Any Luck with Scratching Posts?

[MJ]

I got both of my cats to like their scratching post in the same way... I tricked them into thinking it was a fun toy. :P Slightly hazardous to weak human skin, but it worked for me...

When the cats were hyper and playful, I moved my hand up and down the side of the scratching post opposite to them... Which made them try to pounce me... And they dug their claws into the scratching post, and it just clicked. "Oooh... scratchable!" And away they went. Hehe. :P

[anneryan]

Good idea--I'll try that. I've tried catnip, but not much response. I gave her a treat the ONE time that I saw her use one of her two posts (yes, we have a variety!) a few days ago, but she hasn't used it since.

I also have a Turbo Scratcher with the cardboard scratchy insert in the middle and a carboard "incline" scratcher, but she has no interest in those whatsoever, even laden with catnip.

Her favorite thing to scratch is my Vera Bradley fabric purse which I hang on one of the cabinet knobs in my kitchen when I come in. My son says that I should just by her her own purse to scratch and be done with it!
(I just might--it would be cheaper than another scratching post!)

I can't figure out what else to try! Sigh........

Anne (and Mia)

[Phoebe's human]

My current cat had her front claws removed before she arrived to live with me, but my previous cat lived with me all of her nearly 13 years with all claws intact--and always used her scratching posts.

She went through a number of them, and I always had one in the living room and another in the bedroom.

It didn't take any particular training. She just used the scratching posts, never anything else.

I liked the carpeted posts better than the sisal ones, but only because the sisal ones tended to shed bits of sisal.

[KB]

I have used Felix scratching posts for about 17 years and my cats loved them and never touched the furniture again after getting them. My current kitty who will be 2 soon was a feral and he started scratching my couch, but after placing him on the post (have to catch him in the act) a few times he got the idea and has not touched the furniture in a long time.

I might also add that my posts are almost 17 years old and are still in great shape. Their website is http://www.felixkatniptreecompany.com/

I also use Dr. Daniels catnip, I don't know what it is about this catnip, but my cats go crazy over it and that website is http://www.drdaniels.com/

[kitalooclef]

I bought Fiona (13 weeks) one of those cardboard scratchy thingies that comes with catnip. She seemed to sort of like the catnip, but hasn't used the scratcher much. I bought her some more catnip (Mr. Whiskers I think) that she doesn't like, so I purchased two more brands today including the cosmic catnip that was recommended. She doesn't seem to care for it, so I guess I'll try the other brand. Maybe she just doesn't dig catnip?

I put it on the "superscratcher" and have directed her there a few times when she scratches the couch, but she doesn't use it. I may need to go get a scratching post.

[Traci]

Kittens oftentimes are not attracted to catnip, wait until she's older (like around 6-8 months). Cosmic Catnip is my favorite...

[kitalooclef]

Hm okay, well how else should I entice her to scratch on her scratchy thing/scratching post? She did it once yesterday, and was lauded with praise and scritches. I'm hoping if I"m able to say "no" enough and direct her to the scratchy thing, she may eventually get the hint.

[Tina B and crew]

Ah...catnip...you know catnip is very easy to grow and I've found my cats LOVE the homegrown stuff (dried) so much more than the store bought. My vet grows her own and brings stashes into the office...then she always gives the kitties catnip when she'd done with her checkups.

As far as scratch posts go, most of my cats always preferred the cardboard rather than carpet. Gizmo likes carpet though...but he will use a cardboard one if it's the only available.

[kitalooclef]

We just got her a giant scratching post and she took to it right away. She's been scratching and climbing away, happy as a clam, and not a shred on the furniture . No incentives needed.

[Victoria]

I pretended I was sharpening my own "claws" on the post and my cat copied me then used it from then on. She prefers the couch for some reason but a stern "ah ah ah" sends her back to the scratching post