How to Train Your Kitten to Use a Scratching Post
The moment your excited kitten extends her claws and attempts to scale your leg is often the first sign that she’s ready to scratch. While those needle-sharp claws make for an unpleasant introduction, it’s important not to react harshly. Scratching is a natural feline instinct. The key is redirecting those urges onto appropriate scratching surfaces. With the right tools and techniques, you can successfully train your kitten to keep her claws off your furniture.
Preparing the Purr-fect Scratching Post
To entice your kitten, the scratching post must cater to her preferences. Consider the following when selecting scratching posts:
Vertical vs. Horizontal Scratching
Observe whether your kitten tries scratching vertically on furniture legs or horizontally on cushions. Provide posts in her preferred orientation. Both styles are ideal.
Different Textures
Try sisal-covered posts along with cardboard and wood varieties to determine which textures appeal most to your kitten.
Stability
Ensure posts are heavy and sturdy enough not to tip over when scratched. Wall-mounted posts work well.
Height and Size
Posts should be tall enough for your kitten to fully stretch and long enough for her to scratch without hanging over the edges.
Place scratching posts strategically around your home near furniture your kitten already tries scratching. Make them easily accessible in areas she frequents like under the bed or in closets. Have multiple posts so she always has an appealing option within scratching distance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Training with Positive Reinforcement
Here is a positive, reward-based method to train your kitten to use her posts:
Praise and Treat
When you catch your kitten using her post, immediately praise her enthusiastically and give treats. This positive reinforcement connects her scratching to something good.
Avoid Scolding
Yelling, spraying water, or other punishments for scratching furniture will only make her afraid and anxious. She doesn't understand she's doing wrong.
Encourage Natural Instincts
Play with your kitten using toys that tap into her primal scratching instincts. Feather wands and toy mice on strings are ideal for this.
Pheromones
Rub or lightly scratch the posts to deposit your kitten's facial pheromones from her cheeks onto the surface, marking it as hers.
Catnip
Rub dried catnip into the sisal or carpet lining of posts. For many cats, this is an appealing scent stimulus.
Be patient and consistent with rewards. With time, she will come to recognize her designated scratching outlets.
Deterrents for Furniture
You can also make unsuitable scratching locations less appealing:
- Apply double-sided sticky tape on furniture. Cats dislike sticking to the tape.
- Cover upholstery with plastic, foil, or inverted doormats. The textures put off cats.
- Place electronic scat mats on furniture to deliver harmless but startling vibrations when scratched.
These deterrents, combined with accessible scratching posts, make furniture far less tempting.
Alternate Scratching Solutions
Other options to protect your home include:
- Soft Paws - These vinyl caps adhere to claws so scratches don't damage surfaces. They fall off within 4-6 weeks during normal shedding.
- Synthetic Cheek Glands - These scents mimic feline facial pheromones and can be applied to preferred scratching areas.
- Cardboard Scratchers - Flat cardboard scratchers placed on furniture provide an acceptable surface.
Be Patient and Consistent
Changing behaviors takes time and effort. Stick with the training plan and make sure everyone in the home reinforces proper scratching. Avoid yelling or punishment. Within a few weeks, you should notice improvements. With your guidance, your kitten will learn where to scratch. She wants to please you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to train a kitten to use a scratching post?
With consistent rewards and deterrents, most kittens can be trained to primarily use scratching posts within 1-2 months. However, the training is an ongoing process. Praise and redirection will be required as your kitten explores and grows.
What is the best way to get a kitten to use a scratching post?
Making posts appealing with catnip and pheromones is key. Strategically placing posts near tempting furniture also helps. Most importantly, immediately reward desired scratching behavior with treats and verbal praise so the kitten associates scratching there with positive feedback.
Why does my kitten ignore her scratching posts?
Ensure the post is tall/long enough for full scratching extension. Try different textures like sisal, carpet, and cardboard to determine preferences. Use catnip or synthetic pheromones to attract your cat. Also place posts right next to problem furniture to redirect scratching.
How do I stop my kitten from scratching the couch?
Apply deterrents like double-sided sticky tape or plastic covers onto the couch. Place appealing scratching posts directly beside the couch. When your kitten scratches the post instead, provide treats immediately. This positive reinforcement will steer the kitten away from the couch.
Why does my kitten scratch carpets and rugs?
Scratching horizontal surfaces appeals to some cats. Provide flat cardboard scratchers on the floor or horizontal scratching posts. Use carpet protectors or plastic runners to cover flooring. When she uses the appropriate scratching tools instead, reward her with praise and treats.
Conclusion
While tempting, avoid punishing your kitten for scratching. Instead, set her up for success by providing ideal scratching posts. Use treats, praise, deterrents and patience to train her where to scratch. Following these positive techniques consistently, you can redirect those destructive claws onto appropriate surfaces. With time, your kitten will learn to reserve her scratching for designated scratching posts.