About The Materials That We Use To Make Our Cat Scratching Posts

Using non-toxic cat safe materials is of paramount importance to us, as is buying from local suppliers where we can and supporting British businesses.

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The Best Sisal Rope for Cat Scratching Posts

Cat Scratching Post Sisal Rope

Here at ScratchyCats™, we've spent years researching cat scratching behaviour, leading us to develop what we believe to be the perfect range of cat scratching posts; handmade using the best quality materials (sourced from British suppliers where possible) that provide longevity to our brand. It's because of our extensive research that ScratchyCats products are all wrapped in 100% natural sisal rope, as we believe that it offers the best possible scratching surface for your cat.

Over the years, we've gained an extensive knowledge in the subject of natural fibre ropes and have concentrated our research into sisal rope in particular. However, throughout our journey into creating a range of quality, affordable cat scratching products, we've learned that not all sisal rope is created equal and there are in fact a huge variation of sisal ropes available. These extreme quality variations exist because of a number of factors that vary in the rope manufacturing process including (but not limited to), the country of origin of the sisal plant, the climate in the country where the fibre is stripped from the plant, the drying process of the fibres and the manufacturing process that turns the raw fibres into sisal rope.

After years of extensive research and testing using varying quality sisal rope, in March 2018 we switched to what we believe to be the finest 'A Grade' 8mm sisal rope currently available. Manufactured to EN ISO 1181 standard, the 100% natural 8mm diameter sisal rope we use for all our products is manufactured from plant fibres in Europe. It has a tightly twisted and wound 3 strand construction giving it superb longevity and durability. With minimal loose strands and a light coloured appearance our sisal rope is one of the key features that make our cat furniture among the best available in the world.

Please be aware: sisal rope is a natural rope and as such the colour of the rope may vary slightly according to the time of year, colour variations are common and dark spots are normal as the rope is 100% natural. Sisal rope is an abrasive rope and although ideal for cat scratching posts, we advise you to handle with care to avoid injury. We also advise you to inspect the scratching post regularly and replace when worn. All our products are now wrapped in 8mm sisal rope. Although this rope is slightly thinner than previously used (pre-March 2018), it's a higher grade premium quality sisal rope manufactured specifically for ScratchyCats™, some web site photos may show the older thicker 10mm sisal rope no longer used.

Sheet Materials

We use several different types of sheet material in order to make our products. Each of these materials have been certified for use in the UK in furniture making and meet all required safety criteria. These materials include (but are not limited to):

  • Superfine E2 high density particle board (chipboard)
  • Medite Medium Dentisy Fibreboard (MDF) EN13986:2004 H-1 DOP01
  • Steamed Red Beech Plywood B/BB EN636-2 CE2+
  • White Plywood BS EN 13986

Fleece

Here at ScratchyCats™, we cover our cat tree beds and platforms by hand in premium quality soft anti-pil polar fleece. Available in a great range of colours and patterns, this superb quality fleece has the following benefits:

  • Soft: Our polar fleece fabric is extremely soft, and very comfortable for your cat to sleep on.
  • Anti-Pil: With an anti-pil finish, our fleece won't 'bobble'.
  • Insulating: Polar fleece fabric has great insulating properties, keeping your cat warm - even more so when coupled with our upholstery foam on most models.
  • Hydrophobic: This polar fleece holds less than 1% water, letting it retain its insulating properties even when your cat is wet from being out in the rain.
  • Anti-scratch: Because of the smooth finish, cats are generally not interested in scratching at the fleece at all and save that for our sisal covered posts.
  • Cleaning: The fleece can be lightly brushed and hoovers well for a general tidy up every now and then.

Adhesive

All adhesives used are classed as non-toxic and non-hazardous to cats.