Anyone who decides to have a cat knows full well that cats do scratch on occasion, so if they're not prepared to put up with that, why have a cat, why not adopt a small dog or a goldfish - now that won't harm the precious furniture, will it?
In any event, there are plenty of ways to prevent cats from scratching the furnishings. Contrary to what dog owners would have you believe, you can train cats.
Firstly, buy a scratching post and introduce your cat to it. Alternatively, you can use a rush floor mat. When the cat starts to scratch, pick it up and place it by the post or on the mat. You may have to demonstrate what it's supposed to do but it will soon catch on. Imagine the fun you can have, crawling around on the floor, pawing at a piece of cat furniture!
Secondly, in exactly the same way that a dog only understands a human's tone of voice, not the actual words that they're saying, so does a cat. If you say the cat's name loudly then "NO" in a stern tone, wag your finger at the cat, then pick it up and put it outside or by the scratching post or mat, it will soon understand that clawing at the carpet or sofa is not acceptable behaviour. However, you must be consistent. You can't ignore the scratching one day, then shout about it the next and never, never hit your cat or threaten it, particularly after the event. It won't have a clue why you're angry.
Thirdly, as with dog training, reward lessons learnt with treats, tickles and cuddles.
If you really can't train your cat, just put a throw over the sofa and enjoy its company. What are a few rips or tugs in the cover of your armchair compared with the purring companionship of a happy cat?
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Cats
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