Which Way?
The trick with training cats to scratch appropriate surfaces is to observe how the cat prefers to scratch: horizontally or vertically. (Some tricksters will do a combination of both!) Where-ever he is scratching, block that surface with either a pad (for horizontal scratching) or a post taller than where he reaches. You may need more than one if he's scratching in more than one place.
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Where?
The scratch substitute must be initially placed right where your cat scratches, either covering or blocking the surface you wish to protect. If he shifts to scratch next to the substitute, then you need to protect the surrounding area with aluminum foil, double-stick tape, other-tape-adhesive-side-out-edges-tucked-under, or Sticky Paws.
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When?
Once you've convinced your cat that the substitute is better to use than the surrounding surfaces, then you can gradually inch the pad or post to a less inconvenient spot. This must be in slow progression or your cat will find another surface to scratch. Don't try to move the post or pad into a closet and expect the kitty to go find it!
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What if?
Some cats really enjoy scratching kitchen and bathroom towel rolls. The answer to this is to close the door, cover the roll with aluminum foil or a rubber band, or stow the roll in a cabinet. If you want to try a substitute, there are scratching rolls you can hang from the wall, but whether that will help is up to your cat! |
What else?
Sometimes cats scratch to mark their territory or they scent snd sense another feline or an ammonia product. In this case, a phermone product like Feliway can be used to make the area smell already (pre-scratch) friendly. Feliway is safe when used on inanimate objects, but should never be used on living creatures. Its assistance against scratching is mainly when cats feel their territory is threatened, and it is more typically used for spraying problems. It's also expensive: ~$30 for a small bottle
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Why not?
One caveat: Italian leather, which is cured with ammonia products, forces cats to scratch, pee on, or spray the leather to fix the "tomcat scent" embedded in the material. It is virtually impossible to train cats away from anything made of Italian leather. The only solution is to restrict cats from the room where the furniture is, or to get rid of it. American leather does not appear to have this effect.
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Why?
Cats scratch for three reasons: to shed the outer sheathes of their claws, to stretch upon awakening, and to scent-mark where good things happen. So, you'll generally need scratching material near where your cat naps and where he gets attention from you!
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