Cats really like to use their paws to scratch objects, such as tree trunks or wooden items. Sometimes they also scratch the ground. When cats scratch objects, they also have this habit: they like to secrete sticky, scented liquid. During the scratching process, this secretion is rubbed onto the surface of the scratched object. The scent of these secretions attracts cats to come back to the same spot to scratch again. For house cats, if training is neglected, they often end up damaging furniture and flooring by scratching.

　Before training, prepare a wooden post about 70 centimeters long and approximately 20 centimeters thick, fixed upright near the cat’s bed to facilitate scratching. The wood should be solid. During training, bring the kitten to the wooden post, hold the cat’s two front legs with both hands, and place the two front paws on the wooden post, simulating the cat’s scratching action. This allows the secretions from the cat’s paw glands to be applied to the post. After multiple training sessions and with the attraction of the scent, the cat will begin to scratch the wooden post. Once the habit forms, the cat will no longer scratch the furniture.

　For cats that have already developed the habit of scratching furniture, cover the outside of the scratched furniture with plastic sheets or wooden boards, then place a sturdy wooden post or board in an appropriate position in front of the scratched furniture. Use the same training method described above to encourage the cat to scratch the post or board. Once the cat forms the habit of scratching there, slowly move the post or board to your preferred location. Each movement should not exceed 5 to 10 centimeters at a time, and must never be rushed.