For this reason, it is important to understand what is causing their behavior and how we can remedy it. Almost every the cats they have the need to scratch materials, mainly fabrics or wood. It’s an instinct that they cannot avoid because in addition to sharpening their nails, scratching is part of the process to mark the territory. This contributes to your cat’s mental and emotional health.
When scratching, cats leave the scent of the glands on their paws and that is why it is common that, once they scratch an object, they return to the same place days later to reinforce their scent and their mark. In these cases, the most important thing is not to fight against your instinct, but rather teach them that there are appropriate places where they can give free rein to their need, such as, the scratching post
How can you get your cat used to using a scratching post?
If it is the first scratching post your cat has, it is important that we teach it where we want it to sharpen its nails.
- We can put treats or toys around them and get the cat’s attention to get on the platform. Gently, you can take the cat’s paws and make the gesture of scratching on the pole, so that the toy is marked with the scent of the animal.
- Another resource would be to use catnipsince most cats are attracted to their scent and will have a immediate interest in your new scratching postleaving their scent on it once they scratch it.
Most cats use the rcat pits on their own initiative, but sometimes, some cats do not know how to use it or simply do not even approach them. For this reason, we are going to give you some tips to use it.
4 tips for your cat to use the scratching post
We have compiled some more tips that can help you teach your pet to use the cat scratching post:
1º Set an example for your cat
Scratch several times a day on the Cats scraper so that it is heard well when you do it and it shows where you have done it. This will help you get your cat’s attention, you can even play with him until he ends up scratching the pole himself.
2º Find the perfect place for the scratching post
Locate your cat’s favorite spot to sharpen its nails or the piece of furniture it loves to scratch and place the scratching post right in this place for cats, in this way the next time you go to scratch this place, its smell will be impregnated in the scratching post. Your pet will use the cat scratching post little by little more and more as she will recognize its scent on it. In the case of the sofa, you can also apply this advice using something more specific such as sofa scratchers.
3º Reward him when he scratches the scratching post
Another very useful tip is to reward your cat friend when they scratch the cat scratching post, use it to sharpen their nails or even play with it. This positive reinforcement you must do immediately so that the cat associates it with the use of the cat scratching post.
As a prize you can use sweets, cuddles or anything else that you know he likes.
4º Place the scratching post in a quiet place
This is our last advice and one of the most important. By scratching, your cat is also stretching his muscles and releasing stress for what is a routine activity and for which he needs peace and quiet.
If your cat still does not know how to use the scratching post and does not pay much attention to it, it is possible that the cat scratching post you have chosen is not the appropriate one for your pet. You should keep in mind that there are many types of scratching posts for cats, depending on the size, quality, and materials, and you can also find models suitable for various kittens.
