How to Stop Your Kitty from Shredding Your Sofa

If you want to return peace to your home and stop your cat from scratching your favourite sofa then there are just three things you need to know. They are: why your cat thinks her behaviour is perfectly acceptable, why declawing is not the answer, and the most effective solution that will make you both happy. I will explain each of these concepts in this article and show you the simple answer to your cat scratching problems.

1. Why your cat thinks scratching your furniture is acceptable

Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats, although you've probably figured this out by now given the state of your furniture and curtains. But the point is that she's not doing it to be naughty or to annoy you.

Firstly she is marking her territory; her paws have scent glands in them that leave a scent behind as she scratches.

Secondly it's a form of exercise, as she scratches your cat is stretching and working the muscles in her front quarters.

And finally, it just feels good to scratch so it keeps your cat happy.

2. Why declawing is not the answer

Your first thought might be to solve the problem by declawing your cat, especially if she is a house cat and never goes outside.

This is a big mistake.

Declawing is a very painful surgical procedure which involves amputating the last joint of the cat's toes. It can lead to all kinds of complications and also causes your cat to lose her sense of balance.

If you're worried about your furniture being scratched try thinking about all those broken ornaments when she's no longer quite as agile. Or worse still the fact that she is likely to become emotionally distressed which could lead to her urinating in inappropriate places.

3. The simple solution which will please both owner and cat

The best way to keep your cat happy and save your furniture is to invest in an appropriate scratching post.

The post needs to be tall enough for her to extend her body fully and secure enough that it won't fall over when she tries to scratch. It also needs to be covered in a rough texture like sisal which is perfect for cats to shred.

Don't expect her to jump with joy when you first bring the post in though, remember she has marked her territory on your furniture so you'll need to give her some time.

Start by putting the post in the place where she likes to scratch. Then help her associate it with pleasure by feeding her by it, playing with her on it, even rubbing it with catnip.

Over time she'll forget all about your sofa and learn to love her post.

Investing in a good quality, sturdy scratching post will ensure that your cat can benefit from it for the long run. If the post collapses or falls apart after a few uses your cat will simply go back to scratching the sofa.

The Cleo Pet - Colorado Cat Climber Scratcher is the perfect solution to your cat scratching problems. Not only does it have tough sisal and corded carpet scratching posts for ultimate scratching pleasure but it's six platforms and fleece den make it the perfect place to play and sleep. Get the best price for your scratching post today at http://topcatcare.com