Where to Place Cat Scratching Posts and Pads
Cat Scratching Posts and Pads
As they scratch, cats use their claws to stretch and mark their territory. Unfortunately, this often results in damage to furniture and other household items. Fortunately, you can train your cat to scratch on acceptable surfaces instead of unattractive ones. The key to successfully encouraging your cat to scratch on the appropriate surfaces is to be very intentional about where you place their scratching posts and pads.
Posts and pads can be made from a variety of materials, so you will need to decide what material your cat prefers. Some cats like carpeting, while others prefer rope or wood. Regardless of what type of material you choose for your cat’s scratching post, it should be thick and durable to discourage wear. Also, a post or pad should be tall enough for your cat to reach and stretch on. The best way to determine the right height is to observe where your cat prefers to scratch, and then to place a post in the same location.
A good choice is to put your cat scratching post right next to or directly in front of the piece of furniture they are currently using as a scratching surface. This will make the transition to the new surface easier for them because they are already used to scratching in that location. Once your cat is scratching on the post exclusively, you can gradually (over a period of weeks or months) move the post/pad farther away from the unwanted furniture, at the rate of an inch or so per day.
Where to Place Cat Scratching Posts and Pads
If you are trying to encourage your cat to use the scratching post, try placing a bit of catnip on it for the first few days. This will usually lead your cat to investigate and scratch the post. You can also play with your cat around the post, as they typically love to be entertained while scratching. Eventually, you will want to reward their scratching behavior on the post with treats, so that they begin associating the new scratching surface with positive feelings.
The number of scratching posts you need will depend on the size of your house and the number of cats in it. You should have at least one post in each room where your cat spends a significant amount of time. This includes their sleeping areas, as they often like to scratch after waking up.
If your kitty is destroying an expensive piece of furniture, don’t simply move it to another part of the house. Your kitty will likely only scratch the other piece of furniture again if they have formed a habit of doing so, and you’ll end up with an even bigger mess. Rather, erect a cat scratching post in the same area as the expensive furniture, and then train them to scratch there. They will not be tempted to scratch the expensive piece of furniture when they have a convenient alternative nearby, and you will save yourself a lot of frustration and money in the long run.