Tembo uses a vertical scratching post.
Tembo uses a vertical scratching post. (Courtesy photo)
If you go


I enjoy working with and training dogs, and I am absolutely bananas about working with and training cats. Yes it is absolutely true that cats can be trained, and it is one of the most rewarding things I get to do.

Maybe cats are such a fascinating and intriguing animal to work with because they have retained so much of their wild heritage throughout domestication. With dogs, considerable selective breeding has been done to help them perform different jobs. That has made for a considerable difference in the behavior of domestic dogs compared with wild canines.

However, domestic cats have not been through as much rigorous selective pressure on behavior, so they maintain many of the characteristics of wild felines. Our little feline housemates still value territory and space as well as engaging in predatory moves when they play. One of the behaviors our cats share with those lions and tigers is scratching in their environment. This is all fine and good until the scratching happens on our furniture, though. The good news is this is one of the easiest behaviors to manage.

Why cats scratch

Cats maintain one of their primary weapons, their claws, in good shape by sharpening them when scratching. Scratching also allows them to get a good full stretch but most importantly scratching is a form of communication about territory. When a cat scratches, he will do it primarily in high traffic areas of the home like the living room so he can be sure his sign will be seen. He is leaving a visual marker. He is also leaving a scent marker when he scratches because he has scent glands in his paws.

Feline scratching is an innate behavior, so cats are born knowing this behavior pattern. Even cats who have had their claws removed will scratch.

Not all cats scratch the same way, however. Many cats prefer to scratch on vertical surfaces, but others prefer horizontal surfaces. All cats prefer sturdy objects that will not move under the pressure of their scratching.

Managing scratching

If we respect our cats' wild heritage and understand why they scratch, we can easily direct this behavior appropriately and save our furniture. First, we need to provide the right object for cats to scratch on and make sure we are placing their 'sign posts' where they will get the most use.

Scratching surfaces should be located in those high traffic areas of the house like the living room and the bedroom, where they will get more use than if they are not stuck in the back corner. You may have already noticed your cats' preference for vertical or horizontal surfaces or maybe they prefer both. The pet supply industry is now recognizing the specific needs of cats and provides both upright and horizontal scratching surfaces.

Choose a vertical scratching surface that is sturdy and tall enough for your cat to get his full stretch in. Hint: the old standard 11/2 feet tall scratching posts are only tall enough for kittens. Choose a horizontal scratching surface that does not slide or move when scratched on. Cardboard scratchers seem to be used most widely.

Preventing damage

My cats, Nermal and Mowgli, were introduced to their scratching towers from the beginning and use them to for scratching, climbing, play and resting. Like normal cats, they also walk across the furniture and Nermal especially does what I call "making biscuits" or kneading with her paws when she is in my lap. So, I keep their nails short by trimming them about every two weeks.

You can teach your cat to tolerate having his nails trimmed; a good video tutorial may be found at partnersah.vet.cornell.

edu/destructivescratching. Nail trimming is my preferred method for minimizing impact from claws, but plastic nail caps can be used too. The Humane Society Veterinary Clinic has nail caps and can show you how to apply them by appointment. We do not recommend declawing, and I have never had a case of cat scratching behavior that could not be managed without it.

When cats like


You can train your cat to scratch somewhere else. Yes cats can be trained.

Here's how to retrain scratching:

Place the new scratching surface right next to the currently used surface.

Make the currently used surface unpleasant to scratch on by placing an unpleasant texture such as double-sided sticky tape over the scratched area.

Spend some time encouraging your cat to explore and dig into the new object by placing favorite treats on or near it or engaging your cat in play on or near it. Hint: cats do not learn to scratch in a new place by taking their paws and 'helping' him scratch.

Need more help? The Humane Society of Boulder Valley's Training Center offers phone consultation as well as home visits. You may schedule an in-depth consultation by contacting us at boulderhumane.org or 303-442-4030, ext. 4.

Helena Kokes is a Dog/Cat Associate Training and Behavior Consultant for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. The Training Center is located at 2323 55th Street in Boulder and offers private cat consultations and public classes every day of the week. Info: www.boulderhumane.org