Pet Tip of the Week: Cat Scratching

Scratching surfaces is a normal behavior and one cats are highly motivated to display. It’s unrealistic to try to prevent them from scratching. Instead, the goal is to redirect it onto acceptable objects.

First, you must provide objects for scratching that are appealing and convenient from your cat’s point of view. Observe the physical features of the objects your cat is currently scratching, then find an appropriate substitute. A few good options are a rope-wrapped post, corrugated cardboard, or even a log. Place the new substitute near the inappropriate object and cover the inappropriate object with something our cat will find unappealing, such as double-sided tape, foil, or sandpaper.

Once your cat is consistently using the new scratching post, it can be slowly moved to a better location over the course of a few days or weeks. Gradually remove the unappealing coverings from the inappropriate object once the new post is being used consistently. For more cat behavior tips, head to wihumane.org!