Redirect your cat’s scratching behavior by placing the post next to an area your cat likes to scratch. Any scratching post you buy or build should be sturdy enough that it does not topple over during use, and should be at least as tall as your cat standing on her hind legs with front legs outstretched. You can cover pieces of wood with carpet, fabric, sisal, or other materials, then nail them together to create a “cat tree” with climbing perches. This will help keep your cat entertained and satisfy her need to scratch. Some owners get creative and build their own scratching posts and kitty activity centers. A cat that climbs and scratches on drapes would probably prefer a post tall enough for a long stretch, such as those that mount on a wall or door. However, a cat that likes the horizontal motion of scratching on a carpet might be more likely to use a flattened cardboard box, or a log placed on its side (Figure 1). If your cat prefers couches and other nubby surfaces, choose a post covered in sisal or some other rope-like material. The scratching post should also match your cat’s preferred scratching orientation. A carpet-covered post would be a good choice for cats that scratch carpets. Scratching posts of all shapes, sizes, and textures are available at most pet stores.
Provide items that match scratching preference Does she prefer carpets, drapes, wood, or some other surface? Does she scratch vertically, with her paws stretched out above her head, or does she prefer horizontal surfaces? Once you have figured out your cat’s preferred target materials and orientation, you can buy a scratching post that suits her needs. To find out what your cat prefers to scratch on, observe her carefully. The following three tactics will help you redirect your cat’s scratching behavior. However, cats can be taught to scratch on more appropriate objects like scratching posts. The scratch marks and claw sheaths left behind may also be displays of confidence.īecause scratching is an innate behavior like grooming or burying waste, it can be difficult to stop. Scratching is largely a marking behavior that deposits scent from special glands on the cat’s paws into his territory and removes the translucent covering, or sheath, from the claws. One common misconception is that cats are “out for revenge” when they destroy household items, but these behaviors are usually part of normal investigation and play and, fortunately, can most commonly be managed with an appropriate plan and patience.Ĭats that scratch your favorite sofa or expensive drapes are not on a mission to destroy your home, but rather wish to satisfy certain needs. Many owners complain that their cats scratch furniture and carpets, chew on fabric, or munch on houseplants. These destructive behaviors not only destroy valuable items, but may also harm a cat’s health.
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