Teaching Your Cat to Use a Scratching
Post
Scratching rough surfaces is a normal cat behavior that has several important
functions. Scratching provides an opportunity for your cat to stretch after resting, to mark
her territory, and removes the outer dead layer of her claws, exposing the fresh, sharp claw
underneath.
House cats often choose to use the sides of couches and chairs as scratching
posts because these pieces of furniture are typically covered with upholstery fabric that is
attractive for catching claws and depositing scent. Also, because cats usually claw mark
near favorite resting areas, the couch is a likely marking spot if your cat sleeps on or
around this piece of furniture. Regardless of these “natural” aspects of furniture clawing,
many cat caretakers wish to protect their furniture and direct their cat’s scratching to an
appropriate scratching post.
Here are some tips for teaching your kitten to use his
scratching post:
- Place the post in an area that your kitten sleeps and spends most of his
time. If he has already started to use furniture, place the post directly in front of the
areas that he is using. (You may need more than one post to cover his favorite spots). Wrap
any additional previously scratched areas of furniture with tin foil or two-sided sticky
tape to prevent your cat from continuing to use the furniture while he is being taught to
use the scratching post.
- If your kitten is not initially attracted to the new post, attach a favorite
toy to the post. This can encourage him to play near the post and to bat at the toy with his
feet. Keep some tasty food treats in your pocket, and each time that you see your kitten
investigate or use the post, toss him a treat.
- When your kitten begins to use the post consistently, you can gradually move
it to an area that is more acceptable. Although the post’s fabric will become worn as your
cat uses it, do not replace it because your cat’s scent and visual cues encourage him
continue to use the post for scratching.
Where to Put Your Cat’s Scatching Post?
Remember that an important part of scratching is your cat's desire to mark her
territory. Therefore, the permanent spot for her scratching post should be an area that your
cat spends a lot of her time. Select spots that are close to her favorite sleeping and
resting areas. Avoid placing the post in areas that are convenient to you or are out of the
way, such as in the basement or laundry room, as your cat may stop using it.
What NOT to do When Teaching Your Kitten to Use a Scratching
Post
Although it may seem reasonable from a human point of view, taking your kitten
over to the scratching post and placing her paws on the post or raking her paws down the
post will NOT help her to learn to use a scratching post. For most cats, being forced
to place their paws onto a surface is very unpleasant and can be frightening. So, from the
feline point of view, showing your cat how to use her scratching post can have the opposite
intended effect, and may make her avoid or fear the post altogether!
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