Let your cat scratch away with a scratching post

Scratching is the favourite pastime of numerous cats and is perfectly healthy behaviour. This activity is used to mark their territory, to threaten other cats, and during playing. Channelling your pet's scratching away from destroying curtains and soft furnishings towards a cat scratching post can be tricky and takes training. Training practices are well worth the effort though and the results allow your cat to live comfortably in your home without causing you any annoyance.

Cat scratching posts and playgrounds are essential items to have in the house for your companion's exercise and to maintain healthy claws. They allow kitties to take out any aggression they might direct towards owners and offer stress relief and a way for them to mark their territory. They encourage felines to stretch and work their muscles in their arms, legs and back and can also prevent declawing, which can lead to painful physical and behavioural problems in the short and long term.

When you first introduce this practice to your feline, place it in front of, or directly blocking the scratched areas. Make sure the post is tightly secured, or have a heavy base, as any wobbling will deter her from using it. Also try covering previous problem areas with aluminium foil or sticky tape (sticky side facing out) as these textures tend to repel kitties. As your cat gets more familiar with the post, you will be able to move it further away from these areas to whichever space you wish.

These posts are effective if made from the right materials and placed in the right places around your home. Try putting one in different parts of your house and use different materials to give your furry friend a bit more variety. Surfaces that are rough, grippy, and shred easily are the best. Cats scratch down the post so opt for one with fabric that has vertically aligned thread. It also needs to be tall enough to let your cat stretch to her full length.