Ragdoll Cat Scratching: Train Your Cat to Scratch the Post
Aug 16th, 2006 by Rob
Cats scratch for a variety of reasons. Your Ragdoll scratches to maintain its nails, mark territory, even to have fun while destroying your sofa. If your goal is to prevent your cat from scratching up your Italian leather sofa, there are steps you can take to teach him or her to scratch the scratching post instead.
It is important to have scratching posts as accessible as possible for your Ragdoll cat. Ideally you will want to have a scratching post in every room of your house. If this is not possible try moving your existing scratching post temporarily to the area where you are having the scratching problem. Once you have trained your cat you can gradually more the scratching post to a different area; however, it is important for training to have it placed in a prominent location.
Make sure the scratching post you have is large enough for your cat and is sturdy. The post should not wobble or shake; if the post tips over your cat may resolve not to use it again. Try placing an additional scratch post near the area where your cat sleeps; cats like to scratch after a good nap.
There are a number of enticements you can use to encourage your Ragdoll cat to scratch the post. Spend time playing with your cat around the scratching post. Feed your cat dinner by the scratching post. Your goal is to create positive associations for your cat with the scratching post. Play with our cat’s toys around the scratching post; try dragging a toy tied to a string around it. The more you play and spend time with your Ragdoll cat around the scratching post, the more familiar it will become to your cat. Whenever your cat uses the post you should reward the behavior with lavish praise and a treat.
You can discourage your cat from scratching certain areas while undergoing this training. If your cat is scratching certain furniture covering that part of the sofa with metal foil will prevent scratching. Cats hate the feel of aluminum foil and will not scratch areas covered with it. Your Ragdoll cat also remembers scratching certain areas by scent. Clean these areas with an enzyme based pet cleaner to remove all traces of scent. Cats hate citrus; treating fabrics with a citrus based scent will also discourage scratching.
If you observe your Ragdoll scratching try shaking a metal can filled with coins along with a stern “No!” to discourage the behavior. You can also try a squirt gun filled with water and a touch of vinegar as a deterrent when you observe the behavior. Never hit or kick your cat for scratching; cats do not understand violence and will only fear you and run away whenever they see you for doing this. Always be consistent with your training and you will have your cat using the scratching post instead of your furniture in very little time.