When a cat scratches, it is a natural instinct that they do almost without thinking. Of course a cat does not think about where it scratches, just that it can. As a loving pet parent, we need to give them all the tools for successful scratching in your home.
Your house probably has a sofa and chairs with a textured fabric on them. The feel of that fabric is irresistible to cats. You probably also notice that he/she ignores the coffee table and end tables: basically anything with a smooth surface.
Setting your cat up for success, and you from yelling at them for tearing the various pieces of furniture, means that you should focus on his positive behaviors and ignore the negative ones. In fact, you will want to redirect your cat to something appropriate when he does something you do not want. So, what tools will help with your success? Cat condos and cat trees are great since they have multiple surfaces for scratching including wood, sisal and cardboard. Cardboard scratchers, both the ones on inclines or flat are inexpensive and fun. Sisal scratcher, sometimes called jute, come as either rugs or door hangers. Durable and a bit more expensive. Natural wood with bark: some cats love it and some don't. Don't go out of your way to find any but if there is some in your back yard take advantage of it, that is if you can tolerate bark all over your home.
Although the look of cat condos and cat toys may not be appealing all over the house, when starting a project like this it is important that they are out and about. Today's cat condos, cat furniture and cat perches are both functional and attractive! With some encouragement from you, the pet parent, cat furniture will come to the rescue. Let's make sure that you get deterrents as well, so it makes it difficult for kitty to get to the areas that he is inappropriately scratching such as, double sided tape - many cats will feel this once and never touch the area again. Plastic carpet runner- placed upside down these runners has small pointers that do not feel great on the cat's feet. Finally, tinfoil - some cats will not step on tinfoil but some love the sound.
With the correct instruments and some patience you will be able to handle the majority of scratching issues. Both you, your fur companion and furniture will all live happily together!
Your house probably has a sofa and chairs with a textured fabric on them. The feel of that fabric is irresistible to cats. You probably also notice that he/she ignores the coffee table and end tables: basically anything with a smooth surface.
Setting your cat up for success, and you from yelling at them for tearing the various pieces of furniture, means that you should focus on his positive behaviors and ignore the negative ones. In fact, you will want to redirect your cat to something appropriate when he does something you do not want. So, what tools will help with your success? Cat condos and cat trees are great since they have multiple surfaces for scratching including wood, sisal and cardboard. Cardboard scratchers, both the ones on inclines or flat are inexpensive and fun. Sisal scratcher, sometimes called jute, come as either rugs or door hangers. Durable and a bit more expensive. Natural wood with bark: some cats love it and some don't. Don't go out of your way to find any but if there is some in your back yard take advantage of it, that is if you can tolerate bark all over your home.
Although the look of cat condos and cat toys may not be appealing all over the house, when starting a project like this it is important that they are out and about. Today's cat condos, cat furniture and cat perches are both functional and attractive! With some encouragement from you, the pet parent, cat furniture will come to the rescue. Let's make sure that you get deterrents as well, so it makes it difficult for kitty to get to the areas that he is inappropriately scratching such as, double sided tape - many cats will feel this once and never touch the area again. Plastic carpet runner- placed upside down these runners has small pointers that do not feel great on the cat's feet. Finally, tinfoil - some cats will not step on tinfoil but some love the sound.
With the correct instruments and some patience you will be able to handle the majority of scratching issues. Both you, your fur companion and furniture will all live happily together!
About the Author:
Robert Baker works with New Cat Condos to manufacture quality cat condos that your kitty can count on. Be sure to check out their pagoda cat house which features a distinct eastern pagoda house look.
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