How to train a cat to a scratching post. So that furniture and wallpaper do not suffer

The desire to sharpen claws is not a whim or a behavioral flaw in your pet, but a real instinct. In nature, felines always sharpen their claws: the success of hunting and survival depend on the health and sharpness of the claws. 

Scolding and punishing a cat for its natural need is not only cruel, but also useless. The question should be put differently: how to accustom a cat to a specific place for grinding claws so that it does not spoil the wallpaper and furniture

In practice, everything is quite simple. The success of your venture will depend on your competent approach, patience and consistency.

If you have recently adopted a pet, and he has not yet become addicted to damaging wallpaper and furniture, be sure to purchase a post-claw post and install it in a place convenient for the kitten. Then watch his reaction. Many kittens and cats learn to use the scratching post on their own, while others stubbornly ignore it – and then they need help. For example, you can go for the following trick: during the game, tease your pet with a teaser and bring it to the scratching post. Trying to catch the teaser, the cat will lean on the scratching post or climb on it. 

Ideally, purchase not one scratching post, but several – of different shapes and from different materials. For example, a house may have one “post” scratching post, a corner wall-mounted scratching post, and a play track with a scratching post. The more special surfaces a cat has for grinding its claws, the less attention it will pay to wallpaper and an armchair.

You can apply a few drops of catnip to the scratching post. This scent is attractive to most cats.

If, against all precautions, you see that the cat again went to the door jamb or the back of the sofa with a clear goal, say sternly and loudly, “You can not!” and take it to the scratching post. Have you sharpened your nails properly? Praise and give treats. It is better to place the scratching post near the place where the cat usually tries to sharpen its claws. Don’t worry: after the cat learns to sharpen its claws where it should be, you can safely move the scratching post around the apartment. 

Most importantly, limit your pet’s access to favorite places for grinding claws. Try using special repellent sprays that are sold in pet stores. Just spray furniture or wallpaper: cats don’t like strong smells and are more likely to turn their attention to the scratching post. As an alternative to the spray, you can use ordinary orange or lemon peels: cats also do not like the smell of citrus.  

The smell does not deter all cats. Some continue to enjoy scratching their favorite joint, even if you have already poured a whole bottle of perfume on it. In this case, try to temporarily block access to the “dangerous territory” for the cat and at the same time accustom it to the scratching post. If for this it is enough just not to let the cat into the room, the problem has already been solved. If this is not possible, force the areas that the cat scratches with boxes or other objects, curtain with bubble wrap or foil. Don’t worry, this is a temporary measure. The main thing is to protect the “crime scene” from the cat and accustom it to the scratching post. After appreciating the new benefits, your pet is unlikely to remember that just a few days ago he was attracted to the chair.

If the cat continues to ignore the scratching post, it may be placed in an inconvenient location. Or perhaps the pet does not like the shape or material of the scratching post. Try to offer your pet a couple of different models or cover the existing scratching post with your cat’s “favorite” material: carpet, wallpaper, textiles.

I wish you success. Let the process of raising a pet be interesting and enjoyable for both parties!

Don’t forget positive reinforcement. If the cat has sharpened its claws where it should be, praise it, give it a treat. If you “missed” again – strictly say “you can not!”and take it to the scratching post. It is completely useless to punish a cat by other methods: she will not understand what you want from her, and from stress she will begin to play pranks even more.