Training the Cat to Scratch on a Scratching Post

 Every wonder why a cat has to scratches everything in site. Your cat is sharpening claws and ridding the outer layer of old claw is one reason. After a cat has been declawed, they could continue to go though the motion of clawing. On the paw pad are scent glands, that will rub off the scent as they claw or scratch on an item. Once a cat does claw or scratch on the item other cats will come to smell the scent left and can have the tendency to scratch the same item to have their scent on the item. When you finding the couch or other item scratched or clawed this is when the cat is exercising.

Redirection and proper scratching post or trees will help with the exercising or energy that a cat has. A rope can offer a stable item for the cat to scratch and claw on. Purchasing a scratch post or tree that is sturdy enough for the cat and will not be easy tip over when the cat is scratching or clawing at the tree. Making sure, the scratching post or tree is high enough for the cat to reach and be able to scratch and claw.

Rubbing orange peel or lemon on the fabric or surface of the item can help with scratching or claw the item. Using a commercial cat repellent is another way to rid the scent on your items. Cats do not like plastic, covering your furniture with plastic till, the cat starts to use the post, or tree will help. Communicating with the cat with soft words as "no kitty you are not to scratch that, this is not the place". Then taking the cat to the scratching area and showing them this is the place to scratch will help with the redirecting the energy of the cat. Rubbing the cats paw on the post will help leaving the scent of the cat on there so they know that this is a place to scratch.

Scratching is a natural to a cat as it is for them to breathe. With gentle guides, redirection, telling the cat not to scratch on the item the cat will soon leave the furniture and couch alone.

Nail grooming a cat is also important especially with older cats and inactive cats that sleep most the time. These types of cat are usually in a curled up position with the paws tucked under them and this can cause the nails to curl. Trimming the nails is just an import to help with training. If you are uncertain about trimming the nails on the cat, call the groomers. Groomers that have been trained to trim and cut nails on cats. Taking the cat when the nails are in need of grooming, can also gives a cat a good chance to get out of the house for the socializing that it need.

Treats are another import thing when training a cat. Giving a treat to a cat for good behavior warrants the cat to continue the behavior. Treats and food on the other hand should be use when a cat wants something, like attention from the owner. Excessive meowing is another time you do not want to give a cat a treat. Treating the cat is a way of saying they are doing a great job. A reward, with rewarding with the bad behaviors will lead the cat to continue them.

Simple treats as live treats are a good treat for your cat. Most cats like the taste of liver and with the small treat, this will not over feed a cat. Once the behavior is in control, you will want to decrease the times that the cat gets a treat for the behavior until the cat is doing it with a treat. This is so that you will be able to use the treat for training for the cat with other unwanted behaviors. With the cat knowing that the taste of the treat and that with good things they are doing, the next training will be a non stressful on the cat.

Training the cat to not to scratch everything in site can be a great experience for you and your cat. With the proper training and love, communication you will be on your way to the next training behavior.

About the author:

Tony Robinson is a webmaster, international author and cat lover. Visit his website at http://www.officialcats.com

 Tony Robinson

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