Is the Smart Cat Scratching Post worth the investment? This comprehensive review dives deep into the pros and cons of this stylish and sturdy scratching post, exploring its design, functionality, and ease of assembly. We'll examine whether its premium price tag is justified by its superior quality and effectiveness in satisfying your cat's scratching needs. From its tall, rectangular design offering ample scratching surfaces to its robust construction ensuring stability, we'll assess every aspect.This review also covers practical tips for encouraging your cat to use the post, addressing potential challenges like placement and initial reluctance. We’ll share insights gained from testing the post with both adult cats and kittens, revealing its suitability for different feline sizes. Ultimately, we aim to help you decide if the Smart Cat Scratching Post is the right choice for you and your furry friend, weighing its high-quality build and attractive aesthetics against its higher price point.
Pros And Cons
- Tall (about hip height)
- Four sides (not rounded)
- Sturdy base; doesn't wobble
- Strong
- Attractive design; blends with home decor
- Comes with training tips and instructions
- Durable; will last a long time
- Expensive
- May be too tall for smaller cats
Read more: Top 5 Cardboard Cat Scratch Pads
Design and Build Quality
The Smart Cat scratching post boasts a tall, rectangular design, standing at approximately hip height (32 inches). This four-sided structure offers ample scratching surface area compared to round posts, providing your cat with multiple angles to satisfy their scratching instincts.
The post's sturdy base is a key highlight. It's designed to remain stable, preventing any wobbling that could frustrate your cat or damage your floors. Its robust construction suggests it will withstand vigorous scratching sessions from even the most enthusiastic feline.
Beyond functionality, the post also impresses with its aesthetically pleasing design. Its appearance complements home décor, making it a stylish addition to any living space instead of an eyesore. This is a significant advantage over many scratching posts that tend to be visually unappealing.
Encouraging Your Cat to Use It
Placement is crucial. The reviewer recommends situating the scratching post in your cat's favorite hangout spot, maximizing the chances of them discovering and using it naturally.
Additional encouragement can be provided with catnip. Applying catnip directly to the scratching post serves as an enticing lure to draw your cat's attention and curiosity.
Demonstrating the post's intended use is another helpful technique. Gently scratching the post yourself can show your cat how to interact with it appropriately. Positive reinforcement through praise and treats further solidifies this behavior.
Assembly and Additional Features
Assembly is generally straightforward, according to the reviewer. While quick instructions are included, they may not even be necessary for most users.
The post comes with training tips, attached as a sticker to one of the bases. This is a nice additional feature designed to aid cat owners in encouraging their cat to use the post effectively.
A minor issue encountered during assembly involved misplacing the base, obscuring some of the training tips. This highlights the importance of careful attention to instructions, but the problem was easily resolved.
Testing and Final Verdict
Testing the post with foster kittens revealed it's too tall for smaller cats. However, its height is ideal for larger cats that enjoy stretching out while scratching.
The $75.99 price point is a significant drawback, making it considerably more expensive than other scratching posts on the market. The durability and long-lasting quality might justify the cost for some owners.
Overall, the reviewer found the post aesthetically pleasing and functional. While expensive, its high-quality construction and attractive design make it a potentially worthwhile investment depending on your cat and your budget. The possibility of returning the product for a refund if your cat doesn't use it might be an additional benefit to consider.