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.