Cats
are quite picky about the texture of the objects they scratch
and like to pick a prominent spot for their scratching, since
they are partially doing this to announce their presence to the
world.
Therefore,
paying attention to providing an adequate site for cat scratching
will help.
Cats
scratch most frequently after waking and it is critical therefore,
that the scratching post is convenient to where they spend much
of their time.
The
Feline Advisory Bureau, provides a number of helpful pointers
in the attempt to prevent scratching such as:-
• Providing an attractive outside scratching area.
• Praising the cat when it scratches in appropriate places
• Double-sided sticky tape stuck to the corners and edges
of chairs and sofas.
• String-netting tied to the vulnerable area will make scratching
unpleasant, as the cat's claws get stuck.
• Orange peel or oil of citronella on the furniture, or
teabags soaked in Olbas Oil will repel cats.
Treatment
and Progress
A
number of recommendations were made to the owner who was then
given time to implement the changes. Salmon has now stopped his
scratching of the furniture and relocated his behaviour to a more
appropriate outlet.
