How to teach a cat to use a scratching post: tips for preserving the interior of the apartment
Cats have a natural need to sharpen their claws to remove dead skin and keep them in good condition.
But often owners suffer from the fact that their pets use furniture and carpets as scratching posts.
Fortunately, you can train your cat to sharpen its claws on special objects and thus preserve your interior.
First of all, you need to buy a scratching post and install it in a place convenient for the cat. It should be a quiet place where it wants to come of its own free will.
It is better to place the scratching post near the places the cat frequently visits - near the food bowl, near the favorite place to sleep.
Also, when choosing a scratching post, it is worth considering the preferences of a particular cat. For example, some like to sharpen their claws on vertical surfaces, others - on horizontal ones.
The material also matters: some people prefer wood, cardboard or sisal, while others will choose soft felt. Observe your pet's habits and buy a scratching post of the appropriate type.
Once the scratching post is installed, you need to train your cat to use it. At first, just play with the animal near this object to attract its interest. Then you can put a treat on the scratching post so that the cat associates it with pleasant sensations.
When your cat starts to show curiosity about the scratching post and approach it, you can gently take its paw and lightly run its claws over the surface, imitating the process of scratching.
Don't scratch the material too much, just show how to do it. Then gently reward the cat with a treat.
Repeat this training regularly, and gradually the animal will begin to use the scratching post independently. When the cat shows initiative and uses it without prompting, be sure to praise it or give it a treat.
However, at the initial stage of training, the cat may still scratch unnecessary objects. To wean it from this, use the following methods:
- Place double-sided tape, sticky side up, on surfaces your cat scratches. Your cat won't like the feeling on her paws and will stop scratching there.
- Direct your cat to the scratching post when you see that it is about to scratch the furniture. Pick it up, carry it to the desired place and gently run its paw over the surface.
- Every time you notice your cat scratching in the wrong place, clap your hands loudly to distract her. Then point her to the scratching post and praise her when she uses it.
So, with patience and consistency, you can ensure that your cat uses only a special item for sharpening its claws. This will save your furniture and make living together with your pet much more comfortable.
Once your cat learns to use the scratching post regularly, it doesn't mean you can leave it unattended. It's important to continue monitoring your pet's behavior and reinforcing the desired skill.
First, check the scratching post periodically and renew or replace it as it wears out. If the material becomes too worn, it will be uncomfortable for your cat to sharpen its claws on.
Secondly, change the location of the scratching post every few weeks. This will prevent your cat from getting used to one fixed place and will encourage her to use the scratching post rather than a specific point in space.
Third, continue to reward your cat with treats or a toy every time it uses the scratching post. This will reinforce the desired behavior. Also, play with your cat regularly near the scratching post so that this place becomes associated with positive emotions.
Fourthly, if you notice that your cat has started scratching the furniture again, immediately redirect it to the scratching post. This behavior should not be ignored.
And finally, if you need to leave the house for a long time, it is better to isolate the cat in a separate room to eliminate the possibility of damaging the furniture in your absence.
By following these tips, over time you can ensure that the instinct to sharpen claws is directed exclusively at the scratching post. This means that you can enjoy the company of your pet without worrying about the integrity of your property.
Previously, we listed other unusual animals that you can keep at home.
