How to Train Your Cat To Use a Scratching Post [2024]

A scratching post is a must-have for our feline friends. Cats are known for their love of scratching, which is where cat scratchers come in handy! These specially designed posts offer cats an appropriate outlet to scratch and stretch while guarding your furniture.

In this article, I’ll discuss the importance of cat scratchers, where to place them, and how to train your cat to use them.

Importance of Scratching Posts

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. It helps them to stretch their muscles, sharpen their claws, and mark their territory. Without a proper outlet, cats may scratch furniture, carpets, or other household items, causing damage and frustration for their owners.

Providing your cat with a designated post will encourage them to scratch there instead of on your furniture.

See the importance of cat scratchers below.

• To stretch their muscles 
• To sharpen their claws
• To mark territory.

The Best 5 Spots for Scratching Posts

The placement of a cat scratcher can determine whether or not your cat will use it. It’s best to put the scratcher in a visible and accessible location, such as near their bed or in an area where they spend a lot of time.

Cats often scratch vertically, so a tall scratcher is ideal. Also, consider placing the cat scratcher in front of a window or a high-traffic area where your cat can see and interact with other animals.

Here are 5 of the best spots to put a cat scratcher:

1. Near your cat’s sleeping area: Cats often stretch and scratch when they wake up from a nap, so placing it near their sleeping area can be an excellent way to encourage them to use it. This also allows them to scratch before walking around and potentially scratching other surfaces.
   
2. Near windows: Cats love to watch the world outside and often want to scratch something nearby as they observe their surroundings. Placing it near a window can be ideal for this behavior, allowing them to look outside and scratch simultaneously.

3. In a high-traffic area: Cats are social creatures and often want to be near their humans. Placing a scratching post in a high-traffic area, such as the living room or the kitchen, can be an excellent way to encourage your cat to use it. This also allows you to monitor their behavior and redirect them to it if they start scratching elsewhere.
   
4. Near furniture: If your cat has a habit of scratching furniture, placing it nearby can redirect their behavior to an appropriate surface. Place the post close to the table they’ve scratched to make it a convenient alternative.
   
5. In multiple locations: Cats can be picky about their scratching surfaces and may prefer one area over another. Placing the scratcher post in various locations throughout your home can increase the chances of your cat using one of them. This can also prevent your cat from getting bored with the same post and encourage them to use different surfaces for scratching.

In general, it’s a good idea to place scratching posts in areas where your cat spends the most time, as this will increase the likelihood of them using it.

3 Ways to Train Your Cat

Training your cat to use a scratching post can take time and patience, but it’s worth the effort in the long run. Here are some tips to get you started:

Using Catnip

Most cats love it, and it can be an effective tool for training them to use a scratching post. Here’s how you can use it:

• Rub some dried or fresh catnip onto the post to make it more enticing.
• Show your cat the scratcher and allow them to sniff and explore it.
• Encourage your cat to scratch the post by using a toy or treat to lure them toward it.
• If your cat scratches the post, reward them with praise and a treat.

Using Treats

Another effective way to train your cat to use a scratching tower is by using treats. Here’s how you can do it:

• Place treats on top of the post to make it more appealing to your cat.
• Encourage your cat to investigate the scratching post by using a toy or treat to lure them towards it.
• If your cat scratches the post, reward them with praise and a treat.
• Repeat this process until your cat learns that scratching the post produces a reward.

Playing with Your Cat

Cats love to play, and incorporating playtime into their training can be a fun and effective way to encourage them to use a scratching post.

Here’s how to can incorporate playtime:

• Use a toy like a feather wand or a laser pointer to play with your cat near the scratching post.
• Allow your cat to interact with the toy and explore the scratching post at their own pace.
• Encourage your cat to scratch the post by placing the toy near it or gently guiding its paws toward it.
• If your cat scratches the post, reward them with praise and playtime.

Remember that training your cat to use a scratching post takes time and patience. Be consistent in your training and use positive reinforcement to encourage your cat’s behavior. Then, you can teach your cat to scratch in all the right places and protect your furniture from damage.

Conclusion

Providing your cat with a scratching post is essential to cat ownership. It protects your furniture and gives your cat a healthy and appropriate outlet to scratch and stretch.

By placing the scratching post in a visible and accessible location and using positive reinforcement to encourage your cat to use it, you can train it to scratch where appropriate.

In conclusion, providing your cat with a scratching post is essential to their health and happiness. Scratching posts allow cats to exercise, stretch, and express their natural instincts. It also prevents them from damaging your furniture and other household items.

When picking a scratching post, consider your cat’s size, preferences, and behavior to ensure it will use it. Furthermore, place the post in areas where your cat spends the most time, and make sure it is stable and secure.

Finally, you can train your cat to use the scratching post effectively with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. 

Remember, it takes time for your cat to learn, so be patient and persistent in your training efforts. Providing your cat with a scratching post is not only beneficial for them, but it also helps maintain a peaceful and harmonious relationship between you and your feline companion.

Frequently Asked Questions