Why cats scratch (part 3)
Persuading your cat to use the post, not it's existing scratching area
This old area should be covered with a non-scratchable substance like plastic Perspex from a DIY store, transparent stair covering, or tinfoil. The new scratching area should mimic the old – ie horizontal if the old area is horizontal, vertical at the same height as the old. Place the post in front of, or over the previous scratching area/item.
If the cat uses the replacement, you can then move the scratching post or device, if movable, a few inches every 3 days, to a better area in the house. When its new scratch post is well established, you can remove the plastic cover off the old area.
If the cat continues to scratch the old area, this is because it is more attractive than the scratch post. The old area still SMELLS like the place to scratch so the cat keeps topping it up. If you can do so, cover this area with something that can be transferred to the scratching post. Ie. a small piece of cloth or newspaper which, once it is impregnated by the scratch scent, can be tacked on to the scratching post.
You can also try putting Repel-all, Pet Behave training spray or oil of citronella on the old unwanted (to you) scratching area. Or rub orange peel on it. Tack cooking foil on the affected area.
Best of all (for looks) is a product called Sticky Paws sometimes found in mail order catalogues like Lakeland 01539 488100. Check with www.stickypaws.com Or buy double sided carpet tape or double sided Sellotape from a DIY or carpet store. This is what I use on furniture and it works. Much cheaper but not nice looking.
Part 4 next week.
- Virtual Newspaper
- Weather Forecast