Training your cat to use a scratching post

Sure the fabric on your new sofa was a special order and a little more expensive, but it is supposed to be easy to clean and extra durable. Sigh. Apparently, extra durable does not apply to cat claws.

Your cat doesn´t use your furniture to sharpen her claws for future attacks or to test your limits. Cats scratch because it is fun, feels good, and is a way for them to keep their claws trimmed. One way to help your cat find a more suitable way to take care of her claws is by providing her with a scratching post.

Okay, you bought the scratching post, set it in the middle of the room and you wait. Here comes your kitty. Yes, yes -- walking up to the scratching post, she sniffs it, walks around inspecting it, and trots over to the sofa and starts scratching the couch arm.

Don´t fear there are ways to persuade your cat to use her new scratching post.

1. Try rubbing catnip on the scratching post to entice your cat. By the time the catnip has worn off the scratching post, a new habit will be born.
2. Reward and praise your cat for using her scratching post. When you see your cat using her scratching post, give her a scratch behind the ears or a cat treat to encourage future scratching behavior.
3. Entice your cat through her natural desire to play by attaching toys to the scratching post for her to bat around and enjoy.

In addition to encouraging good behavior by your cat, you can take steps to discourage your cat from scratching your belongings as well.

1. Trim your cat´s nails. Keeping your cats claws trimmed will decrease the need for her to trim them herself.
2. Different products are available that you can spray on furniture to deter your cat from scratching.
3. A kitty manicure? Well, not exactly. There are products available that are made of a soft plastic material that fit over your cats natural nails, eliminating damage normally caused by your cat´s scratching.

As always, patience and love will help teach your cat appropriate behavior.