How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching

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By mschaffer1957
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This wasn't the type of cat tree that I meant!

It may not be possible to stop a cat from scratching, but it is possible to direct the scratching, climbing and playing to appropriate areas indoors. Actually, it is impractical and unfair to expect your cat to stop scratching entirely. Scratching is an important part of a cats life, it marks their territory and helps them to leave their scent when marking their territory. Cats that go outside may be content to do all their scratching outdoors, but the urge may still arise when the cat comes back indoors. However, cats that spend most of their time indoors will need some kind of outlet for their scratching and marking behaviors.

No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to train your cat to stop scratching totally. Here are a few options that you may try to help your alleviate the problem.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Provide your cat with a scratching post or a cat tree. Scratching posts can range from a sisal pad that you hang from a door knob to a 7 foot cat tree. They will love to be able to grab onto something with their claws and stretch their muscles. Make sure whatever you choose for your cat to scratch, that it be tall enough to give your cat the exercise it needs when scratching, stretching and clawing.
Step 2

A squirt bottle is a great way to alter a cat's behavior. Every time you spot your cat scratching somewhere they are not supposed to be scratching, a quick squirt will get them to stop. You have to be consistent with this option or the cat may not associate scratching with getting wet. Wet is not something a cat likes!
Step 3

Provide your cat with cat toys. Cats love to hold toys in their forepaws and kick with the back paw claws. Choose toys that they can bat around, chase and love to scratch. My cats love furry mice, balls, bottle caps, the dog's toys and all of my hair ties! A laser mouse is a wonderful way to exercise your cat, they will chase that dot forever if you have the time. It's important that your cat exercises through play, they will tire out and find a place to sleep rather than a place to scratch.
Step 4

The last resort option is to have your cat declawed. I don't recommend this option, nor have I ever used it. Keep your cat's claws trimmed, and try the other options first!