How to Train Cat to Use Scatching Post

Prevent cats from destructive scratching by understanding your cat’s needs.  React to their negative attempts to scratch destructively on your rug, upholstered sofa, mattress, bedding or hardwood furniture.  Teach your cat where they may scratch and you and your cat will have a stronger bond.

Step 1

Choose a scratching post that would appeal to a cat.  I have several scratching posts in different areas of my home however all of the cat seem to enjoy the cat scatching lounge and the cat tree for filing their nails.  The choice is yours for buying the scratching posts for your cat.  When you set up the post, cat tree or lounge set it in a permanet area and leave it. It is best to set the scratching post in an area where your cat frequents.

Step 2

Buy liquid catnip and spray the cat scratching post generoulsy with the catnip. This is a natural way to attract your cat to scratch on the post.

Step 3

Train your cat boundaries by squirting them with a water gun whenever they scratch in an area other than their scratching post.  This is a safe way to discourage the cat from scratching inappropriately .  After you spray the cat with water, pick up your cat and take them to their scratch post, place their paws on the post and tell them “Good kitty” After your cat is squirted with water a few times they will realize that their post is for scratching and everything else off limits.

Step 3

Many cats will scratch on walls or furniture because they are bored, therefore if you provide an adequate daily exercise routine your cat will be too tired to scratch on the furniture.  Cats that have physical activity and interact with their owners want to please their masters and will use the scratching post.  It is best that you play with your cat two to three times daily.

Tips

Start trimming your cats claws when they are kittens.  Shorter cat nails are less likely to cause damage to your furniture, carpet and walls.

Don't move the scratching post to a different area.  Cat's do not like change and will regress back into old habits; scratching on furniture or under your bed.

Refrain from punishing your cat; never spank or tap on their nose.  Your cat will react by being afraid of you or they will start playing rough.  Correct your cat's bad behavior with a water gun.  Cats do not like water and thus will not welcome water in their face or on their fur.

Give your cat toys to occupy them and keep them interested; Cat tree's with cubes are great as well as cat nip tainted mice, and balls.  A cat that is occupied is less likely to stop playing to scratch under the bed or tear up your upholstered chair.

_________________

Introduction image Credit by Susan Golis

Comments (1)

carmen357 said:

	... Great article I have 3 cats!
	report abuse vote down vote up

November 07, 2010
Votes: +1