Cat Scratching Solutions
Author:Kathy Burns-Millyard
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides
keeping her claws in top shape, the stretching involved in a
good scratch keeps her upper body strong and loose. Also, every
time a cat scratches a surface, scent glands between her toes
leave her signature smell for others to find. In this way, she
marks her territory, even if that happens to be in your living
room.
Just because a cat must scratch doesn't mean she must destroy
your furniture. Redirecting a cat's scratching to an appropriate
object simply requires patience, flexibiity and time. To keep
your cat from grooming her claws on your couch, you must give
her some furniture of her own.
Scratching posts come in a wide variety of sizes and textures.
If your cat doesn't use the scratching post you have purchased,
observe what she does scratch. Most cats have a preference as to
the texture they scratch on. Experts discourage providing
carpet-covered posts, especially if you have carpeting in your
house. Your cat won't understand the difference between the
carpet on the scratching post and that on the floor. They both
feel good to her.
Some cats like to extend their entire bodies when they stretch
to scratch. Others just work their shoulder muscles. If your cat
is one of the former, you'll need to provide a tall, sturdy
scratching surface. No matter what height your cat likes to use,
be sure the scratching surface is stable. If your cat begins
scratching and the post or board falls, it will frighten her and
she will likely not use it again.
Another important factor to consider when providing scratching
surfaces is their location. If you watch your cat, you'll notice
she will tend to look for a scratching spot wherever you spend a
lot of time. That is why so many cats ruin their owner's easy
chair or couch. She is marking your spot as part of her
territory, claiming ownership over you just in case some other
cat comes in and gets the wrong idea. Putting a scratching post
beside your favorite relaxing place will let her do her job
without annoying you.
Remember, too, that your entire home is her territory. For that
reason, it is a good idea to place scratching surfaces
throughout the house, in places where you tend to linger.
Bedrooms, kitchens, home offices are all places that are
important to your cat because that is where you are likely to be.
If your cat persists in scratching furniture instead of the
appropriate surface, you will have to retrain her. When you
catch her about to scratch inappropriately, say "no" in a loud
voice. Pick her up and carry her to her scratching surface. Some
experts suggest gently taking her paw and simulating scratching
to give her the right idea. If your cat only attacks the
furniture when you are out of sight, it might be best to confine
her to one room when you can't supervise her. Be sure to put
food, water, a litter box and, of course, a scratching surface
in the room with her. Once she seems to have gotten the hang of
only using her scratching posts, she can have free run of the
house again.
About the author:
© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided
courtesy of MyPetAnimals.com - http://www.mypetanimals.com - a large and growing pet website featuring articles, tips,
advice and shopping for popular pet supplies, toys and
accessories. This article may be freely published on any
website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and
link, and this notice are left intact.
Paws to Ponder:
"Cats are smarter than dogs. You can not get eight cats to pull a sled through snow."
- Jeff Valdez
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