How Do You Get A Cat To Use A Scratching Post?

[ladybirder]

I've been trying for a year and a half. Sprayed it with catnip - that failed. Moved it to different places to no avail. My bedroom carpet is nearly ruined. Any ideas cat lovers?

[Rockrose]

Sorry I had to laugh can you get a cat to do anything?
Ignore the post shout that your going to chuck it out and the little *** will use it

[TonyV]

My cats got going at it straight away, but was homemade with some carpet fragments and rope. Have a look at pets are us or similar store. Ask for professional advice?

[tonyav]

Have a look at this, ladybirder ( take no notice of the 1st minute though ).

[Hopkirk]

http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/cats_hear-color.gif

[Old_Geezer]

Try supergluing the cat to the post, then it won't be able to reach your bedroom, so will use the post.

[snags]

Cover the post in an offcut of your bedroom carpet.

[TonyV]

OG good idea, hope rspca not watching lol

[ladybirder]

Thank you everybody, I knew you wouldn't let me down.
Exactly the answers I expected LOL. This is the first cat I've had that wouldn't use its scratching post and I rescued it from such an miserable hard life the ungrateful wretch;-)

[Barmaid]

Put the post in a cardboard box. Guaranteed that kitty will get in the wretched box.

Seriously though I have no idea Ladybirder. Mine have always just adapted to it.

You could try Pavlov's dog. Ignore kitty when it scratches the carpet. Then pick it up and put it next to post. IF it uses the post for even a a nano second reward it with attention, fuss or treats.

[TonyV]

Barm have to disagree if you reward any animal for doing wrong, will do it again for doing wrong to get a treat?

[ladybirder]

Tony I think BM is saying reward cat when it scratches post, even once. No?

[Barmaid]

I said Ignore it for scratching carpet. But reward for scratching post for a nano second. Carpet = bad = ignore. Post = good = praise.

Cats are manipulative little demons. Attention for them is good. Any attention.

[TonyV]

Barmaid sorry is this what you where thinking about?

https://www.verywellmind.com/pavlovs-dogs-2794989

[Barmaid]

Yes that is what I meant, Ladybirder.

[TonyV]

Cats are very manuliptative

[Barmaid]

I wasnt actually thinking THAT deeply, Tony. I just know that my absolute horror LOVES attention. If he feels he is not getting sufficient to honour his god-like status, he does naughty stuff. (This cat does NOT lack attention!!!!!).

[TonyV]

I'm sure it dosnot Barmaid just might want some body warmth from you?

[Barmaid]

Tony you can be assured that this spoilt kitty gets everything he demands. And more. And its never quite enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And on that note, me and Mr Spoilt are heading up to bed. This will be the double bed that I get 8 inches of and he gets the rest.........

[TonyV]

Ok Barmaid cats are good at getting into the warmest place on bed lol xx

[wolf63]

BM, does this mean ASBO accepts the fact that he has to share you?

Frankie is glaring at me, must be bedtime here too.