The Cat Scratching Post or How to Make Your Cat Stop Scratching Your Furniture
If you have a cat, you know how smart they are – or how smart they can be when they want. Yep, this idea describes them pretty good – cats are loving, affectionate and tender, but they also have a strong independent personality and they like to think for themselves. Don’t forget that these wonderful proud animals are closely related to the king of the jungle! Keep this in mind when you want to teach your cat something – the approach has to be very different from the one used to train dogs.
As you already know too well, cats like to scratch things. There is no way to stop a cat from scratching – it’s a natural behavior that has many reasons behind it: cats scratch to mark their territory, to sharpen and clean their claws, to stretch and to exercise.
The easiest thing to do is to accept that your cat will scratch your new furniture. But don’t give up so fast! There is also a very good solution for redirecting this behavior into something that will suit both you and your kitty.
Yes, cats are proud and independent, but they still need love and affection. Of course, your kitty is extremely smart and she knows that most of the times she can make you think that she’s absolutely self-sufficient. But the truth is that cats adore to be taken care of, to be petted and loved. Unlike a dog, who appreciates your attention whenever it comes, the cat likes to make her own rules and to decide when to receive affection and when to be left alone. You cannot change your kitty’s moods, but you can definitely use them for a good training.
First you have to buy a cat scratching post. Then, when your cat is in a good affectionate mood (you know, stretching, purring and being extremely sweet), attract her playfully near the scratching post. The cat will see by herself the advantages of a nice good scratching post and before you know it, she’ll like it more than your sofa! Never force your kitty to scratch the post, this way you’ll only trigger her stubbornness! And you know how stubborn cats can be! But you should definitely praise her for being a nice kitty and scratching her own cat furniture. This way, with a positive attitude and a tasty treat, you’ll stimulate the wanted behavior.
It’s also important to know that punishing your cat for scratching your things will not solve anything. As a matter of fact, it will only make things worse, upsetting your cat and making her think that something is wrong with YOU. If you punish your cat for being a normal cat and manifesting a natural scratching behavior, the only thing you’ll achieve will be a grumpy kitty and even more scratched furniture!
If you teach your furry friend with affection, devotion, patience and a positive attitude, she’ll learn very fast to scratch her own furniture and she’ll start to love her new cat scratching post!
