Why do Cats Scratch?

Cats will always scratch, it is a natural in built instinct in them. Scratching feels pleasurable to cats which is one reason they do it. It is also a form of exercise and they also do it as a way to mark their territory. The visible scratch marks demonstrate they are in charge and when they do it a gland on their paws releases a smell which also serves as a warning to other cats in the vicinity!

If your cat is frequently attacking your antique armchair or brand new sofa, it would be wise to purchase one or two cat scratch posts. Punishing your cat for scratching your furniture wouldn’t work as they just wouldn’t understand why they were being punished and would come to mistrust you and stay away. Declawing is cruel and should never be considered.

When selecting cat scratch posts you should choose ones that are tall enough for your cat to extend its whole body against, and that are very stable. If cat scratch posts wobble even slightly, cats will never revisit them. It must have a very rough texture too so your cat can get a really satisfying scratch out of it.

To encourage your cat to use the cat scratch posts in your home, place them in the centre of the rooms most frequently used by the family. When he has taken to them, you can move the cat scratch posts more into the corner so they don’t need to be the centrepiece forever! If your cat is still being timid around the posts, try feeding your cat by them and give lots of attention right next to where they site. That way your cat will have good associations with them and will be happy to use them in future.

Have any of you any suggestions on how to get cats to use cat scratch posts? Send in your thoughts below.