DESTRUCTIVE CLAWS

Scratching is an instinctive and natural behaviour for a cat but is probably the most frustrating one for you.  Why do they scratch?  Along with stretching and cleaning their claws, cats use scratching predominantly to mark their territory.

How do you stop scratching?  One idea is to make the areas your cat likes to scratch less attractive.  Double-sided tape can easily be applied on or under furniture.  Be sure the tape entirely covers the area.  Tape also works well to discourage jumping up onto benches!

Cover carpet with foil or a plastic hall runner.  Make curtains less accessible.  These ideas may sound drastic and hard to live with but with luck it may only be for a short time.  If these ideas don't appeal, another good deterrent is a water pistol.  However this will only be effective while you are present.

Scratching posts provide an alternative place to scratch.  But remember your cat is scratching for a reason so make sure it is placed in a prominent location, otherwise he may just ignore it.  Posts covered with carpet or sisal seem popular but your cat may prefer something as simple as heavy cardboard.

The post must be tall enough for your cat to extend its whole body and most important it must be sturdy.  If it wobbles your cat may never go back to it.  To encourage the cat to use the post try rubbing it with catnip, and feed and play with him near the post.

If you feel the scratching is a sign of a change in behaviour, you might need to talk to the vet.  Excessive scratching can be a signal that a cat is insecure, perhaps from being bullied by other cats outside.  Your vet can recommend medication or products such as Feliway, which is a spray that mimics facial pheromones, creating a feeling of well-being and calmness, that can be sprayed onto surfaces.