How to Make a Cat Fall in Love With a Cardboard Cat Scratcher?
When the owner excitedly places the cardboard cat scratcher in front of the cat, the cat may not necessarily show interest. How can you make your cat fall in love with the cat scratching board?
Cats have extremely sharp claws. To keep their "weapons" sharp, outdoor cats usually choose places like tree bark to sharpen their claws. However, indoor-raised cats tend to focus on furniture, curtains, or sofas. This undoubtedly causes trouble for the owner. Thus, cat scratching boards and cat scratching posts came into being. But when the owner excitedly places the cat scratching board in front of the cat, the cat may not necessarily show interest. How can you make your cat fall in love with the cat scratching board?
The following are some methods to make your cat love the cat scratching board:
Placement Location
1-High Places and Corners Cats like to observe the surrounding environment from high places. Place the cat scratching board at a high place on the cat tree or in the corner of the room. Such a position not only conforms to the nature of cats but also makes them feel safe while sharpening their claws. You can prop the cat scratching post against the corner of the wall to form a natural claw-sharpening area. The space in the corner will make the cat feel more concealed and comfortable.
2-Near the Resting Area Place the cat scratching board near the place where the cat often rests, such as next to the cat bed or under the cat hammock. When the cat gets up from the resting place and starts to move around, it can easily notice the cat scratching board and use it directly when it wants to stretch its body or sharpen its claws.
Guiding Methods
1-Utilize the Cat's Sense of Smell Apply some scents that cats like on the cat scratching board, such as catnip. Catnip is extremely attractive to many cats. Sprinkle a small amount of catnip on the cat scratching board. After smelling the scent, the cat will be attracted to explore and may start using the cat scratching board to sharpen its claws. You can also use a cat-specific pheromone spray. Lightly spray it around the cat scratching board. This pheromone will make the cat feel relaxed and curious, increasing the possibility of it approaching the cat scratching board.
2-Owner's Demonstration The owner can hold the cat's paw and gently scratch it on the cat scratching board while making a pleasant sound, so that the cat associates the cat scratching board with a pleasant experience. However, be gentle when doing this to avoid hurting the cat. When the cat makes a little scratching motion on the cat scratching board, the owner should give timely praise and rewards, such as praising the cat in a gentle voice and giving it a small treat.
Diversity and Fun
1-Combination Cat Scratching Boards Buy or make a combination-style cat scratching board. For example, connect the cat scratching post and the cat scratching board together, or set up some small platforms with different heights and angles on the cat scratching board. Such a design increases the fun and diversity of the cat scratching board. The cat can play, sharpen its claws, and rest on it. You can make the cat scratching board in the shape of a maze, with different materials interspersed in the middle, so that the cat can unknowingly use the cat scratching board to sharpen its claws while exploring the maze.
2-Regular Replacement Regularly replace the cat scratching board or adjust the way the rope is wrapped on the cat scratching post. If the cat scratching board is not replaced for a long time, the cat may lose interest. A new cat scratching board or a changed cat scratching post will bring a sense of freshness to the cat and encourage it to try using it again.
