Scratching is a natural instinct for cats that is impossible to stop. According to “America’s veterinarian” Dr. Marty Becker, this habit is completely normal and should be fostered, instead of punished. Scratching posts like FurryTail’s Colossal Curvy Clawer, gives your cat the perfect place to mark their territory and sharpen their claws. But don’t just take our word for it, see what Dr. Marty Becker has to say about the benefits of a scratching post. 

Why Do Cats Scratch?

There are many reasons why cats scratch furniture, but one of the most significant reasons is that it helps them mark their territory. Dr. Becker compares this action to street tagging, “at our old home in Twin Falls, Idaho, different cats had scratched up trees like gang signs; cats desire both a visible and olfactory marking.” 

In the wild, cats use tree logs or stumps as scratching surfaces. They prefer vertical surfaces because they’re easier to reach with fully extended arms when curving their back. This is why scratching posts are designed to be tall and round because it helps mimic a cat’s instincts. 

Scratching as Emotional Release 

Giving your cat a scratching post will not only work wonders on saving your furniture, but it’ll also help give your cat a way to relieve their emotions. When cats get too excited, they’ll usually run to the nearest scratching surface in a fit of frenzy. But this isn’t a bad thing because the scratching will help them sharpen their claws and stretch out. 

This activity is so habitual that Dr. Becker explains “if you don’t provide him a surface to sink his claws into and pull, he’ll pull a fast-one on you and create his own scratching surface.” So, it’s imperative that you provide your cat with a post like the Colossal Curvy Clawer to help them manage their emotions if you want them to ignore your furniture. 

Location, Location, Location

Training your cat to use a scratching post is simple because the habit is so natural to them. All you need to do is focus on providing one that is tall and vertical (as mentioned before) and place it in the right spot for your cat. Dr. Becker says you should “put the post in a great location, for cats, such as by a window that’s non-drafty and has a great (for a cat) view.”

The Colossal Curvy Clawer makes this even easier with its stylish design, complementing any room. But average scratching posts tend to be ugly and don’t fit the look of a room, so they are often placed in the wrong areas. Dr. Becker says not to put posts anywhere “dark, smelly, noisy, and away from the family.” So use its curvy appearance to your advantage and let it stand somewhere that compliments your home. 

Conclusion

If ruined furniture is becoming a problem, just remember that your cat can’t help themselves. It’s a natural part of their lives and something that every owner must understand. Punishing your cat won’t solve the problem, it’ll only make things worse. Instead, acknowledge that every cat has an urge to scratch and provide cats with a solution that follows Dr. Becker’s advice. Scratching posts like our Colossal Curvy Clawer are perfect for cats and furniture. The posts, which come in black or white (and more soon to come), guarantee you can fit it in any room for only $89.99. Visit FurryTail to learn more.