If you are finding that your cat is keen to sharpen its claws on your smart, velvet curtains or on the corners of your new three piece suite, then you may want to consider investing in a cat scratching post.

The cheapest and simplest of these products consists of a sisal post placed in the middle of a square base which is usually covered in some kind of faux fur, plush material. It’s important that the post is quite tall, at least about 70 centimetres in height, to allow your cat to stretch out and exercise its claws!

However, if your cat is the apple of your eye, then you may want to spoil it by buying a more expensive activity centre which includes a scratching post. There are many inventive designs available and the large pet superstores should have a variety of designs in stock. Some include ledges at different levels or even a hammock for your cat to sit on or curl up and sleep on and others will include dangly toys for your cat to swipe at when it is feeling playful.

Hopefully, your cat will be so engrossed with its new activity centre, that it will forget all about scratching the corner of the carpet or the leg of your coffee table!