Cats & Scratching

Cats scratch. It is an instinctual, hard-wired behavior that almost every cat engages in (including declawed cats). There are a number of reasons that cats scratch: to stretch their muscles; to mark territory; to remove the outer layer of the nail; because it’s fun!

Knowing why your cat scratches probably doesn’t make you any more inclined to sacrifice your sofa to her claws, though. Providing your cat with a suitable scratching surface will greatly reduce the chances that she will choose your furniture. We recommend a post that is at least 3-feet tall with a broad, sturdy base and that is covered in sisal or rope. Spray or sprinkle catnip on the post to pique your cat’s interest. Drag a toy up the side of it to encourage your cat to use the post surface. If you have a new kitten, pick her up and place her about half-way up the post. When her feet are on the post, slowly let go of her. Once they get that first feel of the scratching post, most kittens never look back. Praise your cat when ever you see her using the post; a little treat every now and then won’t hurt, either.

Does your cat show no interest in the post? Try placing it on its side or getting a scratching box or pad instead. Some cats prefer to scratch horizontal surfaces rather than vertical ones. The same techniques mentioned above may be used to introduce this object to your kitty.

Whatever you use, place the appointed scratching surface close to either the place your cat currently prefers (sofa, corner of the carpet, bed, etc.) or near her favorite sleeping spot (for cats who like a good stretch when they awake). If you are in a larger home or your cat is an equal-opportunity scratcher you may need to provide two or three posts/boxes.

To prevent your cat from ruining your furniture, try one (or a combination) of the following:

•  Cover the targeted area with Sticky Paws or double-sided tape.

• Place aluminum foil, bubble wrap or a sheet of plastic over the spot; tape down if needed.

• Use Comfort Zone with Feliway spray; this is a synthetic version of the pheromones cats use to mark. This is highly recommended to prevent scratching on new furniture.

• Where appropriate, cover the area with a heavy object, such as a stack of books or a potted plant.

You may slowly discontinue the use of these deterrents once your cat is reliably using her scratching post, but wait a few weeks to do so. Depending on the method used you may either remove the item altogether when you are able to supervise your cat or you may gradually make the covering smaller and smaller until it is no longer needed.