You can’t stop your cat from scratching. They scratch to sharpen their claws, to mark territory or just for exercise. In other words, scratching is a natural activity that you cannot – and don’t want to – stop. But you can train your cat to scratch something other than grandmother’s prized dresser.

First, see what your cat likes to scratch. A wooden door, a velvet couch, your leg? Then get a scratching post that is similar in texture and shape. Place the post near your cat’s favorite scratching area, and then let the training begin. As with all animal training since Pavlov adopted his first puppy, you will reward good behavior and discourage bad behavior. And of course you need to provide reinforcement at the time of the behavior. Saying “good kitty” 30 minutes after your cat has used the scratching post doesn’t help at all.


But if you see your cat using its post, good rewards are verbal praise, petting or a special treat. On the other hand, if you catch your cat sharpening its claws on your easy chair, making a loud sound (shaking coins or rocks in a can works well) or squirting water at the cat both get the message across. In addition, it will help if you make the furniture a less attractive scratching location. Putting tin foil or double stick tape on the furniture tends to discourage scratching.



We went to reliable sources for the above information, but don’t forget – we’re just cats and dogs. Always consult a veterinarian, professional trainer or other expert.