More cat scratching advice
by Finn Frode
(Denmark)
Snehvide resting after exercicing
A little additional advice on how to prevent your cat from scratching the furniture - without having to mutilate it:
One scratching post is good, but two or three are better. Actually you should consider a post in each of your cat's favourite rooms. More scratching opportunities will of course increase the chances of your cat "doing the right thing", but also offers the cat more varied opportunities.
Cats sometimes think in mysterious ways and their idea of the ideal scratching post may very well differ from ours. Try out different types to find out what your cat prefers.
A little cat-nip on the scratcher makes it irresistible
As to you scratching the post while the cat is watching, I can verify that it works. My scratching usually inspires the cat to start scratching themselves - as does the scratching of another cat.
I agree that the main scratching post should be at least 30 inches (or 100 cm), but an extra post may be lower. My very large moggie Snehvide really enjoys a combined pedestal post no taller than 55 cm in all, which means she has to stretch out on the floor in front of it. Most likely because some of her favourite toys are housed in the box below. 😉
Finn
