how do i get my cat to use a scratching pad/post?
Sunday, March 14th, 2010 at
1:34 am
You are currently browsing comments. If you would like to return to the full story, you can read the full entry here: “how do i get my cat to use a scratching pad/post?”.
Filed under: Cat Scratching Post
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Positioning of scratching posts is important. Place them where the cat likes to scratch – or in front of/blocking access to surfaces which are scratched on inappropriately.
Almost all cats scratch after waking up, so placing a scratching post right next to where kitty sleeps is a good idea.
Take note of the surfaces which she uses to scratch on at the moment, and get scratching posts with a similar texture.
With respect to treats – don’t just put them on or under the post. Instead, reserve a favorite type of treat for scratching appropriately and nothing else. When she uses the post, give lots of praise and a treat as a reward.
She’ll learn to associate using the post with positive experiences.
If you catch her scratching somewhere inappropriate, say "no!" and move her to the scratching post. Scratching at it with your own hands might help. Some suggest using the cat’s paws to scratch it, but I disagree with this, many cats aren’t comfortable with their feet being handled.
Using a spray-bottle to squirt water when you see inappropriate scratching might help too.
There is a product called "soft claws" – they are little vinyl caps that are stuck onto each claw – these can help minimise any damage to furniture/carpets until you have trained her to scratch only on the posts.
Keeping nails trimmed is a good thing, if you are patient and take it slowly, you should be able to train her to accept it eventually. Keep nailclippers handy, and try clipping when she’s really relaxed. Even if you only get one or two claws, thats ok – reward her and try again later.
Hope this helps!
All i can suggest is cutting her nails to agitate her then put alot of STRONG cat nip all over it and she will naturally get the urge to sharpen her nails.
i know this sounds silly, but you could pretend your using the scratching post and your kitten will be interested in doing the same thing. Try putting it on top of something she usually scratches like a couch, and she might use the post instead.
that is very strange that she would not use it on instinct, cats usually do. i would try placing it in her favorite scratching place to show her that is what it is for. if you see her get near it, give her some tuns and place and empty can, that still has some tidbits of tuna, or a saucer of milk near the scratching post so she associates it with food
AMy cat would never use a scratching post he would use the carpet, until i bought him the Super scratcher +
you can get at Walmart. My cats love them, I bought them each one. Also, i would try using a spray bottle of water if you catch them scratching carpet or furniture or the wood trim on door frames.
I had this problem and holding her paws and making them scratch while my voice tone affectionately told her’ good girl’. When she scratched on other things my voice tone was loud with a NO,NO,STOP. Then I would repeat taking her to the scratching post and give her praise. Hope this helps. Good luck.
A lot of scratching posts are covered in soft, fuzzy carpet or fabric. This is to make them look good to people who might buy it. However, most cats prefer to scratch something that has a rough texture like tree bark. So it might just be that your cat doesn’t like the specific scratching post you gave her.
Scratching posts covered in sisal rope instead of soft material are generally more attractive to cats. You might try one of those instead. (Sisal resembles thick, fibrous hemp rope.) They also like strong, sturdy scratching posts that don’t feel like they might tip over no matter how hard the cat claws at it.
If your cat has a nervous or high-strung temperament, you could also try lying the scratching post on its side instead of putting it upright. Sometimes cats can be afraid of a big object that feels like it might fall on them if they try to climb it. Mine was like this at first; she slowly got used to having the scratching post lying on the floor and became comfortable with using it. Eventually we set it upright and she didn’t mind anymore.
if her scratching other items is a problem, there is a product that is a cover that you glue onto your cats nails. you can find a ad for them in cat fancy. as for the post, gently take her paws and rub them on the post. do this several times for several days. be sure to enthusiastically praise her everytime. as you have found out that some cats are immune to the scent of catnip. they only other thing i can think of is to rub some tuna LIGHTLY on the post (you might have to replae it with a new one afterword)
Try a different type of scratcher like a cardboard scratcher or one with a sisal rope. Also pretend to use it or play with her on it. Get her to chase a string over it and if she does scratch it praise her and give her a treat. Use a squirt bottle when she’s scratching things she shouldn’t and continue to clip her nails on a regular basis so that she stays used to it.