Meow - We'd love to share this portion of Catster with you, but first you'll need to login.
If you don't have a Catster account yet, you can register in about 60 seconds. Registering allows you to use all our free features while allowing us to create a safer, more meaningful environment for the community as a whole.
Registering is fast, free and lets you create your cat page(s), find adoptable cats, save your favorites, connect to your Feline Friends and more.
Purchase or make a scratching post. Make sure it is covered with sisal or some other material that doesn't resemble carpet or upholstery.
Rub the post with catnip. (This will not work on very young kittens, who have no interest in this herb.)
Introduce the cat to the post. Scratch your own fingers across its surface until the cat gets the idea.
If the cat is attacking a particular piece of furniture, position the post in front of that object. Then, secure the afflicted spot from further attack by covering it with double-sided tape. (Felines are repelled by the sticky texture.)
If you see the cat attacking unauthorized surfaces, guide it to the scratching post.
EXPERT TIP: Shouting at a feline or using corporal punishment has no effect—or, at least, not the desired effect. Only positive reinforcement and behavior modification will sway a cat.
my orange tabby, Sebastian, adopted a $30 end table to do his scratching. I have no use for this table anymore but I must keep it b/c it is the only thing he'll scratch! At least he has an unintended effect: expert antiquing!
The Cat Owner's Manual is a basic guide to cat care. The book was written by a celebrated veterinarian and an acclaimed author. It provides cat owners with well-researched and helpful information presented in a lighthearted manner. The creators chose to write the book in a style similar to what you'd find in "operating instructions" for a car or computer. Of course they--and we--respect the fact that our beloved pets are not products or machines!
My Account
close
EXPERT TIP: Shouting at a feline or using corporal punishment has no effect—or, at least, not the desired effect. Only positive reinforcement and behavior modification will sway a cat.
The Cat Owner's Manual is a basic guide to cat care.
I've heard that felines don't like sticky surfaces, but mine is an exception-it doesn't bother him at all.