Scratching Posts Training Your Cat

What is the main problem of owning a cat. If you said their scratching then your not alone. A lot of people are driven near insanity by this habit especailly if your cat is the one who will scratch anything such as curtains, furniture, carpets, floors, walls, and wallpaper. I'm one of those people. My daughter brought home a stray kitten and my house will never be the same again. Anything in his path, he will scratch. This has gotten me investigating alternative methods for his destructive habit.

There are a couple reasons why a cat scratches. Mainly it is to keep the nails in good health by keeping them sharp for hunting and shedding the old nail sheath. This instinct is bred into your cat even though they no longer have to hunt for their food. Trying to prevent scratching altogether would be a hopeless endeavor as cats are hardwired to do this. I do not believe in declawing a cat unless this is a medical emergency. If declawing is done only for the sole purpose of saving your furniture then a cat may not be the pet for you. I find it cruel and unnecessary and can cause distratrous complications.

Cat trees and cat furniture are good alternatives to your expensive furnishing. A sisal rope is the best for a scraching post. Try to avoid carpet on your scratching posts as this may give your cat teh impression that carpeting is okay for scratching. The post should have a sturdy base to keep from falling over whenever your cat tries to scratch. Cats can be skittish and one tip over could mean the difference between success and failure.

If your budget will allow it you can buy great looking cat trees and cat furniture that are specially designed for your cat. They can also climb and sleep on these pieces and truly make them feel as if it is their furniture which will encourage them to accept it more readily.

You can help your cat learn to use their scratching post or funiture by gently placing her paws on the piece and running them down the post. This will leave the cat's scent behind . You will have to be patient for the first while and watch your cat. When your cat is about to scratch your furniture or whatever spot you have deemed inappropriate then gently place your cat in front of their scratching post or tree and gently run their paws down it. It shouldn't take long for your kitty to get the message.

You can make his scratching post, tree, or furniture more tempting by rubbing catnip on their surfaces. You can also string a few toys on these items so your cat will want to scratch them.

You can scratch proof the areas which you do not want your cat to scratch. By attaching deterrents such as sandpaper, aluminum foil, or capet runner with the pointy side facing out. Some people will use citrus smells such as lemon and orange oil or spray on areas where you do not want your cat to scratch. These are fairly inexpensive and all worth a try to save your belongings.

With gentle reminders and encouragement you can train your cat to scratch his own furniture while saving yours.


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