Cat Scratching Problems ?What Are The Available Measures?

     Are you having trouble finding the right solutions to your pet's scratching problems? If so, you are among the thousands of cat owners who had cat scratches on sofas, tables, cabinets and other furniture pieces.

Cats are adorable, loving, cute and cuddly animals. They are suitable pets not only for children, adults, but also for older people. They relieve stress and anxiety and prevent you from getting common ailments, like cough, influenza and colds.

They are great pets to keep. They love to play around, cuddle, purr and sleep. Despite their amiable attitude, their scratching behavior makes you angry sometimes because it damages your sofa, expensive carpets, furniture pieces and antique table.

Like any other cat owners around, scratching is one common problem that you share and have difficulty in finding solution. Before you embark your search for the best option around, you should know first why cats scratch.

Why Cats Scratch?

Scratching is an innate character that cats possess. It signals their presence to other cats and to claim the territory. They scratch to remove the old and dead cells from their claws and to sharpen their nails. It is also a form of exercise to strengthen their muscles and tendons of their paws. They only scratch in limited areas, like their litter tray, hunting area, sleeping are and play areas. Some of them scratch in visible areas such as doorways, sofas, windows

There are numerous solutions available for you, choose those alternatives which you think best suit your needs and without risking the health and well being of your pet.

Solutions to address their scratching problems

- Declawing is the easiest solution yet the most painful method for your cat. In the said procedure, your pet need to undergo a surgery to remove the last tendons on their paws. However, animal rights organizations and veterinarians are not amenable to the move because it is inhumane and it has physical and psychological effects to cats that last a life time.

- You can buy a scratching post for your cat. You can find several options in pet shops and department stores. Place them in areas where they sleep, eat and play around. These posts not only allow them to scratch, but they can also stretch and exercise as well.

- You can also give them toys to play with to avoid scratching in different areas and furniture pieces of the house. By doing so, you give them enough time to play around, keep them mentally stimulated, exercise and enjoy. There are different toys suitable for your cat.

- You can also cut their excess nails regularly to reduce the damage on furniture items. Get them used to nail clipping while they are still young. You can give them treats after clipping to reward them for their submission.

- You can cover areas of furniture, where they scratch, with double-sided tape, plastic or aluminum foil. Cats usually dislike when their paws stick to something and to things that produce sounds.

- You can put deterrents like bitter apple or orange peels, on appropriate areas.

With these measures at hand, you can now prevent or minimize cat scratches on furniture pieces.