Do scratching posts really work?

Question

My cats have claws and they tear up alot of my furniture. Nothing horrible but its beginning to start to notice. Im wondering if scratching posts really work as far as detering the cat away from furniture. Say if they had a post would they leave my stuff alone??

Answer 1

Well it really depends on your cat. One of my cats loves the scratching post and doesn't scratch on the couch anymore. My other cat has never scratched the scratching post and loves to scratch on my couch. I would say it's worth a try. this is what I have and one of my cats LOVES it: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js... I think it comes with catnip

Answer 2

It does work. and will kinda train your cat

Answer 3

Yes, they do.

Teach them that the post is the ONLY thing they can scratch. When they go for something else, say 'NO!' and take them to the post and pretend to scratch that.

If you keep at it, they'll learn what is apporiate to scratch and what is not in time.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Yes a scratching post does work.I have one myself and it works great.

but sometimes your cat may lose interest and go back to scratching what he wants. To avoid this try putting a LITTLE catnip on it or if you have the time play with your cat so it will take his/her mind off tearing up your furniture. well i hope this helps.

Answer 5

Scratching posts do work, but it isn't going to deter her from scratching at your furniture. There is a spray that you can buy that has a smell that they don't like. It will keep your cat off your furniture. If you get this stuff do get a scratching post as well. Your cat needs something to keep those claws sharp.

Thank you for not declawing! It's so cruel!!!

Answer 6

Cats have got scent glands on their paws, so once they begin to scratch somewhere, it leaves a scent that they need to top-up from time to time. This is why it's worth persevering with training them to use a scratch post, because once they establish a regular place to scratch they will always use it. Temporarily cover the furniture that you want to protect so that you conceal their claw scent and put a scratch post next to the couch. Trail toys or pieces of string over it so that they grab for it with their claws. Every time they use the post, reward them with food treats and lots of praise. I don't know how many cats you have, but part of their desire to scratch is to mark territory, so it's a good idea if they each have their own scratch post. They also have different preferences for the substance they enjoy scratching. Our male cat uses his post and a heavy tree branch, whereas our female cat is very fussy and will only scratch sheets of corrugated cardboard. Offer your cats a few alternatives, to see if they have a preference.

The web site below has a good article on ways to prevent cats from scratching furniture which you may find helpful.

http://www.celiahaddon.co.uk/pet%20probl...

This link has good advice too and information on how to trim their claws, which will help limit accidental damage to your furniture during playtime.

http://www.catscratching.com/

Be patient, it can take some cats longer than others to catch on, but with kindness and encouragement, all cats can learn claw manners.