Although often viewed as bad cat behavior, cat scratching is a perfectly normal and healthy activity for your kitty. To ask a cat to stop scratching, is like asking your kitty to stop being a cat.

There are several reasons for cat scratching:

• To shed the outer layer of it’s claws
• To exercise and stretch their muscles
• To mark their territory

So how do you get kitty to stop scratching on your furniture, in a natural and healthy way that still allows them to “be a cat”?

Cat Scratching Posts

Click Here to See Scratching Posts

Providing your kitty with an acceptable alternative like a cat scratching post is the best solution. This allows kitty to continue the behavior in a way that is more acceptable to you (and your furniture).

Introducing the Scratching Post to Your Cat

1. Cover the favored spot on the furniture with double-sided tape or a smooth surface like plastic.
2. Place a scratching post in front of the area. You can move it to a more convenient location after kitty has accepted and is regularly using the post instead of your furniture.
3. Place a second scratching post near the spot where your cat likes to sleep as they love to scratch and stretch their muscles upon awakening from their naps.
4. Add a little catnip or play with kitty by dragging a string across the surface to encourage use and acceptance.

How to Choose a Cat Scratching Post

• The post should be at least 3 feet high to allow your cat to fully stretch the length of it’s body
• The ideal scratching posts are covered in sisal or made from natural red cedar wood as they give your cat something to dig their claws into while encouraging clawing on a surface that’s very different in texture from your furniture.
• The post should be sturdy and not be subject to wobbling or sliding when your cat is clawing.