Sharpening claws on everything within sight is a natural need of every cat.
This is why pet owners acquire special scratching posts that allow them to save furniture and other surfaces in the house from the encroachments of their four-legged friends.
How to Train a Cat to Use a Scratching Post
As with any other habit, training your cat should be done gradually.
First of all, play near the scratching post, periodically "scratching" it yourself. It is not recommended to do the same with the kitten by force, as it may frighten her.
But with an adult cat, this method can work. The main thing is not to force the animal, but to do everything gently and naturally.
It is also recommended to resort to tricks. Smear the top of the scratching post with valerian tincture or rub it with catnip to arouse the animal's interest.
A great option would be to put a treat on top of the scratching post, especially if the play complex is quite high. And do not forget to reward the cat every time it starts to scratch on the structure itself.
Author: Irina Tint
