Cats scratch and climb to leave their scent and visual markings, to sharpen their claws and to stretch their legs. Instead of declawing your cat, provide a scratching post where normal scratching behaviors can safely be practiced. Also consider these priorities:
The right scratching post.
Choose posts that are sturdy and tall enough for your cat to reach up and stretch while scratching. Most cat trees also include scratching areas. Good choices are sisal rope, corrugated cardboard or wood. Place posts next to areas where your cat likes to sleep. Get a scratching routine started by gently helping your cat do scratching motions and reward immediately.
Close supervision.
Keep watch to prevent climbing and scratching in places other than scratching posts. If scratching or climbing occurs, calmly take your cat to the post to redirect it. Reward with a few kibbles of cat food or praise your cat for using the post. Consistency is key. When you’re not able to supervise, confine your cat to a familiar room with a scratching post, litter box, food and water.
Tasty Tips
While you wait for results.
While you wait for results. Until your cat is using the post regularly, confine your cat to a familiar room with toys, scratching posts, litter box, food and water when you are not able to supervise. Remove any items that may be tempting to scratch. Once your cat is frequently scratching the post, gradually allow freedom in the home without supervision.
Troubleshooting.
Cats love vertical space and will climb on almost anything. If your cat insists on climbing or scratching on your furniture or drapes, have cat trees, cat perches, etc., that are acceptable areas in which your cat can be up high. Double-stick tape or a similar commercial product helps deter cats from using furniture.
Related products
Adult Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition in two delicous flavours to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Adult Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Related articles
Caring for Your Cat Through All of Life's Stages
HillsPet Nutrition provides information on proper nutrition, fitness and special needs in keeping your cat healthy and happy.
Common Health Concerns in an Overweight Cat
As a responsible pet owner you owe it to yourself and your cat to understand problems associated with overweight cats.
Weight Gain in Your Cat & How You Can Help
Being overweight puts a cat at risk for developing many serious health issues. Weight gain indicates an increase in body fat and usually results when your cat eats too much and exercises too little.
Brushing & Food: Keys to Maintaining Your Cat's Oral Health
Get helpful information on proper feline oral healthcare and why it's so vital to take care of your cat's teeth.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.