Tag Archives: scratching post

How do I get my cat to use the scratching post?

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I just bought my cat a scratching post, but I don’t think he knows what it is yet. He just kinda sniffs it, then scratches my computer chair again. How do I get him to learn to scratch the post?

(I don’t particularly mind that he scratches the chair, because that’s the only furniture he scratches and it’s already beat up. I just want him to know that the post is there for him to scratch, too!)

The fastest and easiest way to get a cat to use a new post is to play with a toy around the post. When he goes to grab the toy (use an interactive toy that has a long reach to protect your hands) his claws go into the scratching post.

Some posts have carpeting that has too thick a pile and cats cannot get their claws into it. Some scratching posts are put too far out of the way and cats ignore it. It helps to put it where the chair is or right next to the chair. You can move it later after he has started using it.

If your cat like catnip, rather than use the herb loose or soaking it in a spray, you can put some into the toe of a long sock and tie the top of the sock very tightly around the post with a sturdy knot. This helps prevent the herb from falling onto the floor and encouraging your cat to scratch the carpeting instead.

Cat Training Tips : How to Train a Cat to Scratch a Post

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Training a cat to scratch on a post instead of the furniture involves making the new scratching post a positive and hospitable area. Incorporate treats and fun toys near the new scratching post with help from a professional pet behavior consultant in this free video on cat training.

Expert: Alyssa B. Ward
Contact: www.friendlypettraining.com
Bio: Alyssa B. Ward is a professional pet behavior consultant, solving cat and dog behavior problems including aggression, anxiety, fears and phobias within the comfort of people’s homes.
Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Duration : 0:2:28

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Is it enough to use a cat tree as a scratching post?

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You know how all cat trees/condos come with scratching posts as the stands. Is it enough to use those scratching posts that come with a cat tree as your cats main scratching posts or would they need a stand-alone scratching post like the purrrfect post or the smartcat ultimate scratching post.

I think it doesn’t really matter whether they are stand-alone posts or part of cat trees, as long they are sturdy, covered with a surface the cats like to scratch, and you have at least one that is tall AND sturdy enough for cats to get a good stretch.
. I have one cat furniture item that includes a slanted part covered with sisal rope, and it gets a lot of use.
I also have the Ultimate Scratching Post and that is very popular here — one good thing about it is that it’s tall enough so that my long-bodied, long-legged cats can get a good stretch. Some of the large cat trees are also made with some very tall posts that would serve the same purpose. as long as it is covered in a material the cats like to scratch.
If I had like one of the really big long Maine Coon boys, I’d get one of those gigantic posts from the people who make the Purrfect Post.

I also have a cheap doormat made of rough material, used by one of my cats who likes to scratch horizontal surfaces.

For best results, one should provide several "approved scratching surfaces" in different areas of the house, and at least some of them should be in busy common areas along paths the cat(s) usually travel through the home, since part of the reason for scratching is marking territory, and wild cats and feral domestic cats scratch trees etc. along common pathways.

Is there any way to stop a cat from scratching furniture?

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Our cat scratches EVERYTHING — the sofa, seat cushions, and even the carpet. But most disconcertingly, the cat scratches our new black, wooden bed frame. We provide her plenty of playtime, lots of "good" attention, and a designated scratching post (which she knows is hers), but she won’t stop. What’s the best way to get her to stop scratching up the furniture? If not everything, what’s the best way to get her to stop scratching the bedpost? Are there any "repellant" products you’ve used that are most effective?
Links appreciated.

Thanks.

We didn’t want to declaw our housecats and had the same problem, especially with the "baby". I put small strips of clear wide strapping/packaging tape over all the places where she/they were scratching. It didn’t hurt the furniture and eventually broke the habit. I also put a little piece of the tape, sticky side up on dining room chairs, etc where I didn’t want them jumping up and sitting. When we left the house overnight, I stacked sofa pillows at all the logical scratching places which made it impossible to scratch the furniture. They finally relented and started using the scratching posts which have sisal rope wrapped on them…the only ones that have every worked and we make sure they are secure from tipping by having them braced against a wall. We have three cats and one doesn’t like the posts because one tipped over when she used it, but she uses those flat mats with sisal on them from the pet store.

How to attract my cat to scratching post again?

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So the scratching post that I set up for my cat fell on her while she was scratching because my dad was moving around and he accidentally pushed it over. Now my cat’s ignoring that post. How do I get her to scratch on it again?

One simple answer:
FRESH catnip. (If possible)

Take the fresh catnip and rub it hard on the scratching post so the juices stay in the post itself.
good luck! :)

Where can I find a good, cheap cat tree/ cat condo?

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I am getting a cat soon and I would like to know where I can find a cheap playhouse/scratching post. She will be an indoor only cat (with the exception of being on a leash outside) so I need to provide her with plenty of stimulation, scratching posts, toys, and safe things to climb on. Where can I find or make these things for cheap?

PetEdge and Drs. Foster Smith online both have some really cute cat trees that are well priced. Shipping’s a bit high but they still end up being substantially cheaper than buying one at PetSmart or Petco whose prices are pretty ridiculous.

I have four cats and I don’t have a cat tree. I have two scratching posts and a couple of sisal scratchers that hang on door knobs. So you don’t necessarily have to get them the big tree to scratch on. Those take up a lot of space.

For anyone who owns Maine coons or large cat breeds..where do you buy there scratching posts and beds?

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I cant find a scratching post that is a good size ( the levels are narrow ) and i dont want to have to buy dog stuff as they have bone designs all over it.even large cats deserve some style.
Is there a website for larger cats??? for beds and dishes ect
Toys are also an issue.. even old toilet rolls dont stand a chance with big strong paws.
Can anyone help?

www.Armarkat.com for kitty condos and posts. These are very sturdy and come in every shape and size imaginable. The prices are good and they have free shipping in the US. I have some big cats and they all fit nicely on theirs. For toys, try sisal balls available at most pet stores. I couldn’t find any specialized suppliers for large cats. I suggest getting some plain bowls and beds and maybe putting on some stickers or appliques yourself. They’ll be more personal that way.

How do I stop my cat from scratching furniture?

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My cat is an obsessive couch scratcher. I’ve tried a scratch repellent spray, I bought him a scratching post and he won’t even use it. Nothing’s worked so far. He just keeps doing it. I would really be open to any ideas you might have, he’s starting to ruin my furniture.
I tried to softpaws too when he was a baby, but now that he’s bigger, it’s almost impossible to hold him down to put them on or to clip his claws. Even with two people. He screams like we’re torturing him.

Try putting double-sided tape on the corners of the sofa for awhile. Cats hate that texture and he will probably stop. Try different textured scratching materials. You’re bound to find one he likes. When he goes for the sofa, immediately remove him to a scratching post. You can also try Soft Paws nail caps to make the scratching less destructive. Here’s an article on effective, humane scratching solutions.

http://www.pawsneedclaws.com/Cat_Scratching_Solutions.php

Housebreaking Your Cat

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Your new cat’s first few weeks in your home is a critical time. You will be laying the groundwork for your new relationship. Remember that cats are similar to people in a way that first impressions are important. If this is your first cat, get ready for one of life’s great pleasures. Cats are great! But they can be problems if you go against their nature.

Housebreaking a cat is different than housebreaking a dog. Dogs need to be trained to go to the “bathroom” which is outside the house. From age one month, cats naturally use the litter box. Housebreaking a cat means to teach him to use the scratching post and to develop a bond with people.

Confinement is a necessary part of housebreaking a cat. Use a bathroom if you can. It should be large enough to have the litter box at least four feet or so from a clean area for his bed, food, water and scratching post. If you cannot use a bathroom, cover any furniture so the only thing he can scratch is the scratching post. If there is a window, make sure that he cannot get out and it is not leaking cold drafts.

Bring the cat home in a carrier. Your new cat may be scared and intimidated by the new situation. Then again, maybe he will be out happily exploring the house on the first day. Whatever the case, you do not want to give any cat more than he can handle. To be safe, take him directly to his confinement room or nursery and close the door. It is a good idea to have a wet meal that is canned, homemade or cooked food, ready before you let him out of his carrier. Keep in mind that first impressions are important.

Have only one person in the room when the cat is first allowed outside the carrier. Another person may overwhelm him, at least during the first hour. When opening the carrier door, speak very gently and encouragingly. Be friendly and sensitive. If he walks towards you, say encouraging words and his name with pride and joy. To help him get acquainted with the surroundings, show him the wet meal and the litter box. If he runs and hides, do not use his name or say much until he is more relaxed.

Keep his first day as positive, gentle and quiet as possible by limiting the number of visitors. If possible, sit with him through wet meals and for a half hour to an hour before leaving him alone in his room. By then he will probably want to nap. Keep a radio on low volume and provide a night light when it is dark to keep him company.

Until your new cat sees a vet, wash your hands after you pet him and before you handle other pets. If you have other cats, be sure to give them extra attention during the first month or so of the new arrival so they do not get jealous. Place the empty cat carrier in a room where your other cats can check it out. This will acquaint them with the smell of the new cat.

how do you make a cat scratching post?

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i want to make one for my cat, as i think it will be cheaper than buying one. does anyone have any easy to follow instructions? and what is the best material to use? wood? carpet? rope?

not cool tact02.
you assume i cant afford to buy one new……ever thought it might be more fun to make one??
you could even choose specific materials to match your home.
stop wasting my time by posting ridiculous and immature answers.

Decide on the measurements of the post before beginning. The post must be stable, for if it tips easily, Kitty may find it to be unsuitable for continued use. The model in the picture measures 28" tall, and the base is about 18" by 12". The post needs to be, at minimum, the length of Kitty plus a couple of inches for her stretch.
Use a 4×4 post or 2-2×4 pieces attached together, and cut to the length needed. Set this aside for a moment.
The base on this model has two layers. The first layer is made by setting 3-12" sections of 2×6 side by side. Cut 2 sections of 2×6 to match the width of the first layer (16.5" as 2×6 are in truth 1.5" by 5.5"). Place these 2 sections of the second layer on top of and parallel to the first layer. Attach the top layer to the bottom with wood screws. This makes for a heavy and stable base.
Cover the base with your scratch material, something along the lines of Berber carpet or AstroTurf. Natural rope, like sisal, is nice, but takes a while to wrap tightly. A manual staple gun is perfect for this project, but roofing nails and flat tacks are also good choices.
Place the post in the center of the base. Attach the post to the base by using one screw on each face of the post.
Cover the post with your scratch material, and attach as described for the base.
Attach a favorite toy, or something dangly and irresistable, to the top to entice Kitty to get to know the new post.
Now, if you want a double-fun, and double-duty scratching post, attach some old brush heads or something similar about Cat’s Eye level on the post. These are perfect for some awesome Feline Facials!