curb your cat ebook

When it comes to frustrating feline behaviors, a penchant for furniture destruction tops the list for most owners. These tips and creative solutions can help your cat develop better scratching habits so you can live in harmony—and maybe even save your favorite chair in the process. Whether we like it or not, scratching is an innate feline behavior that cannot be prevented—in fact, even declawed cats still “scratch!” While it may be tempting to scold your cat the next time he sinks his nails into your couch, remember, he’s not acting out of spite. Scratching provides exercise, anxiety relief, and a good stretch—not to mention it keeps kitty’s claws in top shape. Instinctively, cats also scratch to mark their territory and communicate with other cats. Teach Him What Not to Scratch Behavior modification consists of teaching your cat to avoid certain scratching sites while helping him to enjoy scratching on appropriate surfaces. It is always best to develop good habits early, but don’t let that discourage you—retraining is possible, even in senior cats! Show your cat which areas are off-limits by making them less inviting. Consider temporarily covering furniture with double-sided sticky tape or aluminum foil, or spritzing your cat’s favorite scratching spots with an unpleasant scent, like citrus, or a deterrent spray. Provide (Many) Alternatives Discouraging your cat from scratching unwanted surfaces is only half the battle. You must also bring in appropriate alternatives for him to scratch, like carpeted cat trees, sisal rope scratching posts, or simple cardboard or wood planks. Remember that every cat’s scratching preferences are different, so the first step will be figuring out what your cat likes. Ultimately, you will want to provide alternatives that most closely resemble the unwanted objects your cat loves to scratch. Watch his behavior closely—does he like to scratch the seat of your armchair or does he prefer the wooden legs of your dining room table? This can provide valuable clues about his preferences, which you can use to successfully redirect his habits.