Where to Put a Cat Scratching Post
Put a Cat Scratching Post
Cats scratch to shed their claw sheaths, mark their territory, and stretch their bodies and muscles. If you give them a designated area to scratch, they will often spare your furniture from their sharpening endeavors. To help them, provide a sturdy, attractive cat scratching post that you can train your cat to use.
Scratching posts are made from either wood or corrugated cardboard, and they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The important thing is that they are sturdy enough to withstand your cat’s full body weight when she leans against them. Posts covered in rough sisal are another popular option because they mimic the texture of tree bark which is a natural place for cats to scratch in nature. They do cost a bit more than disposable cardboard posts but they last for years and many cats find them very appealing.
Another consideration when choosing a cat scratching post is its height. Taller posts are usually preferred because they allow your cat to fully stretch when she scratches. They also tend to be more durable than shorter ones and they can easily be covered in carpet or catnip, making them even more tempting for your cat. If you have multiple cats, each should have a separate scratching post because they do not like to share.
Where to Put a Cat Scratching Post
The best location for a scratching post is near places where your cat already likes to scratch, such as the arms of a couch or the side of her favorite chair. Placing a post directly next to or on top of these surfaces eliminates any guesswork about what she will do. It also physically blocks access to the unwanted objects, which may help discourage her from scratching them further. Alternatively, you can put a post or pad right in front of the object she is scratching, then gradually move it away from the furniture, at a rate of an inch or two a day.
Posts and pads need to be stable as well, or your cat will not use them. Flimsy posts can fall over, injuring your cat or anyone else in the household. If you have a large breed of cat, such as a Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat, a standard-sized post might simply be too small for them to use comfortably without toppling it over.
Once your cat starts using the scratching post regularly, praise her every time she does. This will help to reinforce the behavior and make it a part of her routine. Rewarding her will also make it more likely that she continues to use the post instead of your furniture. As a bonus, your cat will probably start to associate stretching and scratching on the post with other pleasurable activities such as getting attention from you and petting. In no time, you will have successfully trained your cat to use the post and saved your furniture from a lot of unnecessary destruction.
