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Cats are hardwired to scratch, so there is nothing you can do
to curb this behavior. Just as dogs can’t keep from
barking, cats have to scratch. In nature, scratching
objects like tree trunks removes the dead outer layer of
a cat’s claws. Cats also scratch to mark their territory
with the scent glands on your paws. Plus, if you’re a
cat, stretching out scratching just feels good. However,
you can redirect the cat’s scratching behavior to a more
appropriate spot, like cat furniture/scratching posts.
You can save your furniture by following these scratching
post pointers:
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Think New – Since scratching is a very
individual act for cats, they do not like to share
posts. Many times cats will reject a used scratching
post because it still bears the scent deposited by
its previous user’s paws. Buy your cat a new
scratching post; if you have multiple cats, you will
want to buy a new post for each one.
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Think Big – Another common reason cats
reject scratching posts is because they are too
small. Any post should be large enough for the cat
to stand on his hind legs and fully extend his front
paws. A post should also be sturdy and solid enough
not to wobble when a cat scratches it. If you are
buying a post for a kitten, you should select a
model that will accommodate him as an adult cat.
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Think Smart – Observe your cat before
deciding where to position his scratching post. A
post that is located in an out-of-the-way spot isn’t
going to be very effective in saving a couch from a
feline shredding machine. On the other hand, one
that is located near the pet’s favorite scratching
spots is going to be pretty popular. Since cats like
to scratch after you wake up, you should position
posts in areas near where your pet sleeps. Cats also
like to scratch when you enter a favorite room, so
having posts by doorways helps too.
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Think Again – If you get the idea that you
should buy a second, or even a third, scratching
post, you’re right. Having multiple posts in
strategic areas increases the odds that a pet is
going to avoid scratching furniture. 3 Buying
multiple scratching posts costs more, but it’s a lot
cheaper than replacing furniture.
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Think Like A Cat – Different cats have
different tastes, so different pets are going to
prefer different types of scratching posts. Some
like hard surfaced scratching posts made of sisal
rope, others like softer carpeted posts. You should
consider the individual preferences of your pets
before you select a post. You can also make the post
more attractive to a cat by sprinkling some catnip
on it or using a catnip spray.
You can introduce your cat to a scratching post/furniture by
playing with him near this new object. You might want to
run a catnip mouse or rope toy over the post to arouse
your pet’s interest. Every time the cat pounces on the
toy and sinks his claws into it, you should offer praise
and an occasional treat.
Some people have tried to introduce their pets to the idea of
using cat furniture by taking their paws and running
them over the post in a scratching motion. This is
usually counterproductive and shouldn’t be tried. Cats
resent being forced to do anything, so this action on
the part of their human friends will only give them bad
associations with the scratching post.
Aside from offering your pet an acceptable alternative in the
form of post/furniture, you can take steps to keep the
cat off your prized leather couch. You can apply cat
repellent to the area around the couch, after making
sure that it will not harm carpet or furniture. You can
also reduce the risk of damaging furniture when your pet
lapses by keeping the cat’s nails trim.
Another effective alternative for preventing unwanted
scratching is to put nail tips on your cat’s claws.
These safe tipped products cover the sharp edges of a
cat’s claws, so they can’t sink into fabric or leather.
Although it may sometimes be unavoidable, declawing cats is
not a good solution to an unwanted scratching problem.
The declawing procedure, which involves the surgical
amputation of the last join on each toe, is particularly
painful to cats, and some behaviorists believe that it
can cause long-term stress and personality disorders.
A cat that is declawed is not only deprived of the
opportunity to engage in a natural behavior, she is also
left vulnerable for the rest of her life, and for her
own safety must be kept as an indoor pet. These are some
of the reasons why the American Veterinary Medical
Association officially came out against declawing in
2003.
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