The Scratching Post

Irvin Zelasko · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 1:48 pm Post subject: The Scratching Post

Why do cats scratch objects? Is a scratching post really necessary for cat owners?

Melrose Clement · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:28 am Post subject:

cats scratch instinctively, that's why you need to provide a scratching post for them; otherwise they will scratch at anything, including your favorite couch (trust me, i know.. Laughing

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Michelle Pilver · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 9:32 am Post subject:

scratching is a natural feline behavior. they do this to mark their territories. Wink

Isabella Valencia · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 12:36 pm Post subject:

unless you want your cat shredding/scratching precious furniture around your house, you should get a scratching post, Irvin. Wink

Maia Shearer · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:14 am Post subject:

other than the scratching post, i guess you can also use an anti-scratching spray. i think one of the forums here mentioned about this product, which prevents cats from clawing and scratching curtains, carpets and other furniture.

Regina McKee · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:23 am Post subject:

yes maia, i heard about that too, here on Pet Shed! somebody said that the no-scratch spray discourages cats from destructive behavior because it contains a mild odor that is weird to cats. i think it can be used together with a scratching post. Wink

Susie Lefler · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:57 am Post subject:

it takes a lot of patience to teach a cat not to sink his claws at furniture and the like. more often than, providing a scratching post just isn't enough, but it is nonetheless necessary.

maia's right, an anti-scratch spray is very handy. i would recommend you use it too if trying to discipline your cat proves to be a herculean task for you.

Maia Shearer · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:01 pm Post subject:

yes. the anti-scratch spray can make the job of disciplining cats easier for you to do.

Isabella Valencia · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject:

haven't tried an anti-scratch spray. does it really work?

Harvey Simmons · Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 2:44 pm Post subject:

I am very interested in this anti-scratch spray. How does it work? Do you spray it on your cat or on the thing you don't want to be scratched (sofa, bed, etc.)?

Joey Concha · Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 2:35 pm Post subject:

I've seen something like it in a shop. I believe you have to spray it on something that the cat likes to scratch on like a sofa. The spray then leaves a smell that cats hate. So the idea is your cat will then avoid the sofa and find something else to scratch.

Patrick Ratzenberger · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 3:13 pm Post subject:

Hey, do they have something like that for dogs? My Buddy loves to jump on the sofa. No matter how much I scold him, he would always beat me to the sofa. Smile

Harvey Simmons · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 12:32 pm Post subject:

Patrick, does your dog scratch the sofa? If it does, maybe you can try using a scratching post.

Isabella Valencia · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 10:40 am Post subject:

okay, i get the spraying thing. do ant-scratch sprays stain? i mean, if i'm gonna use them on my furniture especially my precious couch, it better not stain. Mad

Michelle Pilver · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 9:41 am Post subject:

i have a suggestion for you if you want a no-stain anti-scratch spray: use a herbal or homemade one. you can make it by mixing lemon with water. it's supposed to keep your pet off your carpet. Very Happy

Libby Bowen · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 1:10 pm Post subject:

my question is sort of related to scratching. do you think it's safe for your cats if you trim their nails?

Maia Shearer · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 1:26 pm Post subject:

oh libby, i don't know. ii haven't tried trimming my cat's nails ever. it's just so weird! Shocked

Michelle Pilver · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:52 pm Post subject:

well, you can declaw them. haven't done that to my pet, though. i figured it would hurt a lot. so i'm just gonna use a scratching post and an anti-scratching spray.

Harvey Simmons · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 3:39 pm Post subject:

Oh my God! Isn't declawing a bit extreme? Shocked

Trish Coyne · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:06 am Post subject:

well, i do trim my cats' nails. there's a cat nail clipper set here in petshed that's very safe to use.

Libby Bowen · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:04 pm Post subject:

thanks, Trish! i might try that on my cat.

Harvey Simmons · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:55 am Post subject:

Susie Lefler · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 10:36 am Post subject:

nah, i think it's only unpleasant to cats. keep in mind that cats have a keener sense of smell than humans, so most of these anti-scratch sprays probably make use of scents that can only be smelled by cats.

Joey Concha · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject:

lillianc · Newbie Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 1

After reading the article about the cats needing a scratching posts I agreed with needing one. Couldn't find one listed in the Pet Shed. I have a kitten that is just about ruining my furniture. Where do I look to find one to buy? It takes special items to make one that I don't have.