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Have you given up on the idea of having nice furniture as long as your cat is around? As it turns out, scratching the furniture does not have to be a part of your cat’s life. You can change a few things in your home and end the problem forever. Scratching is your cat’s natural exercise; it helps her stretch and sharpens her claws while marking her territory. Because it is so tall and sturdy, your couch makes the perfect scratching post. To get the cat away from the furniture, you need to make sure she has her own furniture to scratch. Your cat needs a scratching surface. She also needs to know what you want her to use as that scratching surface and that she owns it. To protect the couch you need to do more than just providing a post. To a cat, the Ferrari of scratching posts is one that is rock solid. She doesn’t want it wobbling around on her while she’s really getting into it. Also, a tall scratching post lets her stretch out those muscles and joints during a good scratching session. Nothing would make your cat happier than showing off for the whole family on a sisal rope-covered scratching post. Put it someplace where your family gathers and she has plenty of maneuvering room. Teaching your cat the purpose of her scratching post is easy. Cats are such great imitators that you just have to show her a fun behavior to emulate. Scratch at the post any time you see her looking in that direction. It won’t take long for her to get the idea. To really generate some interest in the scratching post, try rubbing catnip on it. You can also place a cheap cardboard post near her permanent scratching post. The cardboard posts come pre-infused with catnip. She may never ask for it, but your cat loves praise and attention. Give it to her whenever you see her use her scratching post. It won’t take long before she’ll start showing off on her scratching post just to get your attention. The final step is restraining her from using the furniture to scratch. Keep her away from the areas she used to scratch with acrylic shields or another piece of furniture. Within a week she’ll forget all about the couch and use her scratching post exclusively. Patience and understanding are the keys to a peaceful relationship between your furniture and your cat. In the end, they’ll both love you more!
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About the Article Author
Brock Lorber provides tips and advice on dog and cat health care. For more advice and hand-selected pet supplies from Brock Lorber visit: myotherkids.com www.squidoo.com/cat_health_advice/ www.squidoo.com/dog_healt_advice/
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