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If your nerves are as frayed as your furniture, don't despair. Save your sofa and your sanity by understanding your friend's compulsion to claw.
A happy cat and tatter-free furniture? Yes, you can have them both. Just redirect your cat's scratching instinct to scratch by following these simple tips.
Understand the Purpose
Why do cats scratch? There seem to be as many opinions as there are books on the subject, but it boils down to three basic needs:
- Communication. "Cats claw and scratch to leave a visual and scented mark of their presence," says Dr. Dan Estep, Ph.D., an animal behaviorist from Littleton, Colorado. "This is not necessarily a territorial act," Dr. Estep says. "It is simply the cat stating to other cats, 'I was here,' just like we'd leave a business card."
- Grooming. A cat's claws grow in layers. From time to time, the outer layer sheds to make room for new growth. If the outer sheath isn't removed, it may continue growing and cause discomfort. Scratching helps keep your kitty's claws in shape. (To learn about the potential problems of de-clawing, click here.)
- Stretching. A good scratching session gives your cat a great workout by stretching and pulling the muscles, keeping them toned and healthy.
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Know What to Look For
Getting the right scratching surface will put you on your way to scratch-free furniture. Check your local pet store for a wide variety of options, and pay attention to:
- Sturdiness. A post or tree should be able to stand up to your cat without tipping.
- Material. Cats prefer rough surfaces. Sisal rope is a great option for a tree or post. Some cats prefer wood.
- Attractiveness. Rub you cat�s favorite scratching material with catnip to get his attention. Trees with cubbies and hanging toys offer your cat enticing play options.
- Size. Be sure the post is as tall as your cat is when he is stretched to his full length.
- Location. Whether you choose a cat scratching post, tree or pad, don't hide it in the corner or basement. Put it where your cat spends most of his time.
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Discouraging Scratching
Once you've settled on a more appropriate object for cat scratching, you can begin to discourage your cat from scratching your furniture with:
- Sticky tape. Cats hate being stuck. Use double-sided sticky tape or adhesive- backed paper to keep him from returning.
- Noise. Anything that makes a noise is a great deterrent. Try aluminum foil or plastic on the arms of your chair or sofa.
- Smell. The aroma of oranges will also keep him from returning to the scene of the crime. Simply hang an orange peel at the site and watch him run away.
Understanding your kitty's innate compulsion to claw should have the two of you�and your furniture�living peacefully together in no time.
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