- 1). Purchase a scratch post for your cat to give her or him a specific place for body flexing and claw sharpening and to take her or his attention off your valuable Oriental rug. Scratch posts are usually made of wood and a fabric material that will allow your cat to stand or stretch while scratching. Catscratching.com notes that when choosing a scratching post "it must be tall enough for her to fully extend her body, and most important, it must be secure." A scratch board is an inexpensive way to give your cat a place to scratch. Scratch boards are flat, shallow boxes filled with cardboard that your cat can sink her or his claws into without being destructive.
- 2). Place the scratch post and scratch board near your cat's favorite spots in your home. You do not want to overtake his or her favorite spot, but placing the scratch board or post near your cat's "hangout" spots will encourage him or her to explore them sooner.
- 3). Let your cat discover the scratch post herself or himself. It is likely that your cat's natural curiosity will lead him or her to her favorite treat areas. If your cat is stressed for whatever reason, then he or she will scratch even more to relieve stress. Animal behaviorists Daniel Q. Estep, PhD, and Suzanne Hetts, PhD, with the Animal Behavior Society for Applied Animal Behavior Associates, note that you can encourage your cat to scratch on a scratch post by dangling toys onto the post and by rewarding good behavior with praise and treats.
- 4). Spray your cat's scratch board and scratch post with a pheromone cat spray to lure him or her away from your rugs and furniture. When you see your cat rubbing her or his face and paws on an object, or if you find your cat urinating on something, then she or he is releasing pheromones to mark a territory. Mock pheromone sprays can be found at any pet supply store.
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