KONG Naturals Incline Scratcher Cat Toy

I originally got this for my 2 cats for basic function as a cat scratcher. The moment I introduced it to them they had a blast with it. Climbing on it, hiding behind it, trying desperately to get that toy out if it. They stick their paws in it and then their heads, when that doesn't work they try on the other side, then go back again. They chase each other around it and fight over it. It lasted nearly a year until when they were playing tag, one cat was perched on top of it in wait, the other came pounding toward her, took a flying leap on top of it and completely crushed it, scaring both cats enough to jump 10 feet. I laughed for hours. This item is not only functional but I found it provides hours of entertainment for cat and human alike.

I give the Kong Incline Cat Scratcher two stars because our four kitties do like the incline and the scratching pad. However, the overall unit is lightweight and flimsy. The toy in the base intrigued them but unfortunately it's not a furry mouse as shown in the picture, but instead is (was) just a paper pom-pom. Our smallest kitty had the toy in shreds by the end of the second day. The base of the Kong scratcher is cardboard and the unit moves at the slightest touch, so you need to add extra weight in order to use it. We bought the Bergan Turbo Cat Scratcher at the same time, and I'd recommend it over the Kong. The Bergan model has a similar scratching mat and a heavy plastic base that stays in place. And our kitties love pushing the ball around the track on the Bergan. Overall, at around $12.00, the Bergan is more expensive but promises to last much longer.

Update on 9/07/10: Be aware that the refills that Amazon sells to accompany this Kong cat scratcher are too big for the base. The only way to use them is to cut them down, which is a pretty messy process. Meanwhile, our Bergan is still going strong. (Their refills do fit their base.)

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I opened up the cat scratcher, spread a little nip on and my cat went to town on it. He barely gave me a chance to set it up. He has used incline scratchers before so this was something he was familiar with.

I would recommend trying to weigh down the scratcher if your cat is over 7 lbs. I just stuck a little 10lb weight inside the little hole in the back. They are more apt to use the scratcher if it doesn't move around on them while they are scratching away.

I bought this online because the price was so much better. I bought the incline scratcher and 2 packages of refills for what it would have cost for just the incline scratcher at a local pet store.

If you're cat doesn't take to it you can't really blame the scratcher. Cats are persnickety creatures. My cat loves the incline scratcher but will not go near the pole with the rope for scratching.

The cat is happy, I'm happy and my furniture is spared.

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The 1st day I received this I sprinkled some of the inluded catnip around and it was on ever since. One cat likes the toy in the middle more than the others, but they all scratch on it constantly instead of my furniture!! That was the goal, so I give it 5 stars for sure! My little shy cat seems to come out more often and is always laying on it or by it. She loves it and I get a laugh at her rolling down it as she plays! And for $10, I would definitaly recommend this toy!!

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My cat prefers incline scratchers and will definitely still go for carpets and chairs if I don't have an alternate close by so this seemed to fill the bill (at first) at a good price. However, I second many of the other reviewers. .. It is light weight so, as someone else suggested, I put a few weights inside to stablize it. My puss IMMEDIATELY pulled out the suspended paper ball (NOT a little mouse toy as pictured) and IMMEDIATELY shredded it...so much for that aspect. I also used transparent packing tape to reinforce the whole thing since it seemed to be tearing slightly at the folds from heavy use (the good thing).

IF you can order this so that the shipping is free, and if you just want another scratcher to place around the house to keep your puss off furniture scratching..this is a good price vs retail (Target for instance) for this kind of thing. Its the least ugly of the products that provide unobtrusive scratch pads...I keep searching around for an alternate that looks a bit better before I'd buy it again though. Just quite flimsy ...so there's nothing special about getting this through Amazon (the price IS a bit better but not that much)..so sorry about that though. I was quite hopeful this was 'the one'...for cheap, serviceable, and least ugly. Close but not a winner.