Ragdoll Cats

Part of the reason your Ragdoll Cat scratches is to mark its territory. In order to insure your cat uses the scratching post and not your sofa, place the scratching post in a prominent area of your home. If you tuck the scratching post away in a back room or a corner there is a good chance your Ragdoll cat will ignore it. If you don’t want to leave the scratching post in a prominent area of your home you can gradually move it once your cat becomes accustom to using it.

In the beginning, it is important to place your scratching post in the area where your cat is currently scratching. This could be your favorite chair or that Italian leather sofa. Your Ragdoll cat has already chosen territory so you may require more than one scratching posts to cover that territory. Purchasing a quality scratching post that is interesting and safe is important. The scratching post should not topple over or wobble. If you purchase more than one scratching post don’t purchase the same kind for each; offering your cat a variety of different posts will encourage use of the scratching posts. The scratching post you see below is an excellent example of a post that will keep your Ragdoll cat’s attention.

You can encourage your Ragdoll cat to use the scratching post by feeding and playing with them near the post. Be sure and have positive interactions with your cat around the scratching post. Offer rewards in the form of praise and treats when your cat uses the scratching post. Play with your cat’s toys around the post or even attach a favorite toy to it. It is also a good idea to have a scratching post near the area your Ragdoll cat sleeps. Cats enjoy a scratch after a good nap so providing a scratching post nearby will encourage the behavior.

If your cat is reluctant to stop scratching the old areas there are steps you can take to discourage them. If you cover the area being scratched with foil your cat will not want to scratch them. Smooth surfaces like aluminum foil do not feel good to your cat. You may also need to remove the scent from the area your Ragdoll cat is scratching. Pet stores offer odor removers from this purpose. Another thing you can try is a lemon scented potpourri spray. Cats hate citrus smells; bitter apple for cats is another product you can use to deter scratching.