Scratching Posts are enrichment items first introduced in Zoo Tycoon 2 and returns in Zoo Tycoon (Xbox). The Scratching Post also appears in Zoo Tycoon 2 DS.
Zoo Tycoon 2[]
The scratching post in Zoo Tycoon 2 is a wooden post with rope wrapped around it that various animals, such as cats can scratch on, horned animals will also use it to rub their horns and antlers on. Once the animal uses the scratching post, its hygiene need will decrease significantly.
Extinct animals[]
In the Extinct Animals expansion pack, the scratching post was given the new mechanic of being a trigger object for Cat Scratch Fever. Whenever a cat uses a scratching post for the first time the cat will be given a hidden disease token that will only trigger when the hidden disease timer runs out. Animals infected with the disease will scratch on the post and other objects excessively in their habitat until the disease is cured by the player.
Zoo Tycoon (Xbox)[]
In Zoo Tycoon (Xbox), scratching posts were given much more variety in shape, all of which being wooden. When placed, animals will use the scratching posts to scratch and help fill their cleanliness need.
| Image | Name | Availability | Cost | 
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Brave Buffalo | 5 Stars | $315 |  Lions Jaguars
|
 Tigers Bears
|
 Cougars
|
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Peeling Pine | 9 Stars | $330 | Tigers Jaguars
|
Lions Bears
|
Cougars
|
|
Bark Bound | 10 Stars | $360 | Tigers Bears Jaguars
|
Lions
|
Cougars
|
|
Bumpy Bear | 3 Stars | $375 | Tigers Bears Jaguars
|
Lions
|
Cougars
|
|
Crazy Carving | Beginning | $375 | Lions Jaguars
|
Tigers Bears
|
Cougars
|
|
Crusty Crocodile | 7 Stars | $405 | Lions Bears Jaguars
|
Tigers
|
Cougars
|