I wasn't talking about attaching toys to the post.  In fact, that can be
dangerous.  I once had a cat that managed to get that little cord twisted
tightly around her leg, just above the paw.  I believe she would have lost
her leg (or even her life) if I hadn't been home, and since then I have
removed *every* toy on a dangly string or spring.  No, I meant for *you* to
attach a toy to a string and *drag* it slowly up and down the post.  All the
while, tap on the post and/or call to get your cat's attention.  It is
important for this to be an intractive activity while the cats are still
learning -- that is, you should also be involved and turn it into a game.
When you are not using it, *put the toy* (and *every* toy on a string)
carefully out of the reach of your cats, preferably in a drawer that the
cats cannot open.  You need a little time and patience, but I have found
that it is a simple process to train cats to use a scratching post.
However, you *do* need to be consistent for awhile.  Any time you see your
cats starting to scratch on another object, distract their attention, call
them to the scratching post, and tap or scratch on the surface.

There is a cardboard scratcher that is available in pet supply stores -- and
on the Internet -- that many cats love.  It has a sloped surface, and is
called Cosmic Alpine Scratcher.  You can see a picture of one here:
http://cats.about.com/library/reviews/aafpr_cosmicscratcher.htm?iam=metaresults&
terms=cosmic+cowboys
If you get one of these scratchers, you probably will not need to worry
about your cats scratching all your cardboard boxes (as you described)
because they are smooth, and the surface of the corrugated cardboard
scratchers are rough.  Incidentally, my Duffy also likes to climb scratching
posts and sit (or "perch") on top.  That is perfectly natural, so don't
worry about it.  You can see a variety of scratching posts if you look at
some of the pictures in the links below my signature.

MaryL

Photos of Duffy and Holly:      >'o'<
http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly)
http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in")

I don't think they relate all cardboard surfaces in the same way. The
scratchers have cardboard strips that are stacked so the ends are up
and make a desirable scratching surface rather than just a flat
peice, like a box would be. My cats don't scratch boxes, but they do
rub them with their faces. :)

I have to agree. This method of gentle direction and profuse
praising works for many things--including getting a cat to
cover their poos.

[ :)]

Thats what I have done with every cat I have ever owned, I take them right
to the post and take their paws and start scratching them on the post and
say good kitty boy :D and before you know it he started going at it...works
for me everytime, hope that helps you out too :))

I have also taken some toys that have his scent on them and rubbed them on
the post and rubbed my scent on them and he knows it's his~
I keep a couple post around for him to choose :)
Yes he is spoiled! ;-)

When I get a chance I will post some new piccys of MoonShadow over in
A.B.P.A. :)
He sure is growing so big he is a little over a yr old now.

--
CS~