Cart
Checkout Secure

Got a Question? Call Us

0321 0077999 | 03008822551

Mon-Sat 10am - 8pm

Cat Scratching

Introduction

Scratching is considered a normal behavior in cats. Scratching things is an inherited trait and cats do it instinctively, but it is also learned from their mother early on in life. Cats scratch in order to leave a visual and olfactory (i.e. smell) territorial marker. Their scent comes from sweat glands located in their paws. To a lesser extent, they also scratch in order to condition and trim their claws, and to provide muscle toning for their front legs, but this is not essential.

Preventing Your Cat from Scratching

To treat destructive scratching, training involves three aspects: prevention, teaching, and correction. Prevention is accomplished by first scratch-proofing your home. This is done by closing-off problem areas and keeping your cat confined to an area that does not have any scratchable objects. If necessary, cover furniture temporarily with plastic and move your curtains out of reach.
Provide a scratching post or board. The post should be of sufficient size and texture to make it appealing to your cat and be sturdy enough to prevent tipping over. The preferred covering should have a longitudinal weave that allows your cat to dig its claws in and get a long stroke. The post should also be taller than your cat when it stands on its hind legs. It must be placed close to where your cat sleeps, since most cats mark their territory near their sleeping areas and prefer to scratch shortly after waking up.
Other hints to minimize scratching include keeping the nails closely trimmed, providing enough play toys, and, if possible, allowing your cat access to the outdoors (under supervision).

Training Your Cat to Use a Scratch Post

You can train your cat to use the scratch post by rubbing the surface with catnip and by rubbing your cat's paws gently on the post (cats prefer previously-scratched objects). If your cat wishes to use an object other that the post for scratching, give him a firm "no", bring him to the post and once again gently rub his paws on the post. You may want to give praise or a treat when the post is used.
Finally, if these steps prove unsuccessful, you can try applying remote correction. This involves hiding out of sight (or using a video camera or mirror around a corner) and applying an unpleasant stimulus whenever your cat scratches the drapes or furniture. Unpleasant stimuli may involve a loud noise, water sprayer, a tin can filled with marbles or a small pillow or stuffed toy thrown near your cat. In this way, your cat will identify the negative stimuli with the act of scratching, rather than with you.

Don't Take Our Word For it! Here's What Our Customers Think:

Added to cart!
Farmina Matisse Chicken & Rice
Someone purchased a 27 minutes ago from Peshawar, Pakistan
Farmina Matisse Kitten
Someone purchased a 38 minutes ago from Hyderabad, Pakistan
Royal Canin Persian Adult Cat Food
Someone purchased a 32 minutes ago from Peshawar, Pakistan
Klumpy Cat Litter
Someone purchased a 37 minutes ago from Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Klumpy Value Cat Litter 5 KG
Someone purchased a 34 minutes ago from Lahore, Pakistan
Premium Bentonite Cat Litter – Lavender Scented 99% Dust Free
Someone purchased a 46 minutes ago from Karachi, Pakistan
K9 Adult Dog Food
Someone purchased a 47 minutes ago from Hyderabad, Pakistan
Mr Pet Organic Cat Food
Someone purchased a 53 minutes ago from Karachi, Pakistan
Farmina Matisse Salmon & Tuna
Someone purchased a 57 minutes ago from Lahore, Pakistan
Feeding Bowl Stainless Steel for Dogs & Cats
Someone purchased a 53 minutes ago from Sahiwal, Pakistan
Fluffy Cat Food - 1.2Kg
Someone purchased a 49 minutes ago from Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Praferan Deworming Tables For Dogs & Cats
Someone purchased a 59 minutes ago from Sahiwal, Pakistan
Pet Mommy Cat Litter Lemon Scented
Someone purchased a 36 minutes ago from Sahiwal, Pakistan
Remu Easy Clean Cat Litter
Someone purchased a 42 minutes ago from Sahiwal, Pakistan
Royal Canin Persian Kitten Food
Someone purchased a 47 minutes ago from Hyderabad, Pakistan
Taste of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Grain Free Food - 2 KG
Someone purchased a 28 minutes ago from Peshawar, Pakistan
Diamond Naturals Breeder Formula Dog Food - 20 Kg
Someone purchased a 47 minutes ago from Sahiwal, Pakistan
Farmina N&D Low Grain Feline Chicken & Pomegranate Adult
Someone purchased a 36 minutes ago from Peshawar, Pakistan
Dog Harness Vest Strap With Leash
Someone purchased a 57 minutes ago from Karachi, Pakistan
Remu Smart Catty Clumping Cat Litter - 7.5 KG
Someone purchased a 45 minutes ago from Peshawar, Pakistan
Free shipping when you order over XX You Have Qualified for Free Shipping "WE ARE DELIVERING ALL OVER PAKISTAN" ORDER ONLINE "STAY HOME - STAY SAFE" You Have Achieved Free Shipping Free Shipping For Over $x to Free Shipping Over $x to You Have Achieved Free Shipping Free shipping when you order over XX ou Have Qualified for Free Shipping