Ragdolls are generally easy to care for, however, when it comes to scratching some special care would be only beneficial for your Ragdoll cat. This is because Ragdolls, in particular, are large cats, so they need to have a scratching post which is taller than the average scratching post, but still very stable. This way they can fully stretch out when they scratch and not worry about the post wobbling under their weight.
Keeping this in mind, I have found three different types of scratching posts which would be great for Ragdoll cats.
What are the best scratching posts for Ragdoll cats? Ragdoll’s need something much sturdier and taller than the average cat scratching post, because Ragdoll cats are larger and heavier than most cats, so scratching posts such as the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge, Pioneer Pet SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post, and PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher.
Read on to learn more about these scratching posts, the importance of a good scratching post, and how to choose the right one according to your Ragdoll cat’s preferences.
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
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The measurements are 34” x 10.5” x 10.5” however, this may be a small issue. Since Ragdolls are such large cats, if you have an adult Ragdoll it would be better to purchase two and keep them beside each other.
If you have younger Ragdoll cats or just ones who love playing and being high up, some customers decided to hang theirs on the wall and it proved to be a perfect solution.
The Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge by PetFusion is made of recycled cardboard and non-toxic corn starch glue. It’s available in three colors; walnut brown, cloud white, and slate grey.
This modern and stylish looking cat scratcher will fit in well in any home. The superior cardboard and construction help the Ultimate Cat Scratcher last longer than the average one.
It is also reversible for double the use, and the curved shape makes scratching easier for your Ragdoll, as well as comfortably cradling your Ragdoll so well that it will never want to leave.
Pros:
- Award-winning product in eco excellence
- Plenty of scratching space
- Interactive design which motivates play
- Only around $45
- 6-month warranty for any manufacturing defects
- Excellent ratings
Cons:
- Two might be necessary for adult Ragdolls
Get The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge Here!
Pioneer Pet SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post
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The SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is great for Ragdolls because it is so tall (32 inches), allowing your cat to fully stretch out when they scratch. Being tall and narrow it doesn’t take up a lot of space and can fit into any corner.
For the more playful cats, they may also be able to climb, allowing them to scratch with their back claws as well, and a dangling ball could even be attached.
It is made of wood; the post is wrapped with fibrous and durable sisal, and it is also very easy to assemble.
The square shape, as opposed to the more common tube-like shape, is a huge advantage as it provides better scratching and the ability to climb with ease.
This comes at around $40 and in the color beige. The reviews for this product are also great, and some customers had mentioned that The Ultimate Cat Scratching Post helped them stop their cats from scratching door frames.
Pros:
- The height is excellent for Ragdoll cats
- Only costs around $40
- Great reviews
- High quality and durable materials
- Easy to assemble (it only takes a few minutes)
- Sturdy 16 by 16 inches, no tipping over
Cons:
- The very top is slippery and difficult to jump on
- Some cats don’t enjoy the rough surface
Get The SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post Here!
PetFusion 3-sided Vertical Cat Scratcher
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The PetFusion 3-sided Vertical Cat Scratcher and Post (large) is another stylish looking one. It’s very stable, and also comes with non-skid silicone to attach at the bottom, so you don’t have to worry about any tipping over or wobbling.
It is 16 inches high, 18 inches wide and 10 inches deep. By purchasing this scratching post, you will also receive a bag of premium USA organic catnip leaf to inspire natural scratching and play time.
Although your Ragdoll might not be able to stretch out fully, they have plenty of scratching space and multiple ways to stretch and scratch.
If your cats are scratching furniture, this product should help cut out the bad habit as cats tend to prefer the feel of cardboard.
With time, as the post gets worn out, you can rotate it and get much more use. This scratching post is suitable for a Ragdoll cat of any age.
Pros:
- Very stable and secure
- Lasts a long time
- Comes with Catnip
- Low priced (Around $50)
- Made of recycled cardboard and non-toxic glue
- Offers both vertical and horizontal scratching
- Comes with four non-skid silicone feet
- Generous scratching space
- Neutral colors and modern looking
- Award-winning (Cat Fancy Magazine 2014 Editor’s Choice Award: #1 Best New Product)
Cons:
- Not high enough for the full stretch
- Pieces of cardboard may shred onto the floor
Get The PetFusion 3-sided Vertical Cat Scratcher Here!
The Importance of Scratching
Scratching is an instinctive behavior which lets them leave a visible territorial mark.
By scratching, your Ragdoll is also able to stretch their muscles and relieve tension, as well as removing the outer layer of its claws and keep them groomed and in tip-top condition.
Scratching also helps them to relieve stress and excitement, and also release ‘feel-good’ hormones, which keep your Ragdoll happy and healthy.
Without scratching their claws will continue to grow until they begin to curve back and possibly dig into the cat’s padded paws, or back into the claw itself.
This can develop into an infection, which could, unfortunately, lead to amputation.
It is important to keep an eye on your Ragdoll’s claws and the condition of them, trimming them if need be. If you notice that your cat is not scratching anything, you should contact your veterinarian.
Choosing the Best Scratching Post
The most important factors when it comes to choosing the right scratching post for your Ragdoll are:
- Size and height
- Vertical, horizontal or angled position
- Material preference
- Stability
The size of your Ragdoll determines the size of the scratching post you need.
Ragdolls height ranges between 38-58cm for females, and 40-66cm for males, so your scratching posts should definitely be at least two feet tall.
Some cats prefer angled boards or even flat ones to scratch, so it would be ideal to offer a variety of choices so that you can see what your Ragdoll likes.
They also tend to prefer loosely woven fabrics with a vertical weave so that they shred easily.
As mentioned previously; cats scratch to leave a visible territorial mark, so shredding is not a problem, and you shouldn’t replace the covering until you’re sure your Ragdoll has lost interest or it has fallen off.
Tightly woven material would also cause your Ragdoll’s claws to catch, which won’t be pleasant.
While you’re keeping an eye on your Ragdoll to see which type of scratching post it enjoys, you should also watch out to see how playful they are and how they feel about heights.
This completely depends on your Ragdoll’s personality; despite the fact that most cats love heights there are indeed some Ragdoll cats which are sensitive to them.
However, if you have a younger cat or a Ragdoll kitten, this most likely won’t be the case and the bigger it is, and the more options it has would be better.
All scratching posts should be sturdy because if your cat has had a bad experience and has knocked one over in the past, they could be unsure and hesitant of any future scratching posts.
This is especially important for Ragdoll cats and other breeds which are similar (such as Maine Coon, Persian) because they are the bigger cat breeds and are usually heavier than other breeds.
Having a scratching post with multiple options, such as something to play with like a dangling ball, somewhere they can curl up and rest or hide, and multiple scratching options (such as an angled scratching piece included) will guarantee that your cat will love it and not get bored of it so easily.
Especially if you have more than one Ragdoll, it would be best to have several scratching posts.
If your cat isn’t engaging with the new scratching post you’ve just bought them, don’t panic!
The issue isn’t because you chose the wrong type of scratching post for your cat, but it could have something to do with where you placed it in the room.
Where you choose to put the scratching post can affect if they will use it and enjoy it. Cats are territorial, so having their scratching post in a dominant position in the room will help.
Try putting a toy of theirs besides the scratching post, so that they can find a familiar and comforting scent close by. If all else fails, catnip never disappoints.
Carpet or Sisal for Scratching Posts
Most commercially sold scratching posts come in either carpet or sisal rope.
The material which you offer to a cat for them to maintain their nails is very important, especially for Ragdoll’s since they are such big and strong cats!
Sisal rope is made from a cactus-like tree and is completely natural, unlike carpet. Sisal has a rough texture, which cats love because they can dig their claws deep into it.
Many cats also enjoy the feeling of rubbing their bodies against this material.
Studies have shown that most cats prefer the sisal textile material the most, as they found that the way it shredded was extra satisfying.
This is because sisal material has the perfect texture and grain for your Ragdoll to destroy.
Carpet is usually only opted for because it is a cheaper option, so it is essential to check the type of carpet and the quality.
There are two main types that you can find: not looped or ‘open’ carpet, and looped carpet or ‘berber’. The first type is more ideal, as the looped carpet is weaker.
Although cats would usually prefer the one which is easier to rip, don’t forget that your Ragdoll is bigger and stronger than other cats, and they can destroy it effortlessly.
Conclusion
If you have a younger Ragdoll cat who loves to lie around, the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge is the one for you.
However, if you have a large Ragdoll then you would probably need to buy two so that your cat would be able to lie on top. Everything about this product is great, as it’s made with recycled and safe materials and the unique curved shape actually provides easier scratching for your cat.
For the more playful Ragdoll cats out there, especially the ones who love being able to climb, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat The Ultimate Cat Scratching Post would be a good choice.
Since it is taller than the average scratching post your Ragdoll will actually be able to fully stretch out when using this, and if they climb they scratch their back claws too!
It is also very stable and won’t wobble under your Ragdolls weight, so it is suitable for both kitten and adult.
Personally, I think the PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratcher may be the best choice here, as it offers multiple options to scratch and plenty of space to do so.
It’s suitable for all aged Ragdolls because they are not only able to scratch, but also jump and play. It is extremely stable as it has the non-skid silicone for the bottom, and can be rotated to get more use out of it.
There is also no worry that your cat will be disinterested in this post because this purchase comes with some catnip to put on the post to engage your cats.
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