Is your cat giving their scratching post the cold shoulder? You’re not alone! But with a few clever tricks, you can turn that boring post into your cat’s new favorite thing.
From catnip magic to adding some height, these ideas will have your cat happily clawing away in no time.
🐱 Add Some Catnip Magic
Sprinkle or rub catnip onto the scratching post. Most cats go wild for the stuff! Your kitty will be scratching away like it’s the best thing since sliced tuna.
🧶 Hang Some Dangling Toys
Attach a few dangling toys from the top of the scratching post. Cats love to bat at anything that moves, so these toys will keep them entertained and coming back for more.
🐾 Use Their Favorite Blanket
Wrap a piece of your cat’s favorite blanket or bedding around the post. It smells like comfort and will make the scratching post feel like home sweet home.
🛋️ Place It Near Their Chill Zone
Put the scratching post near your cat’s favorite nap spot. After a long snooze, they’ll be ready to stretch and scratch, and it’ll be conveniently close by.
🍗 Rub a Little Tuna Juice
Sounds weird, but a little dab of tuna juice can work wonders! The smell will attract your cat, making the scratching post an irresistible treat for their claws.
🎉 Create a Scratching Post Party
Surround the post with a few favorite toys, a cozy blanket, and maybe even some treats. Turn it into a mini kitty party area that’s just too fun to ignore.
🌳 Add Some Height
Cats love to climb, so adding an extra level or height to the scratching post can make it more appealing. It doubles as a scratching post and a lookout tower!
🎨 Get Colorful with It
If your cat is attracted to certain colors, consider decorating the scratching post with those colors. A bright ribbon or some colorful fabric can catch their eye.
😺 Introduce a New Cat Buddy
Got more than one cat? Have them use the post together! Cats love to mimic each other, so if one is using it, the other will likely follow.
💡 Light It Up!
Try adding a small, safe LED light near the scratching post. The light will grab your cat’s attention and make the post more intriguing to explore.
🐾 Scratch Yourself!
Get in on the fun by using your nails to scratch the post in front of your cat. They might think you’ve found something great and want to join in.
🪵 Make It Smell Like the Outdoors
Rub some outdoor scents like pine or cedar on the scratching post. It’ll remind your cat of nature and trigger their natural scratching instincts.
🎀 Add a Ribbon Chase
Tie a ribbon to the post and drag it around. Your cat will love the chase, and as they pounce, they’ll end up scratching the post too.
🍬 Use a Little Sugar (Well, Sugar Water)
Dab a bit of sugar water on the post to make it smell sweet. Cats might be curious enough to start scratching and investigating what that sweetness is all about.
🛏️ Turn It into a Rest Spot
If your cat likes to sleep high up, add a little bed on top of the scratching post. It becomes a cozy combo of bed and scratch zone.
🚪 Put It by a Window
Position the scratching post near a window where your cat loves to bird-watch. They’ll enjoy a good scratch while keeping an eye on the neighborhood birds.
🧩 Change the Texture
If your cat isn’t interested in the post, try covering it with a different texture, like sisal rope or carpet. Sometimes a new feel is all it takes to get them hooked.
💖 Give It a Name
Start calling the scratching post by a fun name like “Scratchy Tower” or “Claw Kingdom.” Cats don’t speak English, but they’ll pick up on your enthusiasm and might get curious.
🐠 Decorate with Fishy Fun
Attach some fish-shaped cutouts or stickers around the scratching post. The visual appeal of those fishies might entice your cat to check it out.
🎁 Hide Treats Nearby
Hide a few of your cat’s favorite treats around the scratching post. As they explore to find the treats, they’ll likely give the post a good scratch in the process.
Turning your cat’s scratching post into a must-scratch zone doesn’t have to be hard. With a little creativity and some tuna juice, you’ll have them hooked.
Try these tips, and soon you might have to worry about keeping them away from their favorite scratching spot!
