cats have claws? Maybe you think they are only for destroying your new couch. Claws are one of the most important parts of a cat's anatomy. In addition to using them to defend ourselves, they aid in hunting. While stalking prey, we use them to climb, to aid with balance, jumping and marking territory. Indoor cats might not stalk live prey, but those skills enable us in our daily play. Just as importantly, sharp claws also give us confidence.

Why You Should Invest in a Scratching Post Rather Than Declaw Your Cat #ChewyInfluencer

Why You Should Invest in a Scratching Post Rather Than Declaw Your Cat #ChewyInfluencer

In order to keep our claws sharp, we need to do some manicuring. Part of manicuring means biting off the old claw sheaths or using a scratching post to help shed them. If there isn't a scratching post in your house, we may use upholstery or rugs as an alternative. There are many kinds of scratching posts available—cardboard, sisal, wood—in all different price ranges. This kitteh prefers sisal.

Working our claws is very important cos if they grow too long or the sheaths don't fall off, they grow into our paw pads. If they become infected, you could be looking at a pricey vet bill. The best way for an indoor cat to work his or her claws is to provide a solid scratching post.

Chewy.com was kind enough to send me the sturdy Frisco 33.5-Inch Cat Scratching Post for this article.

Why You Should Invest in a Scratching Post Rather Than Declaw Your Cat #ChewyInfluencer

It took Pop less then 10 minutes to assemble the Frisco scratcher and he only forgot the four washers. The scratcher is tall enough for me to stretch while working my claws and it's nice-looking too. I was sent the brown one to match our rugs but it's also available in cream.

Why You Should Invest in a Scratching Post Rather Than Declaw Your Cat #ChewyInfluencer

Stunning Keisha has always been against declawing. I want to share with you an article I read recently that is spot on by veterinarian Dr. Lynn Bahr. She called being declawed a disability. One reason cats are declawed is because some of you use your human's good couch or rug to work your claws. This is something this cat is not guilty of. I may use the peeps' legs but never the furniture. 

Why You Should Invest in a Scratching Post Rather Than Declaw Your Cat #ChewyInfluencer

The removal of claws also causes such health issues as infection, nerve and tissue damage, bleeding and pain and tenderness when walking or using the litter box, which creates are entirely new set of problems for the cat owner. The Paw Project describes the procedure and risks in more detail.

Why You Should Invest in a Scratching Post Rather Than Declaw Your Cat #ChewyInfluencer
My cute widdle foot prints.

TW hears me every day using my new scratcher and finally got some action shots to prove it. I recommend the Frisco 33.5-Inch Cat Scratching Post which is only available at Chewy.com and currently on sale for $33.99.

Why You Should Invest in a Scratching Post Rather Than Declaw Your Cat #ChewyInfluencer

Knowing that cats need their claws for protection from predators, to exercise when stretching our muscles, marking territory and for balance and that removal of claws causes health issues, why would anybody declaw rather than buying a scratching post?

Why You Should Invest in a Scratching Post Rather Than Declaw Your Cat #ChewyInfluencer

Check out the Chewy Cat Shop for all your cat needs, including scratching posts. You’ll find cat supplies ranging from food and treats to litter and toys, supplements, beds and so much more. Don't forget that Chewy has great prices and the best customer service. You get free one- or two-day shipping on orders over $49. Tell 'em CK sent you. Word.

Would you like to comment?

  1. I have never understood why humans who don't understand our need for our claws even want cats at all. Our claws are part of us - literally, figuratively and every other -ly!

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  2. I stalk live prey even though I'm inside - lizards count, right?

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  3. Thank you for the awesome post, CK! We have three scratching posts here, but this would be a great addition. Lita loves the vertical posts - she loves to stretch waaaayyyy up to scratch!

    By the way, there's a proposal here in Denver to create a bill to ban declawing. I seriously hope it passes!!

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  4. This looks like a great scratcher and about the same height as our couch, which is Rosie's favorite spot for scratching ...even though there is another scratcher right next to the couch.

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  5. This looks a lot like the Ultimate Cat Scratcher, of which we have two, and they are the cats' very favorite posts. Great price too--I paid around $50 for mine.

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  6. There is never a reason to declaw a cat, and it looks like more and more folks in the USA and Canada are finally getting that message. YAY!

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  7. We are more than 100% against declawing. It should be illegal.
    The scratcher is fantastic! I love the plush top and base. Your footprints are so cute :-)

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  8. CK....yur new scratchin post iz mega awesum...total lee kewl oh chewy ta sendz it two ewe.....lionz wood like that one.... !! ♥♥

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  9. Great post, CK, and your new scratching post is pawsome ! We're totally against declawing too. Purrs

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  10. This looks like an amazing scratcher. Our neighbor just gave us a brand new scratcher that her cat wasn't using and Mudpie loves it. It's her first vertical scratcher and she uses it every day.

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  11. I, Marvelous, have discovered the joys of scratchers! We have several, including the cat tree. My favorite is the round carppeted one I can sit on and watch out my sanctuary window at the top of the townhouse.
    I still like to "exercise" using my claws on the sofa...but mostly to get Mommy's attention when I think she is paying too much attention to the computer and not enough to me!
    Purrs
    Marv

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  12. That is a cool scratcher CK and a great post too! We have two sisters who were declawed before we adopted them and they just aren't right in the feet. Declawing is evil.

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  13. We have a couple of scratchers like that one and we really like them. A great way to work out the old claws.

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  14. You were so good to let TW get a photo of you scratching. My cats would never hold the pose long enough for me to take photos. We love ours though. XO

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  15. Great review CK. Glad you liked your scratcher too. We luv dat it's big enuff and sturdy enuff fur us to give it a real work out. We hope we answered your questions 'bout da Goody box. So far we've had one purrson misunderstand and thought they were subscriptions like all the others. Not sure ifin they just didn't read everythin' or ifin we weren't clear. Anyways, great review. Big hugs

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

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  16. Darling, The sight of your sharpening up your glorious claws makes me faint with love, my little heart is going ker-thump, ker-thump! There's no activity I enjoy more than digging my claws into Human flesh . . . um, wait, I mean a good scratching post. As you have no doubt noticed the Human has become even worse than before. She makes it so difficult for me to let you know I still worship the very posts you scratch on! XOXOXOXO Spittola

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  17. Your new scratcher is awesome, CK. And we agree ... there's no reason whatsoever to declaw a cat. Ever!

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  18. What a great post, CK! Declawing should be outlawed here. That looks like a great scratching post, too.

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