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Climbing and Scratching

 scratching post2


Cats scratch and climb to leave their scent and visual markings, to sharpen their claws,  and to stretch their legs. Instead of declawing your cat, provide a scratching post and horizontal scratching stations where normal scratching behaviors can be safely practiced. Trimming your cat’s nails once weekly will help tremendously.

Tips

  • Leave boxes, paper bags, or pet carriers out in your home for cats to explore.
  • Cats love vertical space and will climb on almost anything. Increasing vertical space increases the space in your home.
  • Supervise your cat to prevent climbing and scratching in places other than scratching stations. If scratching or climbing occurs, calmly take your cat to the post and redirect it.
  • Reward or praise your cat for using the stations. CONSISTENCY is the key.
  • Until your cat is using the post regularly, confine your kitty to a familiar room with toys, scratching post, litter box, food and water when you are not able to supervise. Remove any items that may be tempting to scratch: it is like childproofing your home! Once your cat is frequently scratching the post, gradually allow freedom in the home without supervision.
  • To prevent your cat from climbing or scratching on your furniture or drapes have cat trees and cat perches located in areas where your cat can be up high. (Use your browser to search "cat climbing" and a wealth of products will be listed ranging from climbing/scratching post to cat perches and steps/shelves that attach to walls.)
  • Choose posts that are sturdy and tall enough for your cat to reach up and extend his/her body when scratching. Most cat trees also include scratching areas. Good choices are sisal rope, corrugated cardboard, and wood. Rubbing catnip on the post also helps if your cat likes catnip.
  • You can show your cat how to scratch by scratching the post yourself or buy gently helping your kitty do scratching motions. REWARD IMMEDIATELY!
  • Put scratching stations next to areas where your cat likes to sleep so he/she can scratch upon awakening.
  • Double-stick tape or a similar commercial product helps deter cats from using furniture.