Saving your sofa from tiddles

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 296, 25 July 1989, Page 4

Saving your sofa from tiddles

If your cat's claws discover a passion for your new sofa - don't panic! - there are ways of 'redirecting' this destructive habit.

The fact of the matter is that scratching is an intrinsic part of the cat's daily routine. It is as necessary and natural as eating and sleeping. Contrary to myth however, cats do not only scratch to sharpen their claws. Like spray - ing, scratching is also a means of claiming territory; sites are repeatedly scratched and scent marks from the paws are deposited at the same time. Outdoors, this does not usually pose a problem. They will scratch posts and trees repeatedly, continually refreshing their territorial markings. However, if this habit develops inside it should be

rapidly redirected to either a piece of furniture which you are prepared to sacrifice, or a special scratching post. Cats are creatures of habit and it is worth remembering this when redirecting their claws. It is common for a cat to enjoy a good scratching session after a snooze, and will often scratch the nearest available candidate. As cats usually have a favourite place to sleep, make sure you put a scratching panel or old piece of furniture close by. You can either buy a scratching post or panel from a pet shop, or make one yourself. Do a little research be-

forehand though and check out what kind of texture your cat seems to prefer. Make sure the scratching post is heavy enough not to be pulled over by the cat, or attach it to a base on which the cat can stand whilst scratching. When designing the panel, try and emulate the surface that your cat has been used to scratching. If it is a certain fabric, cover the panel with the same, or if it likes to scratch the carpet, position the panel horizontally on the floor in a fairly damage resistant part of

the house. Do not put the panel on the carpet itself as the surrounding area will get just as scratched! If your cat doesn't take to it at first, try tempting it by dousing the panel with a little catnip. As a last resort, some less kind people resort to having their cats declawed by a vet. This is a cruel practice as it not only frustrates its natural instinct, but also takes away the cat's ability to grip surfaces and the weapons it needs for self-defence. It is definitely not to be advised.