I still remember among all the training, teaching a cat “how to use scratch post” was one of the easiest training sessions for me like literally it took only a minute to tell my kitty what was good or what not. But I know for everybody it’s not the same.
In the last article, we have talked about why cat scratches the door or other household stuff and how to stop them but now, many cat parents are not able to figure out how they can train their cats to start using scratch posts. Don’t worry! I will give you some of my best working tips that will help your kitty to use scratch posts.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Most cats experience an instinctive urge to exercise their claws which provides them physical, emotional & psychological benefits.
Sharpening Claws: Cats need to sharpen their claws from time to time. Scratching will remove the dead claws husk, this keeps their claws healthy.
Stretching Muscles: Cats do need to stretch their arm, leg and back muscles to maintain agility.
Marking Territory: Scratching is a natural method for a cat to leave her scent, cats have pheromones that are released through their paw pads and scratching means for a cat to mark their territory. Cats like to scratch in socially significant areas these tend to be areas where they hang out a lot or where their humans hang out a lot.
Choosing the Right Scratch Post
Initially, I was taking this thing very lightly and formally. I didn’t even think something like this could be an issue for my kitty to not use scratch posts. Choosing the right scratch post is very important but what does it mean “right scratch post”?
If you don’t know, let me tell you there are different styles of scratch post available in the market: flat, vertical, horizontal, and different shapes. Plus, you will have 3 material options: cardboard, sisal rope, and carpet.
If your cat is living with you when she/he was a kitten then you can make them use any type of scratching post but if you have adopted one then you have to figure out which scratch post they like.
Steps to Encourage Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post
You should use all these points because it will help you to train your cat more easily to use scratch posts. All these points written here have come from my experiences I would be highly grateful if you consider giving feedback in the comment section.
Note: All the points are important it’s not advised to skip any of them.
1. Placement is Key
Spot your cat’s places where they like to spend most of their time or where they already scratch, such as furniture or carpets. Place the scratch post.
2. Make It Attractive
To attract cats towards scratch posts you can sprinkle catnip or hang a catnip bag, it works great. You can also hang their favourite toys too.
3. Reward Positive Behavior
Always praise your cat by saying “Yes! Good girl/boy” show them love, and affection when they listen to you and reward them with a treat. And when they don’t listen to you, no need to punish them just say “No” or remove them from there. You can use a clicker to train them.
4. Discourage Inappropriate Scratching
Cover areas like furniture with double-sided tape or aluminum foil, as cats dislike these textures.
5. Add More Scratching Posts
If you have multi-cat households benefit from multiple scratching posts to avoid territorial disputes plus easy access to scratch posts.
Tip: I grabbed my cat’s paws and used them to claw the scratching pad, and I put catnip on it. Doing this 3 times she started scratching.
FAQs
Q1. Why isn’t my cat using the scratching post?
Ans. There could be multiple reasons why your cat is not using scratch post. Reasons: Material, scratch style, location & height. Do some experiments and figure out.
Q2. How many scratching posts should I have?
Ans. You should at least have 2-3 scratch posts in your house at different locations. In multi-cat homes, each cat should have access to at least one post.
Q3. Can I make my own scratching post?
Ans. Yes! DIY scratching posts can be made from sisal rope and sturdy wooden frames or cardboard can be effective and cost-efficient.
Q4. What should I do if my cat still scratches furniture?
Ans. Figure out the problem of why your cat still scratches the furniture by changing the scratch post style or you can use catnip also to attract them.
Q5. When should I replace a scratching post?
Ans. Replace the post when it becomes unstable or worn out to ensure your cat remains interested and safe.
Final Thoughts
In general, it’s easy to train a cat to use scratch post whereas some cats take time to get used to it. But remember you as a trainer, and as an owner need patience, observation and understanding your cat preference. It cat’s natural instinct that they need to scratch something to remove dead claws husk. Don’t forget to place the scratch post at the right place and pet.
Start experimenting, understand the preference and train your kitty. Soon! Your cat will hug the scratch post & ditch the furniture.