Petmate Jute Cat Scratch Post, Lean on Me

I've had cats all my life, so I've seen my fair share of scratching posts/boards/etc. However, so far, this is the best design I've seen. So many of them either have too small a base, or are just flat boards that are supposed to lean on a wall or hang on a doorknob. In all these cases, the kitty struggles with scratching because they tend to fall over.

I love that this one is in a slight pyramid shape, and thus can't possibly fall over. Also, the scratching mat straps in in FOUR places, so it's not going anywhere either. But because it's strapped in, that means it's also replaceable, and they do sell replacements.

All in all, I think it's a great product.

The only reason why I give it 4 stars is because whatever the little pink feather thing is that is peeking out from the underside in the picture wasn't included in what we received. It's just kind of a pointless hole that is too narrow for kitty to get through. But he's got plenty of toys, and I definitely didn't buy this thing for the feather.

The PROS: this is a post to which my cats actually pay attention! I have a corrugated cardboard post which sits horizontal that they enjoy, but this adds some variety and option to their scratching needs as it is a vertical surface which they love to have assist them with the scratch and stretch combo move.

*The colors are flattering, the sisal-style carpeting is also attractive, replaceable, and well designed: the manufacturer made a good choice putting wide sturdy straps with velco-style fasteners which latch through slits in the frame to make a stable scratching surface.

*Further, they also had the foresight to keep kitties interested by placing catnip pockets/reservoirs in the very top, which the carpeting sits right on top of, preventing any spillage or mess. My cats have a death wish for the box spring below my mattress, so this has been a nice relief, they seem to forget about their former nemesis with the introduction of this post.

*Lastly, the pet store that shipped the post sent it in a big box stuffed with newspaper, which I left around for about 2.5 weeks since my cats found it to be a wonderful cave and loved the crinkling of the newspaper. Plus, there was all kinds of sustainable practices labeling on the box, so I knew they weren't being exposed to anything questionable in the packing material...

The CONS: are few, the description I recall touts that the base is sturdy and wide and not easily knocked over by the average cat. Really? My cats must then be savages. My 11 pound cat walked straight up, lifted a paw and pushed it straight over first time, and confirmed Newton was on the right track. However, since there is a nice size triangular opening on each side, I simply grabbed a 10# dumbbell and nestled it through one side of the opening which has since resolved the matter completely.

*The only other "issue" was the silly dangling feather which lasted less than 2 minutes. It has a chain with a connecting fastener, so one might speculate that it could be replaced, but that would probably require ordering, since its not a universal design that could just be replaced at a pet store, as far as I know. Seems like a waste of money, and carbon footprint (shipping) to bother. Plus, my cats don't seem to need the extra stimulation to get them to use the product.

I am very happy with it as are my 2 scratch-happy cats

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I actually bought this at Fred Meyers (Krogers if you don't live on the west coast), but due to there being only one other review on Amazon I felt I had to say something. This item is COMPLETE garbage, despite it's "wide base" my skinny little cat, barely 8 lbs and no bigger than the one in the picture pulls the scratcher down on top of himself every time. This is likely due to the fact that the thing weighs maybe a half of a pound. I ended up wedging it in a corner in my dinning room, jamming it under the wall's base trim as much as I could. He no longer pulls it down, but now his claws get stuck in the junk "jute" mat. I feel I should say that he is a small and mellow cat so none of this is due to unnecessary roughness. As the only other reviewer loved this product and made no mention of these problems I must assume she either has a little kitten or is getting paid by the company. In no way does this product work as advertised. I'm going to Freddy's to try and get a refund.

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I recently purchased this scratcher since my cats wore out their current one and this one perfectly matched the area rug in my living room. The problem is, I've had it now a few months, and they have used it very little. One of my cats has even taken to using the sofa now rather than to use this new scratcher. I've tried to scratch it with my hands while they watch and it does help while they are watching, but then they go back to the sofa or another part of the house. I agree with the other reviewers that this item is also not very sturdy, so if you do decide to purchase this item, you will need to stabilize it. I haven't given up yet, but so far it's a paws down for the kitties.

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My feline friend will occasionally use this, but it's not very sturdy so when she does finally start scratching it the thing will topple over and scare her away. Duck taping coins or another weighted object works decent. I like the design, but wish it were made with a more sturdy base.

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