How to Get a Cat to Use a Scratching Post

Understanding how to train your cat to use a scratching post can be a game-changer, not only for the well-being of your furniture but also for your cat’s natural needs.

Scratching is more than just a habit for cats; it's an intrinsic part of their behaviour. It's their way of keeping their claws in optimal condition and marking their territory.

To prevent your cat from scratching the sofa and other furniture, it's crucial to redirect this behaviour to a more suitable outlet—a scratching post.

Key takeaways

• Scratching is an innate behaviour that helps cats maintain their claws and mark their territory.

• To encourage your cat to use a new scratching post, focus on its height and stability.

• Place scratching posts in strategic locations to maximise their appeal.

• Multiple scratching posts may be necessary in homes with more than one cat.

• Redirecting scratching behaviour can save your furniture from damage.

Recognising the motives behind a cat's scratching behaviour is the first step to effectively managing it.
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch that serves multiple purposes beyond simply claw sharpening.

Scratching as a natural instinct

Cat’s scratching behaviour is rooted in their natural instinct to scratch.

This instinct allows cats to maintain their claws, which are essential for climbing and self-defence.

They will often seek out a vertical surface or a designated scratching surface to fulfil this need.

It's vital to provide a good scratching outlet to support their natural habits.

Why cats need to scratch

In addition to claw maintenance, cats need to scratch to mark their territory. Through this action, they leave visual markings and distribute scent from glands located in their paws.

Providing appropriate avenues for cats’ scratching behaviour helps them express this instinct and keeps them from damaging furniture.

Offering various scratching surfaces ensures that their need to mark their territory is adequately met.

If your cat often marks their territory, you might notice them licking you to spread their scent, which you can learn more about in our article 'Why do cats lick me?'

Encouraging your cat to use a scratching post requires understanding their preferences and providing enticing reasons for them to engage with it.

By incorporating the right strategies, you can guide your pet towards healthier scratching habits.

Encouraging initial use

Strategically placing the scratching post is vital. Position it near your cat's sleeping area or by entry points like a cat flap to naturally integrate it into their daily routine.

Introducing the new scratching post next to furniture your cat has been scratching, with protective coverings on the furniture, can aid in forming new, acceptable habits.

For cats who enjoy confined spaces, placing the post near their favourite spots (like the cardboard box they seem to love) can be beneficial; discover more in why cats like boxes.

Using treats and catnip

Placing catnip on the base of the scratching post or using products like FeliScratch by Feliway can significantly increase its appeal to your cat.

Ensure you sprinkle the catnip evenly across the post to maximise interest.

Additionally, rewarding your cat with treats placed atop the post can create positive associations, making it a desirable scratching destination.

Incorporating play

Interactive play can be a powerful tool to encourage your cat to use a new scratching post.

Engaging in playful activities around and on the post can make it a fun and intriguing object for your pet. Using feather toys or laser pointers, you can direct your cat’s attention to the post, making it part of their play routine.

Understanding more about cat behaviour can be useful, such as why cats wag their tails.

Your cat may wag their tail in a fast motion if they want to play so it's best to bear their mood in mind before engaging in playful activities.

Cats often prefer locations that are both functional and visible when it comes to their scratching needs.

Choosing the best cat scratching post and its placement is crucial to ensuring your feline friend uses it consistently.

High-traffic areas

Placing a vertical post in high-traffic areas can be particularly effective. Cats often scratch to mark their territory, so positioning a scratching post next to areas where people or other pets frequently pass through caters to this instinct. Ensure it is a prominent place for maximum use.

Near sleeping spots

Another key location is near your cat's favourite sleeping spots. Cats tend to stretch and scratch upon waking, so having a scratching post next to these restful places can encourage them to use it immediately.

This can reinforce the habit and keep your furniture safe from those morning scratches.

Avoiding corners

It is best to avoid placing scratching posts in hidden or inconspicuous corners.

Cats often need to see and be seen while they scratch, so a post in a corner may go unnoticed and unused.

Consider locations such as the living room or hallway, where the cat flap might be, to naturally incorporate the scratching post into their routine.

Training a cat to use a scratching post effectively combines an understanding of their natural behaviours, along with providing a durable and appealing option for them to engage with.

For a successful transition, it's vital to place the scratching posts in strategic locations that align with your cat's instinctual patterns, such as near their sleeping areas or high-traffic zones.

By doing so, you'll ensure your cat is using the scratching post consistently while reducing the likelihood of them damaging your furniture.

Getting a cat to use the scratching post regularly also helps preserve their claws, offering a suitable alternative to scratching the sofa or other furniture.

Ultimately, by prioritising their natural instincts and creating an environment that caters to these needs, you can help your cat transition smoothly to using a scratching post.

This not only benefits the cat’s well-being but also maintains the integrity and aesthetic of your home.

Remember, with time and the right techniques, even the most stubborn cat scratches can be redirected to a designated scratching post, balancing both your cat's needs and your household’s harmony.

For more guidance on other cat behaviours, check out our guide to stopping a cat peeing in the house and other questions such as 'Why do cats eat grass?'