It is very natural for a cat to claw at just about everything in your house. From the back of your couch to the tree in the yard, the damage can be done very quickly. But, before blaming the animal for this instinctual behavior, buy him cat scratching posts to give him an appropriate place to scratch.
You will find a feline doing this for several reasons. The most important of these is marking his territory. By leaving visible marks on objects and a scent trail from glands in his paws, he is claiming your home as his. It is important that he be allowed to do this as he will feel secure and safe. He also removes bacteria and dead skin cells this way.
So, if he is not destroying your home on purpose, what are the options? Attempting to train out an instinctual behavior would be fruitless. But, between the furniture and the plant life, the damage can be too much. Before you take drastic action though, consider a redirection of the behavior.
cat scratching posts are specifically designed with felines in mind. Coming in a variety of shapes, they typically feature a small wooden post covered in rough fabric. The texture of the fabric will simulate tree bark which feels nice under a cat's paws. The post should be tall enough to allow the cat to fully extend his body and must be secure so as not to frighten him. It should also be in a main room in your home.
Put the post right next to Kitty's old scratching spot. Draw him near it using positive things: toys, treats, and catnip. Between the good associations and the familiar location, it should be an easy and fast transition.
Before resorting to declawing surgery or getting rid of your favorite pet, look into cat scratching posts. They are a simple solution to a big problem.
You will find a feline doing this for several reasons. The most important of these is marking his territory. By leaving visible marks on objects and a scent trail from glands in his paws, he is claiming your home as his. It is important that he be allowed to do this as he will feel secure and safe. He also removes bacteria and dead skin cells this way.
So, if he is not destroying your home on purpose, what are the options? Attempting to train out an instinctual behavior would be fruitless. But, between the furniture and the plant life, the damage can be too much. Before you take drastic action though, consider a redirection of the behavior.
cat scratching posts are specifically designed with felines in mind. Coming in a variety of shapes, they typically feature a small wooden post covered in rough fabric. The texture of the fabric will simulate tree bark which feels nice under a cat's paws. The post should be tall enough to allow the cat to fully extend his body and must be secure so as not to frighten him. It should also be in a main room in your home.
Put the post right next to Kitty's old scratching spot. Draw him near it using positive things: toys, treats, and catnip. Between the good associations and the familiar location, it should be an easy and fast transition.
Before resorting to declawing surgery or getting rid of your favorite pet, look into cat scratching posts. They are a simple solution to a big problem.
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