How to stop you cat scratching the furniture

There is no doubt that cats are lovable creatures who can worm their way into your heart. However, even the most ardent cat lover can be driven to distraction by one of very annoying habit that some cats have.
This is when they scratch the furniture or drapes and it seems no matter what you do they will insist on continuing with the habit. This is basically because it stems from a cats natural desire to mark its territory. Some owners have noticed that their cats will ignore the old fixtures and fittings and save their scratching for the very best new furniture. This is because it is new that they are attracted to it because it is as yet unmarked but in their territory. There for in the cats mind this is the logical item to mark their territory.
In addition to giving a visual indication of their territory, the scratch marks they also mark the item with pheromones which they excrete from glands in the soles of their feet.
Of course the other reason for scratching furniture is to sharpen their claws and this is why having once marked an item they will return time and time again if permitted. If you have a young cat it may be possible to train them to us e a scratching post either a commercial one available from pet stores or one that you have made yourself. Some cats do not like covering and you may have to experiment until you find something the cat likes.
To train the cat you need to take the cat to the scratching post and then gently take its front paws and move them up and down in a scratching action. If you are lucky the cat may get the idea. If you have a tree in your garden some cats prefer to use these for scratching and again you could try and teach your cat to use that.
Quite often if you have done this all you need to do is simply shout at your cat every time it looks as though it Is going to scratch the furniture and then pick it up and take it to the scratching post or tree.

If this fails there is a spray available called Feliway pheromone which you can spray on your vulnerable furniture. This is to give your cat the impression that the furniture has already been marked.

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