How to train an adult cat to the scratching post

The scratching post needed cat not for fun, as many people think. First of all, it is necessary for the health of the cat. The need for a scratching post is due to the need to remove the keratinized layer of claws and sharpen the claws. It is also a good way for the pet to mark territory. The cat's pads secrete special glands that remain in the place where the cat has been sharpening its claws. These glands are odorless and colorless, so they are not noticeable to humans, but another animal will smell it.

How to train a cat to the scratching post?

Cats are very cunning and capricious creatures. For example, if they liked the armrest of your new sofa, which is so convenient for sharpening claws, it will continue even after the appearance of a special scratching post in the house. At least, this is what happens to those owners who do not know how to train a cat to a scratching post. If you no longer want to sacrifice furniture, doorframes and wallpaper to your fluffy pet's habits, we have a few tricks that will help you retrain him.

Many cat owners, without realizing it, make the main mistake, which is to undo all the effort: you mustn't yell at him, hit him, or force him to use the scratching post.

• Harshness on your part is almost guaranteed to cause a backlash – the pet will tear up the furniture out of spite, and will definitely continue to do so while you're away.
• Attempts to teach the cat to the scratching post by force will never make the habit stick. Any training (and this case is no exception) will always cause positive emotions in the animal, which you will never get with this approach.

The scope of work

Sharpening claws is a physiological necessity for the cat, which you can't just take and forbid. It is necessary to find a compromise, that is, to give the animal an opportunity to do it comfortably and without damage to your belongings. This can be achieved by working on two fronts at once:

Both of these steps should be done at the same time, but for the sake of convenience, we will discuss them separately below.

You should also be prepared for the fact that the older the cat, the harder it is to change its habits. However, with proper attention and persistence on your part, even with pets of age, it is possible to find common ground.

How to train an adult cat to the scratching post?

When taking home an adult cat, people often do not think about the fact that it will sharpen its claws on the furniture and wallpaper. Faced with this problem, they wonder how to train the adult cat to the scratching post, and how realistic it is. In the experience of the Murkosha shelter, it's much more realistic and easy than in the case of kittens and very young kittens. After all, an adult animal has valuable life experience, which makes it easier to "negotiate" with him. And, of course, it is very important for the success of the event to choose the right model, to have patience and cat treats.

In the process of accustoming the adult cat or cat to the scratching post, the accessory itself plays an important role. It must meet a number of important criteria:

• Safety for health and absence of chemical odors. Some low-quality scratching post are made of toxic and/or very odorous materials. Another problem is poor workmanship of individual elements, which can traumatize the cat at the time of claw sharpening.
• Material. Pressed cardboard, carpeting, twine and other options are a matter of taste, so to speak. Every cat has its own preferences.
• Availability of different surfaces. When talking about an as yet unfamiliar cat or about an adult cat, it is impossible to say which option will be in demand – a post, a flat vertical, horizontal or inclined surface. Therefore, to begin with, a good option would be a board with a covering of the aforementioned materials, which can be fixed in different positions.
• The presence of additional "chips". It can be a "house" on top where cats climb to be alone, or a system of platforms for the cat to jump on, or toys on strings that will be nice to frolic with. This item is important if the cat is actively moving around during the day.

The cost of cat scratchers varies widely, so it is possible to choose the most suitable option for you and the cat.

How to train an adult cat or a mature cat to the scratching post

Accustoming an adult cat to the scratching post is different from accustoming a kitten. An adult cat may already have favorite places in the house where she sharpen her claws. You may also encounter a difficult nature of the animal, because it is much harder to retrain than to teach something new. A kitten, if you have just brought him into the house, does not yet have these places. Also, babies are very curious and playful, they like to explore new objects in the house and will get used to the scratching post faster.

7 quick ways to get used to the scratching post

1. The first thing an adult cat needs to do is to wean her off the old scratching post. You can do this with the help of special sprays, which can be bought at any pet store.
2. Choose the right place for the scratching post. Observe the pet, where it most often spends time, where it likes to sleep.
3. Find the "right" scratching post. Take a closer look at the cat, in which position he most often sharpen his claws. It may be a corner of the couch, then an upright scratching post will do. Or the cat likes the carpet, then choose a horizontal one.
4. Be sure to show the cat where you put the scratching post. Take her paw and move it around the scratcher to let her know what it is for.
5. Use a toy or a wrapper. Move the toy around the scratching post to make the cat interested in it, and then he might catch it with his paws and claw at the scratching post.
6. Some types of scratching post come with catnip. If it does not come with one, you can substitute valerian extract. Sprinkle some peppermint or sprinkle it on the place where the cat needs to sharpen his claws. The smell will get her attention, she will let her claws out and it's done!
7. If you have a tall, horizontal scratching post put a cat treat on the very top. She will have to climb up it, letting her claws out.

Be sure to praise the cat every time he starts sharpening his claws in the right spot! If the cat goes back to her old favorite spot, scold her, she should catch your menacing tone. Then sit the cat on the scratching post and repeat the steps above.

How to train the cat to the scratching post

It will be easier to train the cat to the scratching post if you listen to the following advice:

• Do not put the scratching post in an inconspicuous and inaccessible place. The cat will ignore it.
• Install several scratching posters in the apartment. Cats like to scratch furniture and walls in different places, so it is better to install accessories throughout the apartment – at least 1 in each room (living room, bedroom, kitchen, hallway). This ensures that the cat will have constant access to the scratching post, the interior will remain intact.
• How to teach the cat to scratch the scratching post? Place the accessory so that the pet always has access to them. Good places are near entrances and exits, by the window, in front of the object on which the cat prefers to sharpen his claws.
• Fix the scratching post in the position in which the cat likes to sharpen its claws. For example, if she often scratches vertical surfaces (table leg), buy a post. If she prefers horizontal surfaces, put a flat, slightly inclined board.
• Cats like to scratch their claws when they wake up, so place the post near where they sleep.

When you set up the scratching post, make the items your pet likes to scratch his claws on unattractive – cover with foil or double-sided tape. If you're afraid of damaging the covering, wrap the furniture in paper first. Cats don't like scratching foil and sticky surfaces, so through interest in the item will quickly wane. Spray upholstered furniture with citrus-scented repellent spray – cats don't like it.

How to train kittens to the scratching post

The baby should be taught to the scratching post through play, treats and praise. To interest the pet, decorate the device with balls, feathers, other light objects, with which it will play. While playing, the kitten will understand that it is convenient to sharpen claws on the accessory.

Always praise the kitten when he raises his paws to sharpen his claws on the object. Reward it with a favorite treat. This will form a positive attitude towards the claw bar, and after a while the cat will play with it on its own, without any encouragement.

If you notice that the kitten scratches the furniture, walls, wallpaper, clap your hands to attract its attention and interrupt the fun activity. Don't yell at him or physically punish him. Just pick it up and take it to the cradle. Make it clear that you want the baby to claw there.

How to train an adult cat

Adults are as smart as kittens, so it won't take longer to train them to the scratching post. Act as you would do with a kitten:

1. Bring the pet to the stand, in this case you can lead her paws on the upholstery of the scratching post.
2. If necessary, use additional motivation – play with it as a toy, moving a mouse or a feather on the surface.
3. It is possible, as in the case with the kitten, to rub the upholstery with catnip leaves, the main thing is not to overdo it, cats have a keen sense of smell and the pungent smell may scare them away.

Important! If the previous tips were ineffective, you can rub the surface of the rack with a rag that you stroked the cat with. The animal, smelling someone else's scent, will start to mark its territory using its claws. But you should remember that cats can do it in a different way. If there is urine on the scratching post the clean cat will most probably refuse to sharpen his claws on it.

What will help attract the cat to the scratching post

To attract the cat to the scratching post you have to teach it to sharpen its claws in the usual way, that is on the furniture, wallpaper and so on.

1. To discourage your pet from the couch or carpet will help a pungent citrus odor. Treat the favorite claw sharpening spots with lemon juice. This will discourage the animal from them for a long time.
2. Cats don't like polyethylenebecause its surface does not leave the slightest chance of getting their claws caught. And from bubble wrap the cat becomes frightened of it. Cellophane should be used to cover the furniture and places (wallpaper and doors) that the cat likes. Suitable for these purposes are double sided adhesive tapesold in pet stores. When the cat wants to sharpen its paws it will start to stick to the surface, and cats do not like this.
3. As mentioned earlier, attracting a cat can help The smell of catnip, toys, attached to the scratching post, as well as Encouragement with a treat With proper cat behavior.

All protected areas should be replaced with a scratching post. You can buy it in a specialized store or make it yourself. It is better to take or make a few and put them in their favorite places, and then start the process of accustoming them according to the above recommendations.

If you can't train your pet to the scratching post, you can try the following:

• changing the location of the stand, by moving it to the corner where the cat is used to do its "manicure";
• Put the pet's favorite toy on the stand (or better yet, put a bell or a rattle, as these things will make it more interesting for the cat);
• Treat the upholstery powder or catnip solution;
• Observe the cat and find out which surfaces he scratches most often: vertical or horizontal, and which material it is most interested in. This will help in choosing a scratching post.

Why the cat doesn't like the scratcher and what to do

How do you teach a cat that you do not like the scratching post? Take things slowly and steadily: Cats, like people, need time to form new habits.

You can help the family pet with praise, play and smells. Make pleasant associations with the scratching post and unpleasant ones with the wrong place.

Lavender, ginger, rosemary or lemongrass scents will help against cat scratches – they are absolutely disliked by whiskers. They can be used to treat scratched surfaces so that the only convenient option remains a purchased scratching post.

Always, regardless of whether you're busy or not, praise your pet with an affectionate voice, pet behind the ear, give her a treat as soon as she sharpened her claws properly.

For the "vicious evaders" of the scratching post use heavy artillery: catnip and valerian solution. Work them on the surface of the scratching post or try to put a tidbit on top – let the cat try to get to it, clawing and climbing up.

Accustoming the cat to the scratching post is not a war to be won at all costs, but a valuable skill that you will develop sooner or later. Play together with a feather or a favorite toy next to the accessory, put the cat's paw on the scratching post, show the example of another cat how the device works.

The older and taller the cat becomes, the faster he "grows out" of the old scratching post. Renew the accessory in time – then there will be no sudden rejections or vandalism of the furniture.

Detergents for better domestication

Smells and goodies motivate furry hunters like good prey. Here are a few ways to train an adult cat to a scratching post.

Rub dried catnip in your hands, put it in a cloth bag or a toy and fasten it to the scratcher. The delicate lemon aroma of this herb changes the cat's behavior.

Catnip tincture should be sprinkled very carefully and do not forget to dilute it with water. Dry collection can be poured over boiling water (300 ml per tablespoon) and cooled in a dark place. Apply it carefully, too: it leaves stains on fabrics. By the way, the smell of catnip is the best antidepressant for humans.

The active substance actinidin (catnip antidepressant) is also contained in the familiar valerian. Try this herb or its analogues. There is a theory that the smell of the plant is similar to that of adults ready to mate. This may be why kittens under five months old and neutered cats are almost indifferent to valerian.

Look for ready-made solutions at the pet store, but beware of low-quality products. It can cause allergies in pets. There are several types of products available at drugstores to help scare away or attract your pet.

Nature's and Beaphar "Stop it Cat" sprays deter adult cats and eliminate urine and claw mark odors.

Homemade dry herbal mixtures with valerian in their composition are great for attracting animals.

Owners know their pets better and intuitively know how much to spray on the scratching post. Usually one or two squeezes are enough to make the cat smell and run to get to know the scratching post better.

How to train the kitten to the scratching post

You need to teach your baby to the scratching post as early as possible. Every kitten is a baby, so it is easier to learn new skills through play activities.

1. To begin with attracting the kitten's attention to the scratching post. To do this, periodically play near it.
2. In the process of play activity the pet will sooner or later embrace the scratching post with its paws. Once this has happened, you must make him understand the purpose of the object.
3. you can use your own example to scratch the scratching post lightly with your own nails. Kittens are smart, and gradually the baby will understand what is wanted from him.

Important: The more often you play with the scratching post, the more quickly the kitten will get used to it.

Do not take your furry friend by the paws and scratch the scratching post – the kitten may not understand what you want from him, and get serious stress.

How to train an adult cat to the scratching post

It is not easy to teach an adult cat to scratch the scratching post. The character of the pet is already formed, and it will be difficult to give up the bad habit of spoiling the furniture. But it is possible. This process will take about 1-2 weeks.

It is possible to accustom the cat to the scratching post quickly. Here are a few ways:

1. If the pet is young and still likes to play, you can use the same method as for a kitten. To start with – get her interested. You can attract attention by playing near the scratching post. As soon as the cat latches on the surface, praise it.
2. An older pet can be placed on top of the scratching post. The animal will reflexively release its claws and leave its scent on it. Gradually the cat will start to use the scratching post for its intended purpose.
3. you can put the cat's favorite treat on top of the of the scratching post .. She will try to get it, climbing on the post, at the same time she will understand that it is convenient to "manicure" the scratching post.

How to train the kitten to the scratching post

A kitten taken from a cattery, as a rule, already at 1 – 2 months knows where you can sharpen the claws. The mother cat teaches him this. If the buyer sees no claw sharpening area when visiting the kennel, he should already conclude that there may be a problem. If the pet has not learned to sharpen its claws at an early age, it will do so anywhere in the future. In this case, the owner himself will have to teach the new friend good manners.

Kittens accept training well. However, the owner will have to show more than once where the baby should exercise. Start training as soon as the kitten got into the house, so he did not have time to settle on the couch or the doorjamb.

If possible, it is better to spend 2-3 days together with the kitten to control his behavior.

• Buy a scratching post with a toy. His claws will unwittingly claw at the surface while playing.
• Take the kitty in your arms and guide his paws over the product to sharpen the claws. This will leave secretions from the cat's glands on the surface. Marking the object in this way once, the cat will perceive it as its property, and will definitely approach it the second time.
• Bring the kitten to a post, a board, gently place its front paws on the surface. If the pet will not release the claws itself, you need to lightly press his paws with your hand. When the claws appear, hook them on the upholstery. After each successful training, encourage with a treat and praise.
• Use of attractants. Pets love the smell of catnip.

How to train an adult cat to the scratching post

A cat after 1 year (when it is considered an adult) has developed character and habits. It is difficult to teach an adult cat to use a scratching post.

It is recommended to begin with a corner design, because cats prefer to sharpen their claws on the corners.

The main way is to interest the cat. A mint scented spray (catnip) shows good results. The smell may attract the cat to the right place. The main thing is to know the measure. In large quantities catnip causes overexcitement in cats.

At the same time, if the pet is already fond of the wallpaper or sofa, it can be discouraged from this or a special spray or citrus scent. Cats do not like this smell. It is allowed to use forbidding phrases like "no", "you can't", "eww", clap your hands, threaten with your finger and then take it to the scratching post. No hitting or punishment is allowed. Each independent approach to the claw should be accompanied by encouragement. For treats and petting the cat will approach the object more often.

For a cat that likes active games, it is better to choose a scratching post with toys attached to it. While playing the pet will claw at the upholstery and over time he will get used to sharpening his claw plates in this way.

If the methods above do not help, you can try to bring home someone else's scratching post. The cat will chew on the new object to get rid of the smell.

Teach it with a clicker

You can train a cat to the scratching post with a clicker and a treat. This type of training is called clicker training. A clicker is a keychain, when you press it, a characteristic sound is emitted. Each click the animal associates with a reward (for some it is a treat, for others it is a caress).

At first, the cat is taught that click = reward, i.e. you have to give a tasty treat immediately after clicking. If there is no clicker, the sound can be replaced by clicking of the tongue.

It is necessary to take a treat, invite the cat to the claw. Raise your hand with a piece of treat so that the pet has to reach for it, but not reach for it. When the pet leans its paws on the post, click and give the treat. The moment the claws unhook, click again, then give the treat. If the pet misses the post, don't click. The cat should try to make sure the owner clicks and gives a treat.

A good scratching post, but the wrong one

You may have made a mistake and purchased the wrong thing. There are several important factors to consider when buying a device:

– The behavioral habits of the animal. For a cat that likes to sharpen its claws on the floor it is better to get a horizontal scratching post in the form of a wave, a plank or a springboard. If the cat prefers to scratch the walls or furniture, then a vertical scratching post in the form of a post, a house or a mat will suit him.

– The size of the device. This is probably the most important criterion to pay attention to when choosing a scratcher. It should be considerably larger than the cat.

– The nature of the cat. A lively cat will like a scratching post with a built-in toy or a special entertainment complex. And a lazybones will like a device with a house or a hammock.

– Another important parameter – the stability of the device. The scratching post should not wiggle or stagger. Otherwise the animal jumping on it may get frightened or hurt.

How to prevent unwanted behavior?

If you see your pet wanting to sharpen his claws in the wrong place let him know he is doing something wrong. Avoid physical reprimands. A mild scare with a loud noise should do the trick.

Using a scratcher, the pet may occasionally scratch other objects as well. If you want to avoid this, take the following measures:

– Treat furniture, carpets, walls with a special spray or solution that can be easily prepared at home. Take some water, add a few drops of mandarin, orange, lemon or eucalyptus scented essential oil.

– Buy several scratching posts and place them in different parts of the apartment.

– Stick stick sticky tape or double sided tape on sofas, chairs and chairs.

Getting used to the scratching post is a long process. So be patient. And believe me, it will surely be rewarded.