How To Prevent Your Cat From Scratching Your Belongings

Scratching serves many purposes for your cat. Cats scratch to "mark" their territory with both a visual mark and a scent mark, as there are small glands in the pads of cats' feet. Cats also stretch and shed their claw sheaths by scratching. This provides a comfortable way to stretch after a long nap, and it helps keep their nails in good shape.

So, because scratching is a normal and healthy habit for your cat, the best way thing to do is provide them with a place to scratch and, thus, protect your belongings.

Give your cat a place to scratch

Scratching posts can be purchased at any pet supply store or can be easily constructed from twine, rope, or carpet. Place the scratching post out in the open - not in a secluded, hard-to-find place. You may even want to make it more inviting by placing some catnip on it. Also, try placing the scratching post in front of the item that your cat wants to scratch, like the couch or the stereo speakers.

Reduce the need to scratch

Since one of the reasons your cat scratches is to groom its nails, performing regular nail trims can help keep your cat from needing to scratch. Giving a feline manicure is quite simple, and you can consult your veterinarian if you need assistance!

Resist the desire to declaw your cat

Declawed cats are completely defenseless if they get outside, as they can have difficulty defending themselves or climbing out of harm's way. Indoor cats, if there is more than one cat in the household, can even have difficulty playing normally with other cats because their natural abilities and characteristics have been altered. Most cats can be "trained" to scratch only certain areas, without requiring this unnecessary and potentially harmful surgery.

For more tips on controlling your cat's scratching or other behavior issues, contact your animal shelter.

*This article was reprinted with permission from the American Humane Association.