How To Train A Cat To Use A Scratching Post
Introduction
It’s true: cats need to scratch. Not only does scratching provide a great workout for their muscles, it also helps them maintain healthy claws. For this reason, you should train your cat to use a scratching post. Here’s how:
Buy an Appropriate Scratching Post
When buying a scratching post, keep in mind that it needs to be tall enough for your cat to stretch out on. The scratching posts should also be sturdy and stable. If the post is too tall or too short, your cat may not use it because they don’t feel comfortable scratching on it. The material of the post should also be one your cat likes to scratch. For example, if you have a long-haired cat, make sure the post isn’t made of sisal rope or other rough materials that could hurt their skin and fur when they scratch at them!
Place the Scratching Post in the Right Location
Once you have the post and your cat is comfortable with it, place it in a location where they will use it. The best thing to do is to set up a scratch post somewhere that the cat can easily see, but also not be in the way of other people or pets. Cats like to scratch when they are alone and away from others, so having these types of areas set up for them can be beneficial. If you want your scratching post near other furniture or in a more visible area of your home, make sure there is enough space around it so that they don’t accidentally knock anything over while scratching on their new favorite toy!
Don’t Force the Cat to Use the Scratching Post
Don’t force the cat to use the scratching post. Some cats are stubborn and won’t use a scratching post until they’re ready. If your cat doesn’t seem interested in using it, don’t force it. In fact, you should avoid trying to train a cat by forcing them into doing something they don’t want to do because it won’t work out well for either of you and could actually damage the relationship between you both in the long run.
Don’t punish your cat if they scratch furniture while they’re still learning what their new preferences are supposed to be; instead just redirect them toward their new scratch posts and let them know that’s where they need to go when they want to sharpen their claws! You can also try putting a cardboard box over the piece of furniture that is most attractive for scratching (like a couch). Most cats will give up on scratching once there’s nothing left worth using as an object for this purpose, so this tactic might help deter yours from continuing with such destructive behavior!
Don’t use deterrents like sticky mats or sprays meant for keeping pets away from certain areas around your home; these methods may work temporarily but won’t teach your pet anything about appropriate clawing habits or etiquette when interacting with people who own expensive living spaces! Instead stick with positive reinforcement techniques such as praise whenever he uses his designated surfaces properly—which means always praising him after each instance where he chooses correctly over several tries (not just one).
Reward Your Cat for Using the Scratching Post
Reward your cat for using the scratching post by rewarding them with a treat or scratch toy. A treat is a great way to reward your cat as it gives them an extra incentive to use the scratching post more often. If you only reward them with treats, however, they may stop using the scratching post altogether and go back to tearing up your couch. Instead, try combining treats with a toy that mimics their natural instinct of scratching on tree trunks or logs (such as cardboard trees). This will keep them interested in using their new feline-friendly furniture while still allowing them to scratch if they feel like it!
Scratch toys can be very effective in encouraging cats to use their feline-friendly furniture instead of yours–especially when they’re filled with catnip! Catnip makes most cats go crazy and will cause them not only want hurry up and scratch but also make sure everyone knows how thrilled they are about it too (in case anyone was wondering why there’s usually more than one catnip toy lying around).
Deter Your Cat from Scratching Furniture and Other Objects
- The first step to training your cat to use a scratching post is to deter them from scratching furniture and other objects. Deterrent sprays are effective at keeping cats away from the object they’re trying to scratch, but they can also cause irritation in some cats. Citrus sprays are often recommended since they have a pleasant smell that cats don’t like. You can also try putting double-sided tape on the object you don’t want Scratchy to touch; this may be more effective than deterrent spray if you have sensitive skin or an allergy yourself.
- If these methods aren’t working for you, consider keeping your cat away from the couch or other tempting objects by using a barrier such as a temporary gate or closed door between him/her and his/her favorite spots for scratching (make sure there aren’t any holes where he/she might escape!). If this isn’t possible due to space constraints, try placing whatever it is he/she likes to scratch behind something else—the television set in our living room has been moved several times because of my small landlord who doesn’t want our apartment looking like we live in an antique shop! Another option is putting up another piece of furniture as some kind of obstacle course until your kitty gets used enough so that he no longer wants anything but “Scratching Post”
Trim Your Cat’s Claws Regularly
It’s important to remember that you’re responsible for your cat’s safety and well-being. Even if he or she doesn’t like the idea of having their claws trimmed, you should still do it.
As with bathing, trimming your cat’s claws can be stressful for both of you until they get used to the process. The first few times may be stressful and uncomfortable for everyone involved, but with time and patience, everything will go much more smoothly.
You’ll need a pair of nail clippers specifically designed for cats (like those from PetEdge) because dog clippers are too big for a kitty’s paws. You also need styptic powder or another type of styptic agent in case you accidentally cut the quick inside of one of his or her nails (which happens more often than most people realize). Most veterinarians carry this stuff around in their offices; if yours does not have any on hand, ask him/her where else might sell it nearby — there is usually some available somewhere!
Cats scratch to keep their claws healthy and strong.
You’re probably familiar with the fact that cats scratch to mark their territory, but you may be surprised to learn that they also do it for a variety of other reasons. The instinct to scratch is a cat’s way of keeping their claws healthy and strong.
Scratching is a natural part of your cat’s daily routine. It serves many purposes including:
- Marking territory
- Removing dead outer layer from claws
- Stretching muscles in legs, shoulders and paws
- Sharpening claws as they are pushed back into the paw pad
Conclusion
Congratulations! By following these steps, you’ve taught your cat to use a scratching post. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats and they need to scratch to keep their claws healthy and strong. If you don’t provide an appropriate place for them to do so, they will seek out another place like your furniture. We wish you the best of luck in your new endeavors!