If your cat is shredding the arm of your favorite sofa or scratching your curtains all the time, one of the best solutions is to get your cat to use a scratching post instead.

Getting your cat to use their new scratching post is more complicated than simply adding it to the corner of your room. But using these proven steps will help them quickly make the transition!

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Steps to Getting Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post

• Making sure the scratching post is at the angle your cat prefers (some like horizontal, others like vertical surfaces).
• Trying different materials - carpet vs cardboard - some cats can be put off if their nails keep getting caught in loops of carpet.
• Putting the post in the area that your cat prefers (start off near the furniture they currently scratch).
• Attract your cat to the area using catnip or Feliway spray.
• Give your cat a tasty reward as soon as your cat uses the post.

Stopping Your Cat Scratching the Furniture

• Put a heavy blanket over the arm of the couch or temporarily tie up the curtains to help break the habit
• Don’t punish your cat - stress causes more scratching or urine spraying
• While most cats will successfully transition to using a scratching post, for those who don’t you could consider trying claw covers that you can glue on.
• NEVER declaw your cat.

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