Scratching Post For Cats: Why Doesn’t My Cat Like It?
A domestic kitten does not lose its instinct or the customs inherited from its wild ancestors. And that’s why, among many other things, you need to scratch your nails, not just to sharpen and renew them, but to mark territory. For this it is ideal that you provide a scratching post for cats. But is it possible that your pet does not like the object in question?
An indispensable object for kittens
In the wild, cats scratch their nails, usually on tree trunks. So, unless your kitten has access to a garden or you let him roam freely outside your house, you should provide him with a cat scratcher.
Otherwise, be aware of the consequences of taking it against your furniture or against any decorative element in your home that you deem appropriate to carry out this activity.
That is why scrapers become indispensable. But you must bear in mind that, no matter how beautiful or expensive this object is, or no matter how carefully you have put into making it, your cat may not like it and continue to use doors, windows, rugs, sofas and countless etceteras to sharpen your nails and mark territory.
Causes of rejection of the scratching post for cats
But what are the reasons why the kitten does not want to use the scraper that you have bought or built with so much love? There can be many reasons and it is important that you take them into account to avoid wasting time, money and various household objects. Take note:
- Inappropriate size. If the scratching post is very small, it may not be able to arouse the interest of your pet. Keep in mind that this element should allow her to hook her nails at one end and be able to stretch.
- Instability. A scratcher that does not hold well, wobbles or is flimsy can startle the kitten. Pay attention that it has a suitable base and, even, that it can be attached in some way to the floor or a wall.
- Texture. There are scrapers of all kinds. You will have already been able to check it in real or virtual pet stores. But you have to provide him with the built with a material to his liking. It can be cardboard, carpet, rope … Try to find out in advance which elements are more attractive to you. And, if not, there will be nothing left but to resort to ‘trial and error’.
Other reasons you don’t use the scraper
Other issues to take into account to prevent your kitty from rejecting the scratcher are:
- Position. See if your kitty prefers to scratch horizontally, vertically or indistinctly before buying or making a scratcher for him.
- Location. What a topic. Not all places are to the liking of these felines and, even if you have the perfect scratcher, they will not use it if it is not in the right corner. Find quiet places, where you usually sleep or relax. Or try placing it in front of a piece of furniture that you use to scratch your nails.
- Strong odors. If the object is impregnated with a certain smell, it can cause the animal to reject it. Remember that the cat is very sensitive to certain aromas (some plants, cosmetics, etc.).
- Lack of education. Despite their intelligence, it is worth teaching kittens to use the scratcher, if possible, from a young age. If you encourage their use with play, you will surely prevent them from choosing your furniture to scratch their nails.
More tips on the cat scratcher
If your pet still rejects the scratcher anyway, try these tips:
- Spray the scraper with a few drops of catnip, which is often irresistible.
- You scratch the scratcher, to remove fears and enthuse him to use it.
- Incorporate the scratcher into the usual games with your pet and bring him closer to his favorite toys.
Keep in mind that in no way should you force or force your pet to use the scratcher. You will generate a negative experience and you will achieve the opposite effect: you will remove the possibility of your kitty using it.
