Cats scratching their claws can be said to be an instinct inherited from their ancestors. Scratching is a cat’s habit, so stopping it is impossible. For little cats, claws are their most powerful weapon, so they must constantly wear away the old keratin to keep them sharp. In addition, scratching also serves to display dominance and enhance scent marking. If you don’t want your floors and furniture scratched by your cat, it is very necessary for the owner to teach the cat how to scratch properly.

　　1. Reasons Cats Scratch

　　Many cats consider themselves the owners of the house, so defending the home becomes their unshakable responsibility. If a cat often scratches near the door, it may be indicating that it believes potential "intruders" will come through there. Furthermore, scratching accelerates the shedding of old nails and the growth of new ones. Cats have sweat glands between their claws that emit a unique scent only theirs, and as animals with a strong territorial sense, they use scratching to leave their scent on their claimed area.

　　2. Training Cats to Scratch Fixed Places

　　When raising cats, if you don’t provide a scratching post, you will find that furniture naturally becomes the cat’s scratching area. This is the owner’s own fault. Cats’ claws are sharp, curved, and hooked, serving as weapons for climbing, hunting, and self-defense. In the wild, cats’ nails are naturally worn down by climbing and running, and they constantly scratch tree trunks to remove overgrown claws. House cats lack this much exercise and don’t worry about food, so their claws naturally become overgrown and sometimes grow into the paw pads, causing inflammation. House cats have a habit of scratching repeatedly in the same place, so to avoid damaging furniture, a designated scratching post is essential.

　　3. Scratching Posts for Cats

　　Cats will not naturally use a post just because it exists; training is required. First, prepare a wooden post about half a meter tall and 10–15 centimeters square near the cat’s bed when the kitten enters your home, because cats tend to stretch, move limbs, and scratch their claws right after waking up. If the kitten does not use the post to scratch, owners should assist by mimicking scratching movements with their hands. Once there are cat scent secretions on the post, it helps the cat to recognize and use the post for scratching. The post’s length doesn’t necessarily matter, but the wood should be sturdy. Wrapping a layer of carpet on the post or board makes it easier for cats to accept, and if the carpet is torn, it does not need to be replaced.

　　4. Scratching Boards for Cats

　　If space is too tight for posts, prepare dedicated scratching tools like boards. Although many are available on the market, you can also make your own by wrapping cloth strips on a wooden board. If possible, prepare several and put them where your cat likes to hang out. If the cat starts scratching furniture, immediately say "No!" and bring it to the designated scratching board. Owners can hold the cat’s front paws to help it scratch. At first, the cat may be noisy but after a few times it will patiently scratch. When it becomes skilled at using the scratching board, it should be praised. You can spray lemon water, medicated balm, or other liquids with smells cats dislike where you don’t want them to scratch. However, once the scent fades, the effect diminishes, so patient training is most important.