Burmese Cat

　　First of all, we need to understand that cats scratching is instinctive; we cannot force cats to stop scratching. With this consensus, we don't have to put effort into forbidding cats from scratching. However, if cats scratch randomly, the owner's furniture will suffer "harm," especially leather and velvet materials. To protect furniture, it’s very important to start training cats to scratch from a young age. Even if the cat has already developed the bad habit of random scratching, it can be corrected by the following methods.

　　1. Protecting Furniture

　　Spray some things that cats dislike in the areas where they usually scratch, such as lemon water, floral water, medicated oil, vinegar, etc. Cats will run away when they smell it, but this method is not long-lasting; once the smell dissipates, cats will return.

　　Attach aluminum foil and double-sided tape to the furniture. Cats’ paws dislike the texture of these materials, which can somewhat protect the furniture from damage.

　　2. Training Methods

　　First, prepare a scratching tool specifically for the cat. It can be bought or homemade. Prepare several and place them in areas where the cat usually likes to scratch, and sprinkle some catnip on them to attract the cat. Moreover, whenever you find the cat scratching the furniture, immediately tell it "No," and bring it to the designated scratching spot. If the cat is not very obedient, you can spray water on it when it scratches to create a conditioned reflex. But be careful not to spray into the cat’s ears.

　　3. Regular Trimming

　　If the cat is not allowed outside, it’s best to regularly trim the cat’s nails to prevent them from getting too long or sharp. (Source：PetsZone)