Are you getting fed up of your cat constantly shredding your furniture? Does your settee look like something out of a reject store? (Mine certainly did!) Cat scratching must be one of the most annoying behavior traits of all. So- why do cats scratch?

Unfortunately scratching is a perfectly normal behavior, and something which all cats do instinctively. They have scent glands on their foot pads, which are activated when they scratch, and leave scent behind to mark territory. Scratching also removes the outer layer from the claws, which they shed at regular intervals. There is little point in trying to stop your cat from scratching by using physical punishment, as she will not understand this and will become fearful of you.

Declawing is not an option. Many people don’t realize that this procedure involves removing part of the bone as well, and is the equivalent of us having our fingers amputated to the first knuckle. Declawing can cause significant pain and long term problems, and is fast becoming illegal in many countries and states. So- what can you do to stop your furniture from being completely ruined?

Keep your cat’s nails trimmed regularly as this will reduce damage done if she does scratch. If you are not confident about doing this yourself, your vet will do this. You can also buy little plastic caps which fit over your cat’s nails to protect furniture. These will not hurt her and she will still be able to retract her claws.

Buy or make her a scratching post. Ideally this should be tall enough for her to stretch, as cats will often stretch when they scratch. A post covered with Sissal type material is often the most effective. It must be stable, as she will not use it if it moves when she scratches. Let her sniff it and become use to it, and use your own hands to make scratching movements as a demonstration. It may not be a good idea to hold her paws on it as this could put her off using it altogether. When you see her use it, praise her and offer her treats, so she will associate using it with a pleasurable reward. You may need to provide more than one post, situated throughout the house. If you have more than one cat, they will need a scratching post each. Make sure you change the post when it is too worn tp use any more.

If she goes to scratch the furniture, make a loud noise; shout, clap your hands or even spray her with water. The aim is to startle her sufficiently to make her stop scratching. Pick her up and put her down next to her scratching post.

You can buy pet deterrents to spray on furniture; these have a scent your cat will find abhorrent and she will avoid the area. Another tip is to place aluminum foil or double sided sticky tape around the area; she will not like the feel of this against her claws.