Holes in your new curtains, pick marks in your new sofa and table legs with scratches. Every cat owner experiences this from time to time. Cats like to scratch things and you can’t change that. But you can teach them to use their cat tree. Then they will soon leave your furniture alone.
Crabs are necessary.
The number of cats roaming our planet is estimated to be around 625 million. Quite a cozy bunch. And among all those cats, there isn’t one that doesn’t like to scratch. Of course, we don’t mean they’ll scratch you, but they enjoy scratching objects in their environment. They need it to stay healthy and happy. So, having a scratching post at home is important—for your cat and for your furniture.
Is your cat not using its scratching post?
It happens because cats are creatures of habit and prefer to scratch in the same spot. So, once your cat discovers how nice it is to scratch the armrest of your new couch, it won’t easily stop on its own. Why would it? It doesn’t matter to them how your couch looks—as long as they can scratch it. But for you, it can be quite annoying.
How to teach a kitten to use the scratching post step by step.
Cats can learn a thing or two (if they feel like it).
That’s why you need to help your cat and teach them new habits. People often say you can’t teach cats anything, but that’s nonsense. Cats may be stubborn, but they’re also curious. And if you know how to approach it, you can certainly teach your cat what’s allowed and what’s not.
Training your cat is essential.
It’s good to know that a cat only learns something if they find it enjoyable. So, you have to make the learning process worthwhile and reward your cat. You do that with the two things a cat loves most: tasty food (cat treats) and attention.
Important tips for introducing a new scratching post to your cat.
Teach your cat to use the scratching post in 5 steps:
- Hold their favorite treat or cat kibble in your hand.
- Let your cat smell it but don’t give it yet.
- Guide your cat (and the treat) to the scratching post, encouraging them to scratch.
- When your cat starts scratching, give them the treat and a big cuddle.
- Repeat this daily until your cat starts scratching the post on their own.
If your cat isn’t enticed by food, you can also try using their favorite toy. Tip: let the toy soak in a bag of catnip overnight and then follow the five steps above.
Find out which scratching post suits your cat’s behaviour and preferences.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or a behavior expert. All content, information, and tips on this blog are meant to inspire and have an informative nature. If your cat has issues or problems, and you’re unsure about their health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavior expert.
