Scratching is a natural behavior in cats; it serves multiple purposes such as sharpening claws by removing the outer husks and dead nail fragments, stretching their body, releasing stress, claiming their territory by deposing pheromones and visual marks or just being playful.
Being an essential activity for your cat’s health and overall well-being scratching might result in unwanted collateral damage to your furniture, that’s why a scratching post is the ultimate cat owner tool.
Redirecting your cat’s scratching activity to a scratching post will keep your furniture safe and provide a personal and relaxing space for your cat.
Cats can be trained to use scratching posts from a young age, but what about blind cats? Can they use a scratching post?
Yes blind cats can use scratching posts, they do rely mostly on their other senses, like smell, hearing, and touch, but they still can learn to use a scratching post with the right techniques and a bit of patience.
How can blind cats locate a scratching post?
Blind cats navigate around using their other senses; not being able to see the scratching post doesn’t mean they can’t be trained to use it.
To recognize the scratching post a blind cat will need some help getting familiar to it’s texture, location and scent.
When having a blind cat rearranging the furniture constantly is a big no-no, placing the scratching post in an accessible position for your cat and keeping it there is the perfect way to ease things for him.
Using a safe scent to mark the scratching post will also make it easier for your cat to locate it as his other sences are sharper when blind.
Where to place the scratching post for your blind cat?
When talking about a scratching post it’s always location, location, location, and knowing when a cat will most likely use it is the key element here.
Cats love to scratch in highly-frequented areas. Cats scratch is to mark territory, so this is the main reason, they want their scratches to be visible for other cats and humans to see and smell.
Cats’ paws have scent glands in them, and that’s why scratching is so important for cats it leaves visual and olfactory information to other cats.
Most cats will love to stretch and scratch just after waking up and they do sleep a lot so placing it next to the cat’s bed is the perfect location.
If your cat is scratching the same pieces of furniture or a specific spot, then it might be a preferred spot, and placing the scratching post there will most likely prevent him from destroying furniture.
How to train your blind cat to use the scratching post?
Choose the Right Post
Choosing a scratching post that is adapted to a blind cat will ease the training; make sure to use a sturdy and tall enough scratching post for the best results.
Make it easier to find by adding catnip or treats to attract your cat, counting on his amazing olfactory senses.
A scratching post that has balls attached to it would be a better option as it also servs as a attracting toy to help establish the fun aspect of the post and keep the cat interested.
Scratching post Placement
As we’ve explained before the scratching post placement is important, Put the post in a familiar, high-traffic area where your cat spends time and close to his bed as they like to stretch a once they wake up.
Guide Paws
When first introducing the cat to the scratching post, gently place your cat’s paws on the post to simulate scratching and use rewards to encourage.
Encourage with Sound
Using a clicker or verbal cue (like “scratch”) when they touch the post, followed by a treat can be a great way to maintain the cat’s attention.
Redirect
When your cat scratches furniture, calmly move him to the post and reward proper use.
Positive Reinforcement
Always reward with treats, pets, or praise when the cat uses the post to establish a positive relationship with it.
Consistency
Repeat the process daily and keep the training sessions short (no longer than five to ten minutes) as cats lose interest easily.
How long will it take for my blind cat to use the scratching post?
Each and evry cat is a different case, of course introducing the scratching post as soon as you bring the cat home is the best idea as it will help establish that relationship from the get go.
Every cat is different, but blind cats may take longer than sighted ones to adapt; it could take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. If you do a good job choosing the best scratching post, place it in a good spot, and stay consistent
What if my blind cat refuses to use the scratching post?
If your cat isn’t interested in the scratching post, don’t give up and try switching things up! Cats can be picky, so test out different styles some love tall vertical posts to stretch on, while others prefer flat, horizontal scratchers for a different feel.
You might also try boosting the appeal with stronger scents like valerian root or silver vine. Placement matters too, so if your cat ignores it in one spot, try moving it near their favorite nap zone or where they already scratch.
Final toughts
Training a blind cat to use a scratching post is a great opportunity for bonding if it’s a new cat as it is fun and generally one of the easiest training activities you’ll have to do with your blind cat.
Tapping into your blind cat’s sense of touch, scent, and sound, you can help your pet develop healthy scratching habits, and avoid unwanted furniture damage.
By making the process a positive and consistent experience, you’ll strengthen the bond between you and your cat while also providing them with a safe and healthy outlet for their natural behaviors.
Patience and consistency are the keywords when working with disabled pets.