Scratching is an instinctive need for cats. All cats must be provided with areas to scratch.
When I first got my cat I was nervous he was going to scratch my 30 year old vintage emerald green velvet sofa that I just adore. So I researched different scratching posts. I live in a smallish typical European apartment so its not like I could put a big ugly tree scratching area in my basement. And I know cats want to scratch in socially significant areas. I knew I did not want an ugly obtrusive scratching post in my home. I found some beautiful inspiration for scratching posts like this one
I didn’t want to invest in something so expensive (any still beautiful) But I also didn’t want to buy something cheap and ugly. So I offered him cardboard as well as different tree trunks/logs to try out which he still uses but only on the terrace. He quickly showed me that he preferred my wicker bins. I was so happy! This bin contains all IT cords from our internet setup that I would rather hide. He loves laying down next to it to scratch and attack it.
It’s great because I spend a lot of time at the computer so every time he comes to say hello he scratches. After a year of scratching there is only minimal damage. I do have to vacuum up the pieces that fall off. I am more than happy to replace it every couple years or so as needed.
He loved it so much I bought two more to use around the house. 3 in 1! Its storage, visually appealing and fulfills his scratching needs. This one houses all of our maps and travel guides.
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– These baskets are easy to find in most home stores.
Have you tried getting a cat condo/cat tree for your cat? If you have an active cat those are perfect for keeping them engaged.
I have a large sisal rug in my living room that I replace every 2-3 years or so, which is pretty much indestructible (or at least it takes a lonnnnnng time to destroy!), a bit like your wicker bins, and I let my cats use this to their heart’s content. :)