Blue's Scratching Woes: A Tale of Two Scratchers

Hi, I'm Amanda! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Blue, my fluffy fire point Himalayan-Persian cat.

Scratching, clawing, and stretching are natural cat behaviors that damage our belongings, and as pet parents, test our nerves and patience. Shredded armrests, perforated kitchen chairs, runs and loose piles in the carpet, window screens that no longer serve a real purpose, the list could go on. Despite many best efforts via nail trims and providing an endless supply of scratchers, cats seem to naturally gravitate towards the things they should avoid, and Blue is certainly no exception.

Although her desire for incessant scratching tapered off as she grew, and furniture casualties decreased, we still live with a few reminders of Blues' younger, friskier self. Our dining chairs and living room accent seats were often targeted, left damaged, and a little unsightly. What we once considered eyesores now feel like a bit of kitty nostalgia. We embrace them and the memories they bring back. Sure, they’ll be replaced at some point. but until that day comes, we welcome the charm it brings into our home. After all, we are a pet-loving family, and in no way do we try to hide that.

New Scratcher Becomes Blue’s New Lounger

We recently bought a new multi-level scratcher since Blue isn’t as agile as she once was, and her tall cat tree no longer entices her the way it used to. Positioned front and center in our living room, it is in clear view and we hoped it would serve as a constant reminder of where her occasional scratching should be directed—without having to be away from the action.

Instead of a tool for pawing and climbing, the scratcher morphed into a lounger or a play gym where she could stretch out her body instead of her claws, which still felt like a victory in our books. Exercise is equally as important and she’s turned into quite the yogi— but that’s for another day.

Blue Finds the Perfect Scratcher for Seniors

Maybe we inadvertently gave her the green light because they are so close to each other, but she found exactly what she needed to exercise her primal instincts—a woven jute planter. It’s truly the perfect scratcher for seniors. Blue can lay on her side and use it as a personal hamster wheel. Biting at it, spinning it around and around. A few face rubs and she is off. A small nod to the satisfaction it’s given her and a token of her appreciation for my plant putting up with the awkward quaking it has no choice but to put up with.

Luckily, I’m not that attached to my planters, and my palm is rotated almost daily, truly a win-win for all of us. Each gaining some benefit from it in one way or another. It is the small things that maintain the synergy in our busy household so I am happy to let her use her spinning jute scratcher to her heart's content.