As independent a creature as the domestic housecat, when a cat is ready to socialize with humans they love to play, cuddle and purr for no reason other than being near you. That alone is reason to own them…or, let them own you. Unfortunately, the thing they love even more than snuggling with you is to scratch. Cats are not particular about what they will scratch and quite often the target is the legs of your heirloom Amish table, your custom upholstered sofa, or your expensive carpeting.

Although many humans do not appreciate when their cat is scratching their personal possessions you have to know that kittens and cats do not scratch to destroy your investments, they have a natural need to scratch. Scratching is a behavior in domesticated felines and in the wild. Whether tame or wild cats scratch to signal their presence to other cats and to claim territory.

There are two target areas in the home, usually near important territorial areas like their sleeping area, litter tray, or play areas. Cats can also destroy doorways, trim, blinds, windows, and furniture.

HELPFUL TIPS TO SCRATCH-PROOFING YOUR HOME:

DECLAW- Controversy surrounds the idea of cat declawing, yet daily some people faced with cat scratching problems consider the declawing surgery. Many veterinarians believe declawing is a painful and unnecessary surgery and many refuse to perform it.

Trimming the nails regularly may help keep a cat from scratching the furniture, or at least reduce the damage done by its scratching. Start trimming your cat as a kitten in order to get the feline used to having its nails clipped while it is young.

FREEZONE – By providing multiple scratching opportunities you can hinder their desire to destroy the good stuff. Cats often like to scratch after they eat and sleep. A scratching post is a valuable investment for your cat and is now available in almost designer concepts, such as the cat tree. These posts provide scratching, stretching and exercise all at once.

CAMOUFLAGE & BOOBY TRAPS- Cats don’t like certain textures such as plastic or aluminum foil and double-sided tape. The noisy sound of foil and the fur sticking tape can cause a cat to think twice before ascending Mt. Expensive Sofa. Create booby traps with a soda can with pennies in it. Like a burglar alarm, the can clinks noisily as the cat scratches. Doorknob alarms can be used on your curtains. When attached to the drapes, the alarm will sound every time your cat tries to climb the window.

You can also tape inflated balloons to the areas. Theoretically the cat will avoid scratching there again when a balloon pops when clawed. Remember to only do this when you are present and pick up the balloon pieces before your cat tries to eat them.

EXERCISE – Keeping a cat mentally stimulated and physically exercised will create less opportunity for destruction in your home. A cat that is frustrated and bored may scratch your furniture or climb your drapes.

HOME THEATER FOR KITTY – Create a window perch for your feline friend that will give your cat hours of entertainment. Place a bird or squirrel feeder in the garden outside the window and remember to be sure the window is closed.

WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE – Try squirting the misbehaving cat with a water pistol or squirt bottle while using a firm ‘no’. This of course, only works when you are present.

STINKY – Use some sprays like bitter apple or actual orange peels as good deterrents.

Never use physical punishment or cause real fear by displaying aggression toward the cat.

REMEMBER – It does not matter which methods you will choose to prevent your precious Amish custom furniture from being destroyed, every cat owner mush know that it is impractical and unfair to expect cats to stop scratching entirely.