What Mr. Big Taught Me About Scratching

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Mr. Big was my most troublesome cat ever. He was probably more feral than tame when he showed up in our back yard. But he was always getting into fights and getting beat up, so we took him inside for good, along with the rest of our herd.

This animal loved to scratch our sofas and chairs. And the poor cat had been frightened to death by something (or someone) before he came to us, so it was really hard to bring ourselves to discipline him too harshly. After all, he is just a little cat (why we called him Mr. Big is another story) . And he meant no harm. A new strategy was in order, one that we applied to all of our feline companions.

So, as I started up my cat furniture company, and began testing models of scratching posts in my own home, I learned a few things by trial and error. Here you will find some of the things that Mr. Big taught me:

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How to Get Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post 

1) LOCATION: Place scratching posts where your cat scratches. Also, consider putting them between rooms, at high cat traffic areas. I am not saying anything about a cat's IQ, but it seems that my cats liked the surprise of seeing something tasty to scratch each time they entered a room. Cats want to be near you when you are sitting and relaxing. Make sure a post is convenient to these places (where you like to relax) . Think in terms of more than one post (just like you have more than one chair!).

2) INTRODUCE & PLAY : Get a magazine so you can sit and read while you do this next step. Also get a long piece of string (about a yard or so) . So, even before the cat comes in the room, drape the string over the length of the post, and just hang on to your end. Now sit next to the scratching post, and patiently wait for your cat to come in the room. Sit very naturally, and do not seem too interested in the post. When your cat comes to investigate, use the string and attract your cat to the post. Do this by very slowly dragging it up the post to the very top. I find that many cats will just climb right up the post after the string. Your cat likes to play, and will appreciate the attention. And you could use a little playtime with your cat, too. Enjoy it! Cats are really good at playing!

3) PRAISE: Praise your cat for using the post. Make happy, friendly sounds to encourage your cat. If your cat has a favorite treat, you can even reward him when he scratches.  A little tender scratch behind his ears and a loving stroke is always a nice reward, too. If only WE could get this kind of encouragement when we do positive things!

It really is just that simple, folks. Your cat obviously WANTS to scratch, and he will prefer a great scratch post to anything else.