subject: The secrets to why cats scratch the funiture and other valuables and how to train them to stop destroying your furniture [print this page] The secrets to why cats scratch the funiture and other valuables and how to train them to stop destroying your furniture
The first thing to know is that cats scratch naturally
I am sure you already have figured this out if you look at your furniture and drapes but it is important to remember this when you are trying to prevent it.
Your cat is going to scratch no matter what.
The only thing you can really do to prevent your cat from scratching your valuables is to teach them to scratch something else. If your cat wants to scratch he or she will scratch, and getting them to stop something they enjoy is impossible.
Punishing will not work.
Cats do not understand punishment and it is likely to exasperate the situation. It will only make them insecure which may cause more scratching. The only thing you will accomplish is to damage the trust between your cat and you.
The Scorpion and the Frog according to Wikapedia.
The story is about a scorpion asking a frog to carry him across a river. The frog is afraid of being stung, but the scorpion reassures him that if it stung, the frog would sink and the scorpion would drown as well. The frog then agrees; nevertheless, in mid-river, the scorpion stings him, dooming them both.When asked why, the scorpion explains, "I'm a scorpion; it's my nature."
This is why cats scratch. It is their nature.
Marking their territory.
When your cat scratches, they are placing a mark on an object to establish their territory. Not only do the scratch marks mark their domain, but the scent glands in their paws also leave a scent mark. Think of it as your cat's way of interior decorating.
Exercise
Scratching is also a way for them to stretch their muscles and ligaments they way an athlete stretches while they warm up. The good news is that you don't have to get them a membership to a gym.
Cats scratch for the same reason people do.
Because it feels good!
For tips on how to stop your cat from scratching your funiture, please click here.
