Happy claws. Happier homes.
Scratching is normal. Give your cat a satisfying place to do it.
Work with the instinct
Cats scratch to stretch, maintain their claws, and leave visual and scent marks. The goal is to provide suitable surfaces and help your cat choose them.
Find what your cat likes
Offer sturdy scratching posts and pads in different positions and textures. A vertical post should let the cat stretch fully without wobbling. Try a horizontal cardboard pad for a cat who prefers scratching along the floor.
Place scratchers near favorite resting spots and places your cat already scratches. Reward use with praise, play, or a treat. Keep a well-loved scratcher even when it looks worn.
Redirect gently
Temporarily protect furniture while offering a better scratching surface nearby. Avoid forcing a cat’s paws onto a post or punishing scratching; frightening the cat does not teach a preferred behavior. If you need help trimming claws, ask your veterinary team to show you. Discuss a sudden change in behavior or signs of pain with your veterinarian.