How can I get my cat to start using her scratching post and her cat bed?
I adopted the cat a few days ago and the scratching post and cat bed are new additions.
If you want your cat to want to use the cat bed she needs to see it as a happy and safe place. Make it a point to call your new friend over to the bed and pet, brush (if she likes to be brushed), and give lots of positive attention as she rubs on the bed. Soon she will nothing but warm fuzzies when she sees her new bed. Make sure the bed is comfy and has all the softness that kitties crave.
For the scratching post, I’d suggest a different approach. Use the scratching post as a place to play. Take whatever toy you like….wand toy, string, whatever….and pull it slowly over the scratching post until your cat attacks. Spend lots of play time at the post and your cat will soon see it as a fabulous fun spot.
Good luck!
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:11 am
scratching post : put her near it , take her arms and scratch the post with her paws.
bed: whenever shes about to fall to sleep place her in the bed
References :
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:34 am
When I caught my cats scratching where they shouldn’t I gave a loud one word shout like "no!" Then picked the cat up, brought it to the scratching post, took its paws and putting her paws on the post (claws extended) dragged the paws downward, making sure the claws would catch. Repeat this action several times while saying something like "good kitty, good kitty." I only had to do this two times – once for both cats. Cats are quick learners.
As to the cat bed, my experience has been, cats will sleep where ever they want.
All the Best
References :
I am the human to two spayed, rescure females.
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:56 am
One word – catnip. I sprinkled some inside my cat’s new bed and now she can’t get enough of it. Catnip never fails!
References :
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:32 am
If you want your cat to want to use the cat bed she needs to see it as a happy and safe place. Make it a point to call your new friend over to the bed and pet, brush (if she likes to be brushed), and give lots of positive attention as she rubs on the bed. Soon she will nothing but warm fuzzies when she sees her new bed. Make sure the bed is comfy and has all the softness that kitties crave.
For the scratching post, I’d suggest a different approach. Use the scratching post as a place to play. Take whatever toy you like….wand toy, string, whatever….and pull it slowly over the scratching post until your cat attacks. Spend lots of play time at the post and your cat will soon see it as a fabulous fun spot.
Good luck!
References :
Years of living with felines.