Q&A for How to Get Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post

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Why are scratching posts good for cats?

Molly DeVoss
Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
Molly DeVoss is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS), a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT), and the Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Molly specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats and reduce cat shelter surrender. Molly has sat on the Dallas Animal Advisory committee since 2013 and was voted one of the Top 12 Extraordinary Cat Behaviorists of 2020 by Catpetclub.com. She is certified by both the Animal Behavior Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also the host of the weekly podcast Cat Talk Radio.

Molly DeVoss

Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

Cats have scent glands between their toes—a scratching post lets your cats leave behind their signature scent, along with visual lines that potential invaders can see.

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Question

Where do you put a cat post?

Molly DeVoss
Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
Molly DeVoss is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS), a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT), and the Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Molly specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats and reduce cat shelter surrender. Molly has sat on the Dallas Animal Advisory committee since 2013 and was voted one of the Top 12 Extraordinary Cat Behaviorists of 2020 by Catpetclub.com. She is certified by both the Animal Behavior Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also the host of the weekly podcast Cat Talk Radio.

Molly DeVoss

Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

Set a tall scratching post right next to your kitty's bed, as cats tend to scratch right after taking a nap. You can also put your scratching post near spots you don't want your cat scratching up.

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Question

How do I attract my cat to a scratching post?

Molly DeVoss
Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
Molly DeVoss is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS), a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT), and the Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Molly specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats and reduce cat shelter surrender. Molly has sat on the Dallas Animal Advisory committee since 2013 and was voted one of the Top 12 Extraordinary Cat Behaviorists of 2020 by Catpetclub.com. She is certified by both the Animal Behavior Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also the host of the weekly podcast Cat Talk Radio.

Molly DeVoss

Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

Spritz it with Feliway's Feliscratch product, which has a pheromone attractant in it. You can also rub catnip over the post, or give your cat a reward when you notice them using it.

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Question

What makes a good cat scratching post?

Molly DeVoss
Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
Molly DeVoss is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS), a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT), and the Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Molly specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats and reduce cat shelter surrender. Molly has sat on the Dallas Animal Advisory committee since 2013 and was voted one of the Top 12 Extraordinary Cat Behaviorists of 2020 by Catpetclub.com. She is certified by both the Animal Behavior Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also the host of the weekly podcast Cat Talk Radio.

Molly DeVoss

Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

A good scratching post should definitely be tall. Cats scratch to get a full-back stretch, so your post needs to be sturdy and tall enough for the cat to stretch out while using it.

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