Scratch Post for Cats-Can they save your furniture?

It is a quiet night at home. Your sitting in your favorite chair binge watching your show when suddenly the chair starts rocking, and you hear the sound of something ripping; It's your cat. She is sharpening her claws on your furniture. You clap your hands, or make another sharp sound to break her out of her trance, but the damage is done. However, you can train your cat to scratch in more appropriate areas. It is a matter of discipline, but first let's look at why cat's need to scratch.

It's in Their nature!

A cat's need to scratch is innate, meaning it is a part of his nature. You could not train a cat to stop scratching anymore than you can train yourself to stop blinking. It is a part of them. There are several reasons for this behavior, one of them being the shedding of the outer layer of their claws. This reveals the new sharp claw underneath.  As a cat owner I have found these outer layers embedded in my carpet, which is another place where they like to pick. They also use their claws to mark territory by leaving their scent. A cat has scent glands in their paws, so when they scratch a tree outside, it not only gives other cats a visual cue to alert them to another cat's presence, it also carries their scent as another warning to intruders(other cats). 

Cats enjoy using their claws to express pleasure. One favorite past time they have is called kneading, or as we call it in my house "making bread". This is when kitty shows her contentment by flexing and softly retracting her claws on a favorite object, or person. Little Beans likes to climb on my husband's belly to make her bread. She does this almost every night. It is interesting to note that Beans chose to move her bread making to his shoulder about the time he started having discomfort in it, and when she makes her bread, she pushes on the exact spot where the pain resides. It's like getting a massage. Cat's have been known to sense discomfort and pain, but that will be a topic for a future post. So, now that we know the basics of why they scratch, let's look at ways we can help them express themselves without damaging the furniture.

What Kind of Scratch Post is Best?

Probably one of the best ways to get started is to get a cat scratcher. They come in horizontal and vertical styles. Cats need the vertical to reach high, so they can stretch their bodies and their paws.  While they absolutely enjoy the high scratch post, they also like to scratch on the floor. You can get an inexpensive floor scratch board made of corrugated cardboard. For a happy kitty both options should be available, so it would be best to give them each one.  When it comes to quality, a scratch post wrapped in sisal is the best bet for being able to withstand what kitty can give. It provides a good, strong surface for your cat to shed those claws. You should also make sure it is high enough for them to get a good stretch, otherwise they will be tempted to use that favorite chair of yours.  Foundation is important, so you want to make sure it has an appropriate base.  Kitty has claws, and if the base isn't wide enough she will pull it right over! My girls have done this before. You can also get a piece of wood from outdoors. This is nature's scratch post, and cats love it. So, if it is available to you, it would make an excellent nail sharpener.

                                                                                                 

How Do I Get Kitty to Use the Post? 

The quickest way to get kitty to try the new post or flat scratch board is cat nip. Most scratch posts will actually come with a small amount to get them going. Place the post next to the spot where kitty likes to scratch, e.g. your favorite chair. When you find her starting to scratch, tell her "no" firmly and place her on the post. Some people even take their paws and place them on the post using the scratching motion. This is where discipline becomes so important. You have to be consistent. During this training period your cat will be tempted to revert to her old habits. Keep a spray bottle with water handy.  Give her a squirt(not in the face) every time she makes an attempt to scratch. Some people have had success with lemon juice diluted with water. Spray a little on the spot where you want kitty to stop scratching. Cats do not like citrus. She may curl her lips back and make a funny face, but she will not scratch. You can also take two sided tape and cover the area. Kitty will not like the feeling of tape on her paws. Eventually, she will scratch the post and claim it as her territory. When you are confident kitty has claimed her post, you can move it to any point in the house or leave it where it is; It's your choice.

Be Careful How You Train Your Cat!                                    

As a cat owner, I can certainly understand the feeling of coming home to find your furniture ripped. However, please do not try to "teach" your cat not to scratch after the fact. A cat has a short attention span. They live in the moment(which is something we can learn from them), so if you find something damaged, it doesn't matter if you go over to your now sleeping cat and firmly scolded them for the act. She will not know what she did or why you are upset. You will risk scaring your cat, and as a result she will try to avoid you. When the damage is done, it it's done. 

                                                

Remember Why You Chose a Cat!

You have chosen to share your home with a very special creature, and with that choice brings responsibility. You have to understand your home will change. It is no longer just about you anymore, and your home is now their home. However, with a little training and discipline you will happily co-exist. The secret is balance. You absolutely can decide where your cat will do her scratching, but you must allow her to do it. Sometimes when people get a cat, and this applies to dogs as well, they will try to train the cat to conform to living indoors without giving them the tools to express their nature as a cat. If kitty doesn't exercise her natural instincts, she will make do on her own.  This can cause disruption and damage in the household.  Playing with your cat for just a half hour a day will help her exercise and significantly reduce "accidents." Plus, playing is a great way to bond with your cat, and a strong bond will form the basis of your relationship. When you get an animal, it is an invite to share your lives together, not change their nature. As long as you go into this relationship with that in mind, your cat will have a long and happy life. Besides, your cat will be training you, too! That's a story for another day. In the meantime, enjoy your cats. It wouldn't be home without them.