I use one of those carpet covered scratching posts and sprinkle it with catnip and rub it in. The cats love it and fortunately only go there to scratch. LindaTX
Positive reinforcement... when you catch them scratching something they shouldn't be, take them over to the post, push their paws into it so their nails touch it, say good kitty, give them love and they use that instead. If you yell at them, well they will do it to get your attention in a negative way. I've never had cats that climbed curtains and the only one that has proven to be a tough cookie is Symba, the Princess kitty. Hence the name... she's some baaaddd kitty!
Brother swears by a squirt gun, but well I guess it's personal choice...
You also may want to put the post right next to your kittys favorite piece of furniture she scratches on. This is what we did when we bought our first post. I was also going to suggest you simulating the scratching on the post, which is what we did, but PK already said that :)
You may also want to try buying those strips that you can put on your furniture to repel kitty from scratching which may give her no choice but to use the post. The scratching mat is a great idea also.
The posts you're using...are they the slanted ones or upright?
From the sounds of the above posters, we are so lucky that our cat took to the rope post immediatly and she Loves it and never scratches on anything else.
Oh, that is odd, as they usually use the scratching post themselves without teaching. I do remember buying Abby his first scratching post back when he was a kitten, and me simulating what he was supposed to do. He immediately started doing with me. My disappointment was when after spending tons of money on it, he'd still use the furniture AND the scratching post heheheh...
Cats learn by watching and observing, and also trial and error. So, I'd say, if your kitty is not using it then it is because he does not like it. I do not think it is a training issue you have. Your cat simply prefers something else. Have you tried the scratching mats they have at the pet stores?
My gals don't use it that much either. Lucie does love that cardboard whatever, you buy at the stores like Target , Petsmart.. etc..the kind you pay bucks for but actually is just corrugated cardboard. I wish I had that idea!! There would definately be a little more money in the pot if I had!!
I think kitty just wants to be in control, and refused to do what YOU want and want to do what SHE wants......just plain control issues (LOL)
Gotta love them!!
I would like to know the answer to this, this cat goes on it sometimes but seems to enjopy circling it and scratching up my carpet lol