It’s instinct for cats to scratch. They may scratch to mark their territory or to even work off excess energy. No matter how frustrated you are with your cat scratching your furniture, the best thing to do is to divert your cat’s natural scratching instinct to something more cat-friendly.

One of the most effective items that you can redirect your cat’s attention to is a scratching post. Scratching posts come in several sizes and materials. There are tall posts, multi-leveled ones, and even flat ones called scratching pads. The most common materials used are carpeting, sisal rope or fabric, corrugated cardboard, and wood. You can either buy a post from your local pet store, the Internet, or some people even build a custom one.

When purchasing a scratching post, one main thing to look for is to make sure it is tall enough. Posts should be at least three feet tall to allow your cat ample room to stretch out as cats prefer to be able to stretch their back and shoulder muscles fully when scratching. If the post isn’t tall enough or is unstable, then your cat may not use it.

Another thing to remember is that whenever you see your cat scratching its post as opposed to your sofa, be sure to praise it for doing so and to reward your cat by giving it a treat. Consistent positive reinforcement may be the key in getting your cat to stop scratching your furniture by using a scratching post instead.

About the Author:

Are you fed up with your cat ruining your furniture? Are you desperate to find out other effective methods to stop your cat scratching furniture? Cats need to scratch, so it’s your job to make sure your cat scratches where it should and not where it shouldn’t.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Stop Cats From Scratching Furniture – Do Scratching Posts Really Work?

How To Make a Cat Scratching Post

The Ultimate Scratching Post For Cats Smartcat Smart $37.48

The Ultimate Scratching Post For Cats Smartcat Smart $43.48

The Ultimate Scratching Post For Cats Smartcat Smart $62.89

SMARTCAT The Ultimate Scratching Post for Cats 32″ high $63.90

Smartcat Ultimate Scratching Post $50.00 32″H. Inspires your cat to scratch and claw. Fibrous and durable sisal covering is perfect for conditioning nails–superior to carpet which snaps nails and encourages scratching on carpeted surfaces in your home. Sturdy base eliminates wobbling. Scratching Post: Smart Cat Ultimate Scratching Posts Winner of the 2004 Cat Fancy Editor’s Choice award!Fibrous and durable sisal material naturally inspi…

SmartCat Perch for the Ultimate Scratching Post $14.88 Ultimate Post Perch fits securely on top of the Ultimate Scratching Post. Provides an elevated sleeping area that gives your cat a sense of security. Comes with a reversible, claw-safe quilted pad….

SmartCat Bootsie’s Combination Scratcher $20.00 SmartCat Bootsie’s 3 in 1 Combination Cat Scratcher made from woven sisal which is much more durable than wound sisal. This means that your cat will get much more use out of his SmartCat Bootsie’s 3 in 1 Combination Cat Scratcher. It is very important for a cat to have a durable scratching post. Cats need a scratching post to help them tone their muscles, to remove old nail sheaths from their cla…

Cat with Scratching Post Sterling Silver Charm $17.99 From the Sterling Silver collection. Cat Scratching Sterling Silver Charm. This hand made charm features a detailed on both sides a cat scratching a post on its hind legs. Includes a small ring to attach it to a bracelet, necklace, etc.The art of the silversmith has been practiced for nearly twenty centuries. Because of silver’s wonderful properties, it is a perfect medium for the craftsman’s expr…

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post $55.98 Fibrous and durable sisal material naturally inspires scratching. Perfect for conditioning nails (superior to carpeting which snags nails and encourages scratching on other carpeted surfaces). Sturdy base eliminates wobbling and tipping which could discourage the cat from future attempts to use the post. The 32 post height allows the cat to stretch vertically while using the post (important for territorial marking purposes and for toning muscles). The finest materials and workmanship guarantee a scratching post that will remain attractive and useful. Why do cats scratch? To remove old nail sheaths from the claws. To exercise and tone muscles. To relieve stress, frustration and boredom. To warm up for a vigorous play session. To mark territory. SmartCat Training Tips Place the post in a room where the cat spends a lot of time. Cats often like to stretch and scratch when they wake up from a nap. To introduce the post to your cat try using catnip as a lure (for most cats a lure is unnecessary, but fun). Rub catnip onto the sisal material and call the cat over to the post. Scratch your nails along the surface of the material. This will attract the cat and at the same time teach him where to scratch. After your cat begins to scratch, praise him and give him a food treat. (Small kittens can be trained to climb the post by showing them food treats and placing it at the top of the post. If your cat has already been scratching a piece of furniture, place the post directly in front of

Smart Cat 3832 The Ultimate Scratching Post $65.8 cats need a scratching post that will allow them to get a full stretch. the 32″ post height allows the cat to stretch vertically while using the post (important for territorial marking purposes and for toning muscles). the finest materials and workmanship guarantee the scratching post will remain attractive and useful for years. 32″ height allows cats to stretch fully and tone muscles sturdy 16″ by 16″ base eliminates tipping and wobbling fibrous and durable woven sisal naturally inspires scratching superior to carpeted posts that may snag nails assembles with two included screws attractive and neutrally toned

Catnip Scratching Post $13.42 Cardboard scratching post with catnip

Cats $15.43 Why do cats need a scratching post? How old is a kitten when it first opens its eyes? How long can a cat live for? Packed with expert advice and useful tips, this series offers children all the information they need to help them become successful pet owners.

TopDawg Pet Supply Cardboard Scratching Post With Catnip $22.62 cardboard scratching post with catnip