How to Solve your Cat’s Scratching Problem
Most people believe that when you own a cat no training is necessary. Well, soon after owning a cat they find out different, and the surprise of living with their beloved pet can become frustrating.
There are a number of problems that your cat could develop and a common one includes scratching. It is in your cat’s nature to scratch, but just how do you stop them from ruining your favorite furniture?
Understanding Your Cats Need to Scratch
There are two reasons your cat feels the need to scratch. One reason is to keep them in good shape. Cats are natural hunters, even though they are now domestic they still have this instinct inside of them. In your cats mind this is the most vital part of their bodies, since they need them to hunt. And they scratch to maintain their sharp claws, keep them trim, and under control.
Reason number two is that all cats mark their territory, and scratching is just one of the ways they do that. They have scent glands in their paws, that leave their scent on what they just scratched to let other animals know it’s their turf. That’s why a cat will scratch more often if another cat or any animal for that matter is introduced into the home.
Preventing Problem Scratching
Since it is in their nature to scratch it can not be stopped completely. However, if you want to stop them from scratching furiture or other objects, you can always buy a proper scratching post. These can be found in any reliable pet store, or if you choose to you can even make your own.
Make sure to place the scratching post in a high traffic area. Somewhere everyone in the household goes frequently. Your cat needs to feel they are marking their territory, and if the post is hidden somewhere it can’t convey that message.
Some owners complain that they have trouble getting their cat to actually use the post. In order to solve this problem you will need to make it as enticing as possible. Play with them around the post and feed them by it too. Hang things that they like from the post too as this will encourage them to mark their territory.
Overall, as long as you make the post seem enticing, your cat should soon start to get the idea. Try to teach your cat to use a post from an early age as that way you will not have as many problems teaching them how to use it. Be persistent with your training and ensure that you let the cat know that marking your furniture is not appropriate. Always reward them with praise when they do use their post. If you follow these tips you should successfully be able to post train your cat.
Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, visit www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems fast.
- Kathrynn Kelley
