Tips for pet lovers

Question: How do we stop our cat from scratching furniture?

Answer: The first thing to understand is that you cannot stop your cat from scratching. However, you can train it to scratch appropriate items instead of your furniture or other pieces of property. To help accomplish this, here are some tips:
Purchase or make an ideal scratching post.

Getting a scratching post that your cat loves will make it easier to redirect all the clawing to that instead of your furniture. With a scratching post, it is essential to get one that is large enough that your cat can fully stretch its body while clawing. It must also be sturdy enough to withstand the pressure applied by your cat because if it falls over even once, your cat may avoid using it.

The scratching post should be made of a rough material that closely resembles the texture of tree bark. Because of the rough texture, sisal posts are the best. If you choose a fluffy scratching post, your cat will likely not use it. To make the scratching post more enticing, you can try rubbing some catnip onto it.

Keep the scratching post in a main area of your household.

To get the most out of your scratching post, it is advisable to place it in a main area of the household where there is regular traffic. You can also try placing it near pieces of furniture that the cat is already clawing into. This can help redirect the cat’s clawing habits to the post instead.

Use ‘keep off’ sprays on areas you want your cat to stay away from.

Many cats do not like the special deterrent sprays available. To discourage your cat from scratching certain areas, apply such a scent. Your cat may also be scratching a particular area as a way of marking its territory. In this case, because it is using scent as a way of claiming its territory, you can try using odour removers that are specifically for pets on the particular area.

Use sticky tape or plastic on furniture the cat likes to claw.

Using double-sided tape on furniture can help discourage your cat from using it as its chosen scratching post. This is because the pads on a cat’s feet are very sensitive and they do not like the sticky texture. You can also try covering furniture with a plastic cover.

More tips on this topic next week.

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