My kitten is destroying carpet. How do I get her to use posts?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 6 months old
My 6 month old kitten is tearing up the carpet in front of my son's and my room. She is scratching at the carpet and pulling it up off the pad. She has a two scratching posts but I have never seen her use them for scratching. How do I solve this problem? Unfortunably, we don't own our home, we just rent and I don't want to have to replace carpeting. Please help! Thank you
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 1st, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I recommend getting different types of scratching posts- vertical and horizontal ones. I would also look for a product called Feliway in a spray, and spray the posts to attract her to them. Also, maybe adding catnip. I would also trim her nails so she is less likely to rip the carpet. There is a product call Soft Paws that are fake nails for cats that will make it harder for her to rip up the carpet. Lastly, get a squirt bottle to spray her with water when she scratches the carpet. She is young yet, but you should be able to train this behavior out of her. Good luck and kisses to Little One!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 3rd, 2018
She may prefer horizontal carpeted surfaces. You can attach carpet samples to a box or other horizontal surface, put a little catnip on there, and see if she will start scratching that surface. You can try something like Bitter Apple spray on the area where she is currently scratching to see if she will avoid that area. Also, make sure she is getting plenty of exercise inside, since she may be used to more activity when she lived outside.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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