How To Get Cat To Use Scratching Post
Make sure your cat has easy access to the scratching post.
To ensure that your cat uses the scratching post, it’s important to make sure that the post is in an accessible location. Cats will be more likely to use a scratching post if they can reach it easily and without getting in the way of people or other pets.
Place the post near your cat’s favorite scratching spot.
Cats prefer scratching posts that are near their favorite places to sleep and play. So, if you want your cat to use a scratching post, place it next to the couch or on top of your desk. This will make it easy for them to see if there are any mice nearby, as well as catch them with ease.
If you have multiple cats in your home or apartment building, be sure that each has their own scratching post because they may not like sharing one with another feline. The best way to prevent this from happening is by placing enough materials around so that your kitty doesn’t feel threatened by another cat using what she considers “her” territory!
Rotate scratching posts and varied surfaces.
Cats like to scratch different surfaces, materials, heights and textures. If your cat’s favorite scratching post is made from carpeting and he seems to have lost interest in it, try putting up a sisal or corrugated cardboard scratching post next to it. You can also buy a variety of scratchers at pet stores – some are covered in carpeting, others resemble tree stumps or logs.
Some cats enjoy scratching on tall posts so you may want to consider putting one near the window so your cat can look outside while he’s having his claws sharpened! Cats also vary in their taste for color so don’t be surprised if your orange tabby prefers the green rug or vice versa!
Consider the post’s height and placement.
- Consider the post’s height and placement.
- Cats need a scratching post that’s at least two feet tall in order to stretch their full bodies, so don’t skimp here. If you have more than one cat, make sure there’s enough room for everyone to get in on the action. Also keep in mind that it shouldn’t be placed near any other furniture or household items that they could damage with their claws. And remember—the harder you’re willing to work on this project, the less likely your cats will be tempted by household items!
Apply catnip on the scratching post to attract your cat for a good scratch.
If you are looking for a way to attract your cat, then consider applying catnip on the scratching post. Catnip is a natural attractant that will encourage your pet to use the post. It can be rubbed directly on the surface of the post or used as an essential oil and dripped into a small bowl filled with water. Either way, by using this method of attraction, your cat will soon become accustomed to using its scratching post without fail.
Trim your cat’s claws regularly.
If you want your cat to use a scratching post, it’s important that he or she has a way to file down those sharp claws. Cats’ nails grow in three layers and can be trimmed back to the quick, which is the pink part at the end of each claw. However, if you cut them too short (which is easy to do if you’re not careful), they’ll bleed profusely and may become infected.
To trim your cat’s nails safely:
- Place your cat on his back with his paws up against your chest
- Press down gently on both sides of each paw until you feel an indentation where its tendons are attached
- Grasp one leg with each hand and draw them away from each other so that they extend outward—this will expose more of their nail bed than if they were standing upright
Encourage your cat by showing enthusiasm when he uses it.
You can encourage your cat to use the scratching post by showing him how much you like it. Reward your cat with treats or praise when he uses the post, and use a high-pitched tone of voice to show excitement. Use words like “good” or “yes” in response to his scratching behavior (in addition to treats).
Reward your cat with a treat or praise to reinforce good behavior.
- The best way to get a cat to use a scratching post is through positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your cat with treats, praise, playtime, or a toy when he uses the scratching post.
- If you’re not sure what motivates your cat, try several different things until you find one that works. You can even mix it up by rewarding your cat with more than one type of reward at once—for example, if he scratches on one side of the post but not on the other side, reward him when he scratches on both sides so that he learns that both sides are acceptable!
It can be hard to train cats to use scratching posts, but it is possible with positive reinforcement and some patience!
Cats are stubborn, and training them to use a scratching post can be difficult. It is important to remember that you need to be patient and persistent during this process.
There are many different techniques you can use to train your cat, including treats and praise. In addition to positive reinforcement, there are other strategies that may help as well such as using toys or even creating a new area for the scratching post near where your cat likes to scratch on the floor.
