how to train kitten to use scratch post?

[J-SUN]

Once in a while, my 4 month old kitten starts scratching my couch, but its difficult to teach him to use the scratchign post. I tried holding his arms against the post, but he doesnt use it. I want him to use only the scratching post and nothing else! Oh and i also would like to know how often i should trim his nails. thanks

[Traci]

Make sure the scrathing post is in an area that is near you...if you spend a great deal of time in the livingroom for example, put the scratching post in that room, far enough away from the couch, yet making it available so that he feels he is socializing.

Sprinkle catnip on top and around the post to entice him to use it. And each time he scratches your furniture, immediately put him at his scratching post, and encourage him to use it. Place his favorite toys by it and stay with him long enough for him to pick up on the intention.

As for nail-trimming, see Here ...you can start trimming them now, but be careful, his nails are very sensitive and thin at this age. (you don't want to cut the quick, you want to use a professional type nail trimmer so the nails aren't chipped or cracked, etc)