Scratching is an innate natural behaviour that meets 3 needs at once: claw maintenance (shedding the dead outer sheath), territorial marking (scent glands between the pads), and stretching the muscles of the shoulder, back and limbs. Preventing a cat from scratching is impossible and harmful to its behavioural balance — it's better to redirect it to a suitable scratching post.

An ideal scratching post should meet 4 criteria: enough height for the cat to stretch fully (minimum 60 cm for an adult cat), stability without wobbling, a rough natural-sisal surface (not synthetic carpet), and a position that matches your cat's preferences (vertical for cats that scratch furniture, horizontal for those that scratch rugs).

A scratching post is a simple accessory dedicated solely to scratching, available in floor or wall-mounted formats. A cat tree is a multifunction piece of furniture combining sisal scratching surfaces, observation platforms, resting spots (house, hammock, bed) and play elements (danglers, ropes). A cat tree meets all of an indoor cat's behavioural needs in a single piece of equipment.

To draw your cat to its new scratching post: place it next to the areas your cat currently scratches, gently rub your own nails on the sisal to release attracting pheromones, sprinkle catnip on the surface, and gently guide your cat's paws against the post while praising it. Never force it — the discovery should be positive.

Placement is crucial to whether the post gets used. Put it in an active thoroughfare (living room, main hallway), visible to the cat, close to its usual resting spots (cats often scratch on waking), and away from feeding areas. A cat tree near a window combines scratching and observation — a combination indoor cats love.

The golden rule in feline behaviour: 1 scratching post per cat plus 1 extra in a multi-cat household. For 2 cats, provide at least 3 scratching surfaces, ideally in different rooms and at different heights. Conflicts between cats often arise around resources — one post each removes a major source of territorial tension.

Natural sisal is a plant fibre that is non-toxic to cats. If your cat swallows small amounts while scratching (normal behaviour), it poses no danger and will pass naturally. However, keep an eye on a cat that chews and swallows large amounts of sisal rope — this rare behaviour may require a veterinary consultation.

Sisal scratching post: vacuum regularly to remove shed claws and hair. Plush-fabric platforms: vacuum or brush daily, and dismantle and machine-wash at low temperature (30°C) where possible. Wooden structure: wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid strong chemical disinfectants that erase the marking pheromones — the cat might abandon its post.

Replace the scratching post or cat tree when: the sisal rope is worn down to the wood/cardboard, the platforms are too stained or misshapen to be washed, the structure has play or instability (risk of tipping), or your cat has stopped using it despite attempts to make it appealing. A worn post loses its appeal and effectiveness — plan a replacement every 2 to 4 years depending on intensity of use.

Trixie is a German brand founded in 1974, the European leader in pet accessories. Its cat trees and scratching posts are made with certified natural sisal and wood from sustainably managed sources. Distributed in more than 80 countries, Trixie combines sturdiness, design and recognised value for money. Zavyro offers a selection of the most popular references from the Trixie cat range.

Yes — for a cat living exclusively indoors, a cat tree is one of the most important investments in its wellbeing. It fulfils 5 essential functions: scratching, climbing, observing from height (a fundamental behavioural need), a safe refuge, and a play space. An indoor cat without a cat tree frequently develops problem behaviours (anxiety, aggression, furniture scratching).

A 3-step strategy: (1) provide a quality scratching post placed exactly where the cat currently scratches, (2) make the scratched surfaces less appealing (transparent double-sided tape, aluminium foil temporarily), (3) reward every use of the post with treats and verbal praise. Never punish the cat for scratching — this creates anxiety without solving the behaviour.

Yes, sprinkling catnip (Nepeta cataria) on a new scratching post is one of the most effective ways to introduce it. About 65% of cats respond to catnip (a genetic sensitivity). The effect is temporary (5 to 15 minutes) and can be repeated. Available as dried herb or spray, catnip is completely harmless to adult cats.

It depends on your cat's preferences. Cats that scratch vertically (sofa arms, wall corners) generally prefer wall-mounted scratchers. Those that scratch rugs or carpets prefer horizontal floor scratchers. Ideally, offer both formats at first to identify your cat's preference, then invest in the matching format.

Yes, Zavyro delivers within mainland France with free tracked delivery over €49. Bulky cat trees are shipped in reinforced boxes with protective packaging. Orders are processed within 24 working hours and delivered in 3 to 5 working days. Our customer service can advise on the right model for your cat's size and your home's layout.