Top 10 Tips: Train Your Cat to Love Their Scratching Post!

Updated at: 13/02/2025

Cats. Independent, enigmatic, and often, destructive. While their playful antics charm us, the shredded furniture less so. Many cat owners grapple with the frustrating reality of their feline companions preferring their sofas to designated scratching posts. The good news is, with a little patience and the right techniques, you can redirect that scratching behaviour to a more appropriate (and less costly) target. Your cat's natural instinct to scratch is crucial for shedding their outer claw sheaths and keeping their claws healthy, so understanding this is key to success.

This isn't about forcing your cat; it's about positive reinforcement and creating a scratching experience they'll adore. Get ready to transform your home from a battleground of shredded fabric into a haven of happy scratching. Let's delve into our top ten tips that will guide you through the process of training your cat to love their scratching post, ensuring a harmonious coexistence for you and your furry friend.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Scratching Post
  • Catnip (optional)
  • Double-sided tape or aluminum foil (optional)
  • Treats (optional)
  • Nail clippers (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Never punish your cat for scratching furniture. This will only make them fearful and more likely to scratch in secret. Positive reinforcement is key.
  • Ensure the scratching post is sturdy and tall enough for your cat to stretch out fully. Cats prefer different materials; experiment with sisal, carpet, or cardboard to find their favorite.
  • If your cat is determined to scratch a particular piece of furniture, try placing the scratching post very near it, making the post the more attractive option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Choosing the Right Scratching Post

    • Consider material (sisal, carpet), height, and angle to match your cat's preferences.
    Choose the right scratching post: Consider material (sisal, carpet), height, and angle to match your cat's preferences.
    Choosing the Right Scratching Post

  2. Optimal Placement

    • Place the scratching post in a visible, high-traffic area where your cat spends time.
    Place the scratching post in a visible, high-traffic area where your cat spends time.
    Optimal Placement

  3. Making it Appealing

    • Rub cat's favorite toys or a towel on the post to transfer their scent; add catnip.

  4. Positive Reinforcement and Redirection

    • Gently redirect your cat from unwanted scratching surfaces to the scratching post; reward positive behavior with treats or praise.
    Redirect and reinforce: Gently redirect your cat from unwanted scratching surfaces to the scratching post; reward positive behavior with treats or praise.
    Positive Reinforcement and Redirection

  5. Nail Care

    • Long nails can make scratching uncomfortable.
    Trim your cat's nails regularly: Long nails can make scratching uncomfortable.
    Nail Care

  6. Deterring Unwanted Scratching

    • Use double-sided tape or aluminum foil to deter scratching.
    Cover unwanted scratching surfaces: Use double-sided tape or aluminum foil to deter scratching.
    Deterring Unwanted Scratching

  7. Multiple Scratching Posts (if needed)

    • This is especially helpful for multiple cats or large homes.
    Use multiple scratching posts if necessary: This is especially helpful for multiple cats or large homes.
    Multiple Scratching Posts (if needed)

  8. Stability is Key

    • A wobbly post is less appealing.
    Ensure the scratching post is stable: A wobbly post is less appealing.
    Stability is Key

  9. Positive Training Only

    • Focus on positive reinforcement and addressing the root cause of unwanted scratching behavior.
    Avoid punishment: Focus on positive reinforcement and addressing the root cause of unwanted scratching behavior.
    Positive Training Only

  10. Patience is a Virtue

    • Training takes time. Don't get discouraged!
    Be patient: Training takes time. Don't get discouraged!
    Patience is a Virtue
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Tips

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Placing the scratching post in an inconvenient location

Reason: Cats prefer to scratch where they feel comfortable and visible. A post tucked away in a corner or a closet won't be appealing.
Solution: Relocate the scratching post to a high-traffic area, near their favorite napping spot, or next to a window.

2. Using the wrong type of scratching post material

Reason: Cats have different preferences for textures. What one cat loves, another might hate.
Solution: Experiment with different materials like sisal, carpet, cardboard, or even wood until you find one your cat prefers.

FAQs

My cat completely ignores the scratching post, even after trying several different types. What should I do?
Persistence is key! Try different materials (sisal, cardboard, carpet), heights, and locations. Positive reinforcement is crucial; reward your cat immediately with treats or praise when they use the post. If possible, place the post near where they currently scratch inappropriately (like the sofa) to make it a more attractive alternative.
My cat scratches the scratching post sometimes, but still prefers my furniture. How can I deter them from the furniture?
Make the furniture less appealing by covering it with cat-repellent sprays or double-sided tape. Combine this with making the scratching post more appealing – using catnip, for example, or placing toys near it to encourage play and scratching. Consistency is important; redirect your cat to the post every time you catch them scratching the furniture.