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It can be a source of great frustration to some cat guardians when their cat chooses to scratch on their furniture. It is important to remember that scratching is normal cat behaviour which they do to help sharpen their front claws in addition to leaving their own scent marking of pheromones. Cats may also scratch to stretch their muscles. Some cats that suffer from anxiety may show an increase in scratching behaviour.

Proper training to scratch on appropriate surfaces combined with nail care can prevent cats from scratching in undesirable areas and causing damage in the home. The following information is pertinent in choosing a scratching post:

• Many cats prefer vertical scratching posts; some prefer horizontal ones.
• Vertical scratching posts must be sturdy and preferably tall enough for the cat to have a good stretch.
• Scratching materials preferred by most cats are wood, sisal rope, and rough fabric.
• Locate scratching posts near areas favoured by cats, such as windows or sleeping areas since cats often stretch and scratch upon awakening.

Start training your new kitten or cat to use scratching posts when first introduced to your home.

Cats return to favourite or chosen scratching sites, so motivate them to use the scratching post you select and avoid letting them use the furniture. This can be done by enticing your cat to the post upon awakening, rubbing catnip on the post, and holding treats or toys partway up the post to encourage stretching and scratching. You can secure an appealing toy, such as feathers, at the top of the post. Rewards can be given at each step—as the cat approaches the post, touches it, and finally scratches it. Never yell at or punish your cat.

If your cat already scratches in an undesirable area, talk to one of our veterinarians or veterinary nurses. They will help determine your cat’s likely preferences—for a vertical or horizontal scratching post, for the type of material that will draw the cat to the post, for the location of the post. You can then make or purchase posts of similar fabrics.

Place double-sided sticky tape on inappropriate areas and reward use of the scratching post. This helps direct the cat to the post. Another option is to clean the undesirable are that they are scratching and once it is dry spray the area with Feliway spray once daily. Use of a Feliway diffuser can be used to further lower your cat’s anxiety levels.

If necessary, you can confined your cat to an area where the scratching post is the only available scratching outlet. This establishes use of the scratching post and prevents inadvertent reinforcement for scratching off-limits household items. For cats with anxiety this may increased their stress and may not be recommended. If you are unsure, speak to one of our vets.

Trim the tips of the nails every one or two weeks. If done correctly, this procedure is well accepted by most cats. Our vet nurses are happy to show you how to do this safely. Introduce nail trimming as part of routine handling to kittens.

Plastic nail caps, applied every 4-6 weeks, are an option for cats that are easy to handle. After trimming nail tips, fill the cap about a third of the way with adhesive, and fit the cap over the nail. The soft plastic covers prevents furniture damage when the cat scratches. Please advise us if you would like us to order these in for you.

Declawing is illegal in Australia.

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