Scratch Post Training for Cats
Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners

Scratching is normal cat behavior, serving to groom the front claws and leave markers of the cat’s presence. Cats may also scratch to stretch their muscles. Proper training to scratch on appropriate surfaces, combined with nail care, can prevent damage in the home.

The following information is pertinent in choosing a scratching post:
Many cats prefer vertical scratching posts; some prefer horizontal ones. Vertical scratching posts must be sturdy and preferably tall enough for the cat to have a good stretch. Scratching materials preferred by most cats are wood, sisal rope, and rough fabric. Locate scratching posts near areas favored by cats, such as windows or sleeping areas since cats often stretch and scratch upon awakening.

Start training your new kitten or cat to use scratching posts when first introduced to your home. Cats return to favorite or chosen scratching sites, so motivate them to use the scratching post you select and avoid letting them use the furniture. This can be done by enticing your cat to the post upon awakening, rubbing catnip on the post, and holding treats or toys partway up the post to encourage stretching and scratching. You can secure an appealing toy, such as feathers, at the top of the post. Rewards can be given at each step—as the cat approaches the post, touches it, and finally scratches it. 

If your cat already scratches in an undesirable area, talk to your veterinarian or a veterinary staff member. They will help determine your cat’s likely preferences—for a vertical or horizontal scratching post, for the type of material that will draw the cat to the post, for the location of the post. You can then make or purchase posts of similar fabrics. Never yell at or punish your cat for inappropriate scratching - they cannot understand why you are angry and can become anxious and thus more likely to want to scratch and mark their territory.

Place double-sided sticky tape or aluminum foil (cats generally hate the texture of these items) on inappropriate areas and reward use of the post. This helps direct the cat to the post. If necessary, the cat can be confined to an area where the scratching post is the only available scratching outlet. This establishes use of the scratching post and prevents inadvertent  reinforcement for scratching off-limits household items.

Trim the tips of the nails every two to four weeks. If done correctly, this procedure is well accepted by most cats. Introduce nail trimming as part of routine handling to kittens. Plastic nail caps, applied every 4-6 weeks, are an option for cats that are easy to handle. The soft plastic covers are painless to apply and prevent furniture damage when the cat scratches.

If you have problems with your cat scratching in inappropriate areas, please schedule a consultation with one of our doctors to discuss the available options and determine a strategy for solving the scratching problem.