Training for Cat Lovers To Keep Cat Claws Away from Furniture
Siamese
Cats love to use their sharp claws to scratch objects such as tree trunks or wooden items, and sometimes scratch on the ground. For house cats, if their training is neglected, they often end up scratching and damaging furniture or floors.
When cats scratch objects, they usually prefer to scratch the same spot or area. This is because the cat's paws have abundant glands that secrete a sticky, scented liquid. During scratching, this liquid adheres to the surface of the scratched object. The scent of this secreted liquid attracts the cat to return to the same place to scratch again. Additionally, cats often perform scratching behavior after waking up and stretching. Based on these habitual actions of cats, corresponding training measures can be taken.
Before training, prepare a wooden post about 70 cm long and 20 cm thick, upright and fixed near the cat's nest to facilitate scratching. The texture of the wooden post should be solid.
Training should start from kittenhood. During training, bring the kitten in front of the wooden post, hold both of the cat's front legs with your hands, and place them on the wooden post, simulating the cat's scratching motion. This way, the secretion from the cat's paw glands will be transferred onto the wooden post. After multiple trainings, combined with the attraction of the secretion scent, the cat will go to the wooden post to scratch. Once this habit is formed, the cat will no longer scratch furniture, thus protecting the furniture's cleanliness and aesthetics.
For cats that have already developed the habit of scratching furniture, during training, first cover the scratched area with plastic sheets, wooden boards, etc. Then, place a sturdy wooden post or board at an appropriate position in front of the scratched area. Use the same method to train the cat to scratch on the wooden post or board. Once the cat forms this habit, gradually move the wooden post or board to your desired location. Each move should not exceed 5 to 10 centimeters, and should never be rushed. (Source：PetsZone)
