Your cat needs to scratch somewhere in or around your home in order for her to maintain healthy claws. This means keeping them filed to a manageable length, keeping them strong and usable, as well as eliminating portions that are no longer in use. Unfortunately, too often cats choose areas to scratch that their owners would prefer they didn’t, like household furniture.

To give your cat an ideal place to scratch, you should take note of where she currently scratches. If it’s a vertical surface, opt for a scratching post. If it’s a horizontal surface, look into scratching mats or pads. Choose an option that you can place where she tends to already scratch, and make a point to encourage its use. Place treats nearby and toys right next to it so she will take note of its presence. Your local Greenville, SC vet clinic can offer additional advice.