Your cat has many wonderful habits, but scratching things up around your home probably isn’t one of them. How can you get your cat to stop doing this?

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. Not only does it promote healthy claws, but it also gives your cat a good stretch and lets him leave visual reminders to others regarding the territory he’s claimed. However, this doesn’t mean it has to happen on your furniture. If your cat is scratching things around your house, try offering an alternate item to scratch on. There are many scratching posts, mats, and climbing trees available that your pet can utilize. If your cat is very persistent and doesn’t naturally use the new options, there are sprays available to help deter your cat from areas you’d rather she not scratch. Your local Abilene vet clinic can offer additional advice if needed.