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Home / Blog / How to Train Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post

A Comprehensive Guide

Scratching is a natural and instinctive behaviour for cats. Unfortunately, this can be a point of contention when their favourite scratch pad turns out to be your expensive sofa. Thankfully, PJ Pet Products offers an extensive range of solutions, from the traditional grey cat scratching post to the state-of-the-art SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post. While investing in a quality cat scratching post is the first step, teaching your feline friend to use it is crucial. So, how do you go about it? Let’s delve in.

Lazy Boy Scratching Tree

Understand Why Cats Scratch

Before implementing training techniques, it’s important to understand why cats scratch in the first place. Scratching serves several functions for cats:

  1. Marking Territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws, so when they scratch, they’re marking their territory.
  2. Exercise: Scratching is a form of physical activity that helps them stretch and flex their muscles.
  3. Claw Maintenance: The behaviour helps to remove the outer layers of their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy.
Scratch Tower Playground

Placement is Key

Cats often like to scratch after they’ve woken from a nap or when they’re feeling playful. Place the scratch post near their favourite resting spots, or where they’ve shown a propensity to scratch inappropriately (like near that beloved armchair of yours).

Introduce the Cat Scratch Post

After you’ve picked a spot, introduce your cat to their new post. A great way to make the scratching post appealing is by rubbing some catnip or spraying a little catnip spray onto the post. You can also use some treats to lure your cat to the post.

Positive Reinforcement

Every time your cat uses the scratch post, praise them vocally and offer a small treat. Positive reinforcement will go a long way in establishing the behaviour you want to see.

Redirect and Reward

If you catch your cat scratching somewhere else, gently redirect them towards the cat scratching post and reward them when they use it.

Mimicry

Some cats learn by seeing. Use your own fingers to mimic scratching on the post to attract their attention to it.

Association

Place toys near the scratch post to encourage interaction. The more time they spend around the post, the more likely they are to use it.

Conclusion

Training your cat to use a scratching post is beneficial for both you and your feline friend. From a simple grey cat scratching post to the long-lasting SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post, PJ Pet Products offers a variety to suit every need. With consistent training, positive reinforcement, and a little patience, your furniture will thank you in the long run.

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