A Simple Way to Help Cats: How to Choose and Use Scratching Posts

By: Karen Glass

One common complaint from cat owners is inappropriate furniture scratching. Since scratching is instinctive for cats, it’s up to their human friends to help them find a constructive way to do what comes naturally – and save your couch!

First, it helps to know why cats scratch. They do this for a few reasons, the first being a way to mark their territory. By scratching, they leave scent from the glands in their paws and there is also visual evidence to other cats that they claim that spot. Scratching also helps with grooming as it removes old claw sheaths to reveal new, sharper claws. And lastly, cats use scratching to stretch and exercise, so it’s important for their health and well-being.

Now that we know the “why”, the key is to help cats find the “where” – and that would be a scratching post! To help choose a scratching post that your feline friend will want to use, it’s helpful to keep the following information in mind.

• Stable and sturdy. Cats put a lot of energy into sharpening their claws, so they need to feel that the post is strong enough to support their full weight when they lean into it. A sturdy base and a tall post (more than 3 feet tall) will support your cat’s weight and not wobble, making it much more likely your cat will prefer to use the post instead of your furniture.
• Location, location, location! Cats are creatures of habit and will likely scratch repeatedly in the same place. So, if your cat is using a chair or couch, place the scratching post close by (within a foot or two) to help redirect his actions.
• Positive reinforcement. Yelling at your kitty when he’s only doing what comes naturally isn’t going to change his habits. You may need to help refocus your cat’s energy by calmly taking him to the post to reinforce the desired behavior. And be sure to reward him when he uses the scratching post with praise, petting and a treat!
• More than one. You don’t need a scratching post in every room in your house but having one next to the piece of furniture your cat has shown a preference for is key. Consider having at least one more in a different room – perhaps next to where your cat likes to sleep so it can use the post for a refreshing post-nap stretch and scratch!

When provided with the right post, you’ll find that your cat will happily make it part of its daily scratching routine and leave your furniture alone.