Why Cats Scratch Furniture and How to Convince Them Otherwise

 Easily one of the biggest disputes we humans have with our feline friends is their great need to "sharpen" their claws on our furniture and carpets.

We think it's a terrible idea, they think it's their inborn right. They probably even wonder what our problem is when we react to their scratching! Ever wonder why it's impossible to make them stop scratching our things? The reason's simple, really: They're doing something they should do.

For a cat, scratching is as natural as meowing, chasing mice, or loving tuna. Actually, scratching serves several purposes for the cat:

1. It conditions the claws by removing the outer dead nail sheath. 2. It leaves a visual mark which speaks to its territorial fetish. It also leaves a scent behind due to the scent glands in the cat's paw pads. 3. It serves as an emotional outlet. That's why many cat's favorite time to scratch is right after their humans have come home from work, before mealtime, after eating, after playing, or when everyone gets up in the morning.

They aren't intentionally being destructive or trying to make us mad, they're simply following instinct.

Since the scratching will continue, as surely as the ability to meow will continue - the trick, then, is to provide the cat with an alternative object on which to scratch. A scratching post!

When choosing a scratching post, be sure that it's large and sturdy enough. The cat needs to be able to really "get after it" without the fear of toppling over. The scratching post should be large enough for your cat to stretch out on, so keep your cat's size in mind when purchasing, or making, the post.

Finally, make certain the material is rough and enables the cat to sink her claws into it. (Carpet covered posts are actually too soft.) Even bare wood serves the purpose.

WHERE TO PLACE THE SCRATCHING POST

Pay careful attention to WHERE and WHEN your cat scratches and place the post accordingly. Actually, several throughout the house would be ideal, especially if you have a living room AND a den - that's almost too much temptation for her!

Just a quick word about declawing. In my opinion, declawing a cat is completely inhumane, and unspeakably painful. I've read countless stories of declawed cats being in so much pain they couldn't even sit up. It also leaves the cat totally defenseless. Our pets depend on us to protect them, and keep them from harm, and that is more important than any sofa.

Buy, or make, several scratching posts and everyone will be happy!

About the author:

Joi is the human behind Cat-Pause.com and the Blog. She is a cat fanatic with six of her own: (5 rule the outside, 1 rules the inside).

Feel purrfectly free to use this article, as long as the above paragraph stays intact - with the links active, please. I need the traffic! Thanks. You can, feel free to remove this paragraph, though.

 Joi Sigers

More Articles 

Don't Send Your Pet To Jail When You Go On Vacation - Tips For Keeping Your Pet Healthy And Happy - Pam Mathison
When the Smith family went on vacation last summer, they left Ralph the cat and Maxine the dog at home. A friend stopped by each day to replenish their food and water and spend a little play time with them. One would think the pets would have...

What To Feed Your Cat - Ric Wiley
Well what can I say about feeding your cat. If your cat will eat it then generally let them eat it but there are some foods that you should keep away from your cat, chocolate being one of them but more of that later. What does...

The Cat Lady Answers Your Questions - Iris Townsend The Cat Lady
from David the Dogman Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special...

Cheap Cat Playthings You can Find Around Your Home - Japer Page
Buying toys from your local pet shop can be expensive, and after the money you spend on it, your cat either tears the toy to pieces in a couple of hours or turns its nose up completely! Why not save your money and entertain your cat...

Cat Toilet Training - Tony Robinson
One of the first things as an owner that wants to toilet train your cat is to know about your cat. The behavior of a cat; the does, and don'ts of training a cat. Since we are going to talk about potty training a cat, we need to set...

Is Your Cat Behaving Badly? - Dana Goldberg
If your cat is anything like mine then he or she loves to scratch at all kinds of things, things that you really do not want to see scratched up. Cats are one of the most amazing and wonderful pets to own but they can wreak havoc if you let...

The Cat and the Evil Mower - Janette Blackwell
“A coward dies a thousand deaths; a brave man dies but once.” Our cat Der Doc proved that this applies to cats as well. Caution was the watchword in Der Doc’s life. He was a grey cat, striped like a tiger but decidedly without the tiger’s courage....

Disciplining Your Cat the Right Way - E Haines
Most people struggle with the right and the wrong way to discipline their cat. By no means do you want to use hurt tactics. What I've found from owning eight cats of my own since childhood is that a simple spray bottle with water will do...

Litter Training a Cat - Tony Robinson
When you come home from being gone, at work all day and find the cat has messed all over, or in one area. You have to go and get it cleaned as the cat sits and stares at you as if they have done nothing wrong. This is right! Cats like...

Thyroid illness in cats and dogs - Nick Carmichael
Common clinical signs of hypothyroidism in dogs include weight gain, lethargy, reduced exercise tolerance and poor coat quality. However, the disease affects almost all body systems and as a result a wide variety of signs can potentially be...

Training Your Cat to be Transported in a Pet Carrier - Tony Robinson
Do you travel or going to spend time away from the home and would like to take your cat with you. There is good news! You are able to take them with you. Pet carriers are available in most major discount stores and pet stores. Training the...

What Is The Best Way To Feed Your Cat? - Niall Kennedy
Think that your cat needs a fancy set of dishes to eat from? He doesn't. But, what he does need is something that is sturdy and durable and it needs to be easy for you to clean as well. Cat feeders and bowls should be cat-proof. One type of...