My cat will have nothing to do with a new bed we purchased. He won’t enter it voluntarily and if I place him in it, he jumps out as quickly as he can. Any tips?
My cat will have nothing to do with a new bed we purchased. He won’t enter it voluntarily and if I place him in it, he jumps out as quickly as he can. Any tips?
Hi Laurel, to get your cat to use his new bed - try these tips:
1. Lightly rub catnip or place an catnip infused toy inside to entice him.
2. Place an old T-shirt (with your scent) or a favourite blanket (with his) on the bed. Newly purchased items can have an undesirable smell to cats.
3. Lure him with a wand toy on to the bed during playtime.
4. Provide plenty of verbal praise. By providing positive reinforcement allows him to eventually associate the space as a desirable one. Congratulate any success with a tasty treat. But only if he remains on the bed-not if he jumps off right away.
* treats are not recommended if he is over his ideal weight.
5. Place the bed in areas he spends most of his time. If one area doesn't work one day - try another.
6. Remove all other beds and blankets for a couple of days to give him less options. This would just be temporary.
