It is impossible to keep your cat from scratching but very possible to keep them from scratching on your furniture and walls. By providing them with appropriate places to work their claws you can keep you things untouched.
Scratching is an instinctive behavior that cats cannot refrain from doing. Not only is it something they enjoy doing, scratching is a way of marking and a form of exercise. Understanding why felines scratch should make it obvious why you can't keep them from do it. Some uneducated feline owners try to eliminate scratching by taking drastic measures, which can be harmful to their cats. Declawing is one of those measures and is not a recommended solution. Another ineffective solution is punishing the kitty in hopes they will "learn" to not scratch. The resolution to the problem is to provide your cat with their very own cat scratching post.
There is no excuse to not have one or several scratching posts if you have a cat as a pet, especially if it is an indoor only kitty. On their own, cat scratching posts are often small enough to fit into any room. If floor space is limited you can find some that are designed to hang from a doorknob or hook. But, they can also be a part of larger cat trees or cat furniture, which can be a little harder to place in a smaller home or apartment. Having these scratching areas scattered around the house is the most effective way to keep your feline's claws off your things. If you keep in mind that a cat in the wild would most likely choose a tree or stump to scratch on, you shouldn't have any trouble understanding why the sisal covered posts are usually a feline's favorite. One may think that because the arm of your sofa is shredded, they should be given a soft or plush scratching post. This is not so, the kitty was just making due with what was available and will, without a doubt, prefer a wood or sisal post instead.
Place different styles of cat scratching posts around your home and make sure they are secure, if your cat pulls it over and scares himself, he may not use it again. Once proper scratching areas are available for your cat, you can then try to modify his behavior. It may be a habit to walk to the sofa and dig in his claws, so you can remind him of his new and improved scratching areas. It wouldn't be surprising if you kitty stops destroying your furniture on his own, after all, the scratching posts are much more appealing.
As a long-time pet owner, Julie is passionate about supporting animal health and wellness. As a board member of her local rescue league, she understands the value proper mental and physical stimulation offers indoor cats in particular. Julie's Siamese cats, Sissy and Missy, enjoy the indoor life thanks to cat towers and cat trees from Ace Cat Furniture. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_S._Montgomery |
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