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How to make your
cat scratch
the scratching post
Cats scratch to smooth out the
rings of their claws, which have gradually frayed. Scratching
is also an instinctive method of marking a territory. Each
scratch leaves secretion from theglands of the cat's feet -
a scent that
gets other cats attention. See Why
cats scratch
Cats naturally claw trees and
prominent objects in their territory. If they are not provided
with an adequate surface in the house, they will choose their
own. Therefore it is important to provide your cat with a
cat scratching post, which she can use for playing and
scratching.
What cat scratching post
to choose for your cat?
The ideal scratching
surface can vary between cats - from a simply carpet covered
to the more exotic sisal rope or artificial surface coverings.
The cat scratching post may be tall, short, round, with
horizontal or vertical surfaces. But if you want to your cat
to scratch the cat scratching post you should consider the
next rules:
- For best results, the cat scratching post should be tall enough for your
cat to stretch to her full height when scratching. A post should be as high
as your cat is when she is fully stretched out, plus a few inches more.
- The good cat scratching post
must have a sturdy base, which will ensure stability. Sturdiness
is an important quality since the cat often presses its bodyweight
onto the post to get a good scratch. If the cat feels insecure
or unsteady on the cat scratching post, she simply won't use
it.
- Take a cat scratching post
that provides combination of different covered surfaces. Carpeting
is not always a feline's favorite scratching material, and
it may not be such a great idea to train your cat to scratch
on the carpet, since she may have trouble telling acceptable
carpet from the carpet covering your floors. On the other side
is the sisal rope, which is durable, inexpensive, attractive
to cats, and lasts longer than carpet.
- The post should also be wide
enough for your cat to sit on top and look at her surroundings.
- Natural bark and stripped tree
trunks are also good choices. Just be sure the bark is bug-free
and the trunks are not chemically treated.
Some great cat trees with lots of clawing surfaces
and places to relax. They will keep your cats from
scratching your home furniture.
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How to make your cat
to scratch her scratching post?
If your cat is unaccustomed to
her cat scratching post you may need to help train your cat
to choose the post rather than your furniture. There are four
key aspects that will help achieve a positive result with scratching
posts:
- Whether a new kitten or an
older cat that is new to your home starting a scratch-post
training before a problem arises makes sense. It is easier
to establish
good habits rather than try to correct the problems later.
- Help show your cat how to scratch.
Actually go through the scratching motion yourself while your
cat is watching. Don't try to physically force your cat to
scratch by holding her paws. She will resist and even dislike
the post. The most effective method of teaching your cat to
use her post is through lures and rewards. Once your cat understands
that scratching and climbing her post is fun, reward her
and gain your enthusiastic approval.
- Make the post a fun place to
be by placing toys on or around it, or rubbing it with catnip.
If your cat likes catnip, rub some into the rope so that the
cat can smell that wonderful smell. Once your cat has smelled
the catnip scratch your nails, gently, along the surface of
the rope. This will help teach your cat where to scratch.
- Most cats scratch immediately
after waking while stretching themselves. Keep the
scratching post nearby to where your cat likes to sleep, and
as soon as your cat wakes up from a nap, call her to her post.
- Put it where it will be used.Place
the cat scratching post near a sunny window or a draft-free
corner where your cat likes to spend time, or in front of a
frequently
scratched piece of furniture.
- Spray your cat with water every
time your cat scratches the wrong place. See 13
ways to save your furniture from cat scratching
- Don't replace the surface just
because it's badly shredded that's the effect the cat is trying
to achieve and after all it is her scratching post.
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