How to Get Your Cat to Use His Scratching Post

We all know cats have claws and that they all need to scratch. Some cats are really good at picking up on the fact that they should scratch only on their scratching post, but others, well, they could use some enlightening! There are only three major steps involved in teaching cats, even stubborn ones, to only use their scratching post when they feel the need to stretch and scratch.

Step 1: Caught In The Act

CAT BREEDERS

The first step, and this is the most critical step, is to catch your cat in the act! The second you see your cat start to make the motions of scratching on something inappropriate, give him a firm No!. You have to be serious when you say that! Cats are very smart and they, like kids, know how to manipulate and they know when you do not really mean what you say. So, mean it and feel it! When you give the firm No!, try and make eye contact with your cat and give him a very stern look! If that does not work, you can try a spray with a water bottle or shaking a can with some pennies inside.

Step 2: Redirect Your Cat's Energy

Once your cat stops, entice him over to his scratching post and show him what he is supposed to do. That's right, get down to his level and start scratching the post yourself! This may feel funny, but your cat will appreciate it because he will understand what you are showing him. Some suggest that you physically move your cat over to the scratching post, but if you think about it, it does not teach your cat that he needs to move himself over to his post when he feels the urge to scratch. By encouraging him to come over to his scratching post, it teaches him that when he wants to scratch, he should make his way over to his post instead of waiting for you to come pick him up and plop him next to his post.

Step 3: Praise, Praise, and Praise

Cats, like kids, thrive when they know that they are doing what you want of them. And the best way of showing them that they are doing the right thing is to give them praise when they do something right. Once you feel that you have praised enough, praise some more, and then finish off with some more praise. Your cat will reciprocate by doing more of that is required of him. And you will feel good that you have taught your cat to be a model pet!

How to Get Your Cat to Use His Scratching Post

The author's cat, Mickey, has a review of the Ultimate Sisal Scratching Post that any cat will love. Read Mickey's review by following this link: http://www.squidoo.com/sisalcatscratchingpost

Amy Yang, the author also has a blog featuring the best cat products she has come across. View the products at her blog by following this link: http://bestcatcareproducts.blogspot.com/

CAT BREEDERS

Get Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post

For many proud cat owners, having a cat is wonderful. Being a cat owner is growing in popularity because it is often hard for someone to own a dog in an apartment. Most landlords are dead set against allowing a dog into their house for the fear of damage to the property. However, cats enjoy scratching and digging their claws into things. It is important, especially if you do not own your home, that you teach your cat to scratch in an you to appropriate area.

The best way for keep your furniture in good condition and free of claw marks from your cat is to provide a scratch post. This will give your furry friend a way to safely mark his or her territory and stretch, without damaging your belongings. Don't be misled into thinking a scratching post needs to be costly.

CAT BREEDERS

You can make a simple scratch post to match some of the more expensive ones in stores. The most important thing about a scratching post is the safety factor. If you are building a tower scratching post, obviously you want to be sure it can stand up to your cat pouncing on it and clawing at it.

Once you have built or bought the scratching post, you are gong to have to teach your furry friend how to use it. This might seem a little funny, especially if your cat already scratches at your furniture. To show him or her the appropriate place to claw, you will need to do a few things.

First, you will need to find a good location for the new scratch post to be put. Keep in mind, if you want the post to be used by your cat, it will need to be accessible at all times. If you have already established a favorite location for your cat to scratch, try to put the new post as close to this spot as possible. Close to a common sleeping area for the cat is ideal.

Next, you are gong to need to entice your cat to use the scratching post. To do this, you can rub catnip all over it. The scent will spark your fur balls curiosity. Soon after he or she shows interest, the scratching should begin. If your cat is not fond of catnip, you can put some other treats on top of the post and get the same outcome.

For the first week or so, every time you notice your cat is using the post, be sure to positively reinforce the behavior. Give him or her a treat, and verbally praise him or her. A quick stroke is also a great way for you to show your cat that the behavior is acceptable to you.

If you notice that your cat is still using your furniture as a scratching post, you will need to modify this behavior. One way to do this is to sharply and firmly say 'scratch' as you are redirecting your cat towards the acceptable scratching post. If this does not seem to work, you can use a spray bottle. Putting the bottle on mist, one squirt should do the trick. Your cat should take off running away from the unacceptable location. As soon as he or she goes back to your furniture, again squirt once and firmly say 'scratch' as you are pointing in the appropriate location.

Get Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post

Jasmine Tupniak

For more information on kitten and cat care, visit My Kitty Care Site [http://www.mykittycaresite.com]

CAT BREEDERS

How to Make a Scratching Pole For a Cat?

Is your cat scratching up your furniture and curtains leaving them in ruins? Before you throw the cat out, or in desperation, consider making a simple scratching pole. If you can make a scratching pole that your cat prefers over anything else, you may solve your problem and save your furniture and curtains from further destruction. It is actually quite easy to make a scratching pole for a cat.

cat eye sunglasses

Here is a list of the supplies needed:

CAT

One cedar post of 30" tall and at least 4" in diameter
A bundle of no oiled sisal rope measuring a /12" wide
A piece of 3/4" plywood to make the base sturdy
Four ¾" 16d coated sinker nails

Before beginning you will want to make sure your post is dry so that there will not be any shrinking of the post after the sisal is wrapped on. To make the post you might want to wear a pair of work gloves when you wrap the sisal around the post. To start you will want to nail the beginning of your rope all the way around the top of the post. Then you wind the rope around and around and around the post very tightly so that there is no air space between the pieces of rope. This process will take you all the way down to the bottom; once again nail the end of your rope all the way around the bottom of the post. Next you will want to nail the base on to the post, use about four nails and pound them through the bottom of the plywood base and into the bottom of the post. You now have a cat approved scratching post.

Next you have to trains your cat to play with the post. To introduce the post to your cat you may want to use catnip as a lure for older cats. Rub the catnip right into the rope so that the cat can smell that wonderful smell. Once you cat has smelled the catnip scratch your nails, gently, along the surface of the rope. This will help teach your cat where to scratch. Once your cat begins to scratch, praise your cat, and tell them what a good cat they are. You could also reward your cat with a food treat, cats love treats.

This post can help save your furniture, if your cat is using a certain corner of the couch for a scratching post start out your new post right by the corner of the couch. Cover that corner of the couch with double-sided sticky tape that is completely unattractive to your cat (the tape can easily be removed for entertaining company). This will repel your cat away from your couch and right there is a post that they will lover.

How to Make a Scratching Pole For a Cat?

Cats have been my favorite pet since small and I have watched their behaviour and studied them well. I like to share some information about Cat here, to read more visit cats grooming

CAT