Scratching posts are freestanding posts, usually wood, that have textured scratching material attached. Scratching pads or scratching panels for stalls are similar, but are mat-shaped and attach to the stall wall. Why do horses need scratching posts? Like the V-Tower cat tree, this features lots of curved edges to give it a safe and high-quality feel. The tower itself is made from poplar wood, and the oval cave on top is fitted with a soft memory-foam cushion and soft white faux fur. The cave also has an opening at the top for your cat to use for access or just observation. The cushion is attached with Velcro strips to make it easy to remove for cleaning.

Scratching releases feel-good endorphins in horses. A good scratching session can help a stressed horse relax. 4. Exercise Having a scratching option available for your animals also reduces any potential injury, as it tries to scratch with available resources. Affordable, Long lasting Horse Scratcher Photosensitivity– Exposure to sunlight can make some horses‘ skin quite sensitive and prone to itching or hives. This material has several advantages. It’s moderately rough, so it’s good for a wide range of horses and scratching needs. The type of turf shown here can scratch itches on any part of the body including thin skinned areas, and won’t damage names and tails.Since horses will lean their full body weight into the post, it must be sturdy enough to withstand constant pressure without toppling over or breaking. For hot spots and hives, your veterinarian may recommend topical hydrocortisone sprays to ease inflammation and itching. Use sparingly to avoid skin damage. Antibiotic Ointments Made of a durable polyethylene material, not rubber, this product will not pull your horse’s hair. The Equine Scratcher’s unique surface design also has no protruding nodules to bite, and allows horses to get a great rub even if they have a blanket on. Use the Equine Scratcher indoors or outdoors. The key to a good scratching session is two-way communication. Once your horse learns your signal for “I’ll scratch if you want,” you can teach them to show you where and how hard they want their scratch session. There is also a ladder leading up to the hideout which has sisal-covered rungs for your cat to use for scratching. If you are limited on space, the ladder can be removed.

Insect bites– Just one bite from a horse fly or gnat can result in ongoing itchiness and scratching. You can also browse through your local hardware store and see what kind of entrance mats they have. A very stiff artificial turf, or a scratchy natural fibre doormat (coconut, sisal, etc.) can work well. When installing scratching posts, make sure to place them in convenient locations your horse will actually use on a daily basis: In the Pasture Scratching your itchy horse is safe and fun, but there are a few basic considerations to keep in mind. It is possible to fit only 1, or even none of the wooden platforms if desired, so it would be possible to fit this giant scratching post into a reasonably narrow space.This part is important because it signals to your horse when it’s okay to move into your space for a scratch. Learning the “want a scratch?” signal keeps your horse from rubbing up against your hands or body at other times.

Another scratching reason is upkeep, where your cat scratches to keep their claws in tip-top shape.The key to this activity is to teach your horse to bring their itchy parts to you. To do this, act like a human scratching post: don’t move around! Stand in one spot and scratch a few inches of skin at a time. Management and control measures aim to reduce exposure to the biting insects. It is important to be as proactive as possible by starting these measures before signs develop: A scratching post gives your horse a perfect place to scratch – it’s important enrichment and keeps your fencing and buildings healthy. Enrichment for horses isn’t all about fun toys and activities. Giving your horse opportunities to behave naturally (like scratching!) in a productive way is what enrichment is all about! The Cozy Pet Deluxe Multi Level Cat Tree is one of a range of cat activity centres that Cozy Pet sell. This particular model is the CT04, and is ideal if you’re looking for a cheap multi-level cat tree which doesn’t break the bank.