When it comes to owning a cat, many people just assume that no training is needed. Training is more commonly associated with dogs and cats are seen to be an easier type of pet to own. However, as many cat owners have found out - owning a cat can actually be an extremely frustrating experience!

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?

Scratching Is In Their Nature

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.

If you have a problem with your cat using the scratching post, there is a few solutions. You can hang toys from it so your cat while playing marks the post as theirs. Get catnip and rub it on the scratching post. Make it part of your cats life. Feed them by it, and play with them by it. This will make it so your cat becomes possessive of it.

To be successful, you must remain persistent. If your cat scratches something it shouldn't, always reprimand the cat. When your cat scratches the post, reward them. Always start this training as soon as you are able. The younger the cat the more successful this training is.

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