Why Do Cats Scratch and How a Scratching Post Helps?
When I first adopted my cat, Bella, I was excited to bring her into my home and share my space with her. However, there was one small problem I didn’t anticipate: she loved scratching everything in sight. From the furniture to the curtains, Bella seemed to have a knack for finding every surface to scratch. Initially, I wasn’t too concerned—after all, I knew scratching was a natural behavior for cats. But when my beloved sofa started looking more like a shredded piece of fabric, I realized I had to do something about it.
Scratching is a completely natural and healthy behavior for cats. It's a way for them to mark territory, stretch their muscles, and keep their claws in good condition. However, when cats scratch furniture or other unwanted areas, it becomes a problem for pet owners. After researching and speaking with my vet, I realized that the key to managing Bella's scratching behavior was teaching her to use a scratching post. I was determined to find a way to help her satisfy this natural instinct without ruining my furniture, and in this article, I’ll share how I successfully trained Bella to use a scratching post—and how you can do the same for your cat.
1. Choosing the Right Scratching Post
The first step I took in training Bella was finding a scratching post that was both functional and appealing to her. Not all scratching posts are created equal, and it’s important to choose one that fits your cat’s preferences. Bella, for example, preferred vertical scratching surfaces, so I focused on tall scratching posts that she could stretch and scratch fully. Some cats may prefer horizontal posts or even flat scratchers, so it’s essential to observe what your cat likes best.
Material is another important consideration. Cats tend to prefer materials like sisal, carpet, and cardboard for scratching. I opted for a sisal-covered scratching post, as it’s durable and easy for Bella to grip. I also made sure to place the post in an area where Bella already liked to scratch, so she would be more likely to use it. Choosing a post that’s sturdy enough to handle her claws and large enough to give her a good stretch was key to ensuring its success in redirecting her scratching.
2. Placement of the Scratching Post
Where you place the scratching post is just as important as the type of post you choose. Initially, I made the mistake of placing the scratching post in a corner that Bella wasn’t very interested in. As a result, she would still scratch the edges of the sofa. After speaking with my vet, I learned that I needed to place the scratching post in a location that was more appealing to her—near where she already liked to scratch. Cats are creatures of habit, and if you place the post in an area they already frequent, they’re more likely to use it.
Another helpful tip I learned was to place the scratching post near furniture that your cat is likely to scratch, such as your couch or curtains. This way, when Bella went to scratch the furniture, she would be presented with an alternative. I also made sure that the post was easily accessible and visible to Bella, as cats are more likely to use something that’s in their line of sight and within easy reach.
3. Positive Reinforcement and Rewards
One of the most effective techniques I used to train Bella was positive reinforcement. Whenever she used the scratching post instead of the furniture, I would reward her with treats and praise. Bella responded well to this method, as she learned that scratching the post led to something positive. Each time she scratched the post, I would offer her a small treat or some extra attention to reinforce the behavior.
It’s important to be consistent with rewards. I made sure to reward Bella immediately after she scratched the post, so she could make the connection between the behavior and the reward. If you wait too long to give a reward, your cat may not understand why they’re being praised. This positive reinforcement approach not only helped Bella use the scratching post more but also strengthened our bond and made training more enjoyable for both of us.
4. Redirecting Unwanted Scratching Behavior
While Bella was getting better at using the scratching post, there were still moments when she would sneak in a scratch on the sofa or the curtains. I quickly realized that simply providing the scratching post wasn’t enough—sometimes, I had to intervene when I caught her scratching something inappropriate. When this happened, I would gently redirect her to the scratching post by guiding her there or using a toy to entice her to play near the post. This technique worked well to break the habit of scratching the furniture and helped her learn to associate scratching with the post rather than the sofa.
It’s also important to remain patient and consistent. At first, Bella didn’t fully grasp the idea that the scratching post was where she was supposed to scratch. However, by staying consistent in redirecting her behavior and reinforcing the right actions, she gradually learned where it was appropriate to scratch. Over time, I noticed that she began to seek out the scratching post on her own, and I could stop redirecting her so frequently.
5. Making the Scratching Post More Appealing
In the beginning, I found that Bella wasn’t as enthusiastic about the scratching post as I had hoped. To encourage her to use it more, I decided to make the post even more appealing. One trick that worked was sprinkling a little catnip on the post. Cats love catnip, and it instantly attracted Bella to the post. She began rubbing her face and body against it, making the scratching post even more enticing. Some scratching posts also come with toys attached, and Bella loved the ones with dangling feathers, which added an extra element of fun to her scratching sessions.
I also moved the scratching post to different areas of the house to keep things fresh and exciting. Changing the location helped renew Bella’s interest and gave her more options for where to scratch. Sometimes, moving the post to a spot she hadn’t explored before can spark her curiosity and encourage her to use it more frequently.
6. Using Deterrents for Furniture
While I was training Bella to use the scratching post, I also used deterrents to prevent her from scratching the furniture. I placed double-sided tape on the areas of the couch that Bella liked to scratch, as cats dislike the sticky feeling of the tape. This simple tactic helped her associate the unpleasant sensation with scratching the sofa, making her less likely to repeat the behavior. There are also sprays available that are safe for cats but have scents that deter scratching.
Over time, Bella began to avoid the areas with tape and instead focused her attention on the scratching post. While this method worked well for furniture, I also used it sparingly, so as not to cause any frustration. The goal was to create a balanced approach, where Bella was encouraged to use the post while minimizing unwanted scratching behavior.
7. Final Thoughts on Scratching Post Training
Training a cat to use a scratching post can take time and patience, but the results are worth it. By choosing the right scratching post, placing it strategically, using positive reinforcement, and being consistent, I was able to teach Bella to use the scratching post instead of my furniture. It took some trial and error, but with persistence, Bella now happily uses her scratching post, and my furniture is safe from damage.
If your cat is struggling with inappropriate scratching, remember that patience and consistency are key. Every cat is different, and it may take some time for them to fully grasp the concept of using the scratching post. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can help your cat develop better scratching habits and protect your home from damage.
