When it comes to owning a cat, many people just assume that no training is needed. Training is more commonly associated with dogs and cats are seen to be an easier type of pet to own. However, as many cat owners have found out - owning a cat can actually be an extremely frustrating experience!

When owning a cat you come to realize they are not the little angels you thought they would be. One major issue with owning a cat is that they scratch whatever they can get their claws into. There's no reason to get discourage. There is solutions to your cats behavior problems. Take this advice on how to stop cat scratching.

Understanding Your Cats Need to Scratch

Cats scratch things for mainly two reasons. The first is that they are naturally keeping their claws down as well as sharpening them at the same time. The claws grow constantly and they do need to be kept under control. They are a vital part of a cat's body as obviously they would usually use them to hunt. This hunting instinct is extremely strong in all cats and so they tend to constantly scratch usually wooden objects in order to help them to keep their claws in the best hunting condition.

Reason number two is that all cats mark their territory, and scratching is just one of the ways they do that. They have scent glands in their paws, that leave their scent on what they just scratched to let other animals know it's their turf. That's why a cat will scratch more often if another cat or any animal for that matter is introduced into the home.

How To Stop Scratching In Unwanted Areas

Since it is in their nature to scratch it can not be stopped completely. However, if you want to stop them from scratching furiture or other objects, you can always buy a proper scratching post. These can be found in any reliable pet store, or if you choose to you can even make your own.

Make sure to place the scratching post in a high traffic area. Somewhere everyone in the household goes frequently. Your cat needs to feel they are marking their territory, and if the post is hidden somewhere it can't convey that message.

If you have a problem with your cat using the scratching post, there is a few solutions. You can hang toys from it so your cat while playing marks the post as theirs. Get catnip and rub it on the scratching post. Make it part of your cats life. Feed them by it, and play with them by it. This will make it so your cat becomes possessive of it.

To be successful, you must remain persistent. If your cat scratches something it shouldn't, always reprimand the cat. When your cat scratches the post, reward them. Always start this training as soon as you are able. The younger the cat the more successful this training is.