My cat likes to clean furniture, especially a soft sofa. I can’t find a solution to wean her off, I don’t want to scold her, I love my cat. Tell me!
Training a cat to use a scratching post instead of your furniture takes patience, but it’s definitely doable! Here’s how to do it:
1. Choose the Right Scratching Post
✔ Tall and Sturdy – It should be tall enough for your cat to stretch fully and not wobble.
✔ Good Material – Cats love sisal, cardboard, or wood surfaces. Avoid carpet if possible.
✔ Horizontal or Vertical? – Some cats prefer horizontal scratchers, so try both.
2. Place It in the Right Spot
📍 Put the scratching post where your cat already scratches, like near a couch or bed.
📍 Have multiple posts in different areas of your home.
3. Encourage Your Cat to Use It
🐾 Use catnip – Sprinkle some catnip or use catnip spray to make the post more attractive.
🐾 Dangle a toy – Play around the post with a wand toy so your cat naturally grabs it.
🐾 Use treats – Reward your cat when they interact with the post.
4. Redirect From Furniture
❌ If your cat scratches furniture, gently move them to the post instead.
❌ Cover furniture with double-sided tape or aluminum foil—cats dislike the texture.
5. Positive Reinforcement
✔ Praise and pet your cat when they use the scratching post.
✔ Never punish them—this can make them afraid of you instead.
6. Trim Their Nails
Regular nail trims reduce the damage they can do to furniture, even if they still scratch.
7. Be Patient and Consistent
Cats take time to learn, but with consistency, they’ll prefer the post over your sofa!
Has your cat been scratching a specific spot a lot? 😼