Cat scratching is an inborn action and because of this, you will not get your cat to cease the scratching by chasing him away, shooting water, threatening or reprimanding. Regardless of what you do, they will still need to scratch.

Cat scratching trees come in many sizes and varieties. If you have more than one cat, obtain or build a post structure that has several nesting places so that each cats can enjoyably share their 'play' area. Cat scratching trees are also a first-rate choice because they often merge horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces and offer a variety of textures and materials in one tree. More options means more activity and exercise for your cat.

Praise your cat when she uses your new post. Put it near to where she sleeps because scratching deposits pheromones in the paw pads on the environment, and when Kitty wakes up, she wants everyone to know that this is her important property! Praise her and tell her 'Good Kitty' and stroke her to make it an happy happening. You will have to be watchful at the start and endeavor to catch her in the act of scratching your furniture. Praise her whenever you see her using the new pole, and gradually bring it nearer to an ideal place, away from her old favorite. You may want to locate it up near her regular resting place.

Punishment will normally not have any beneficial result at all. Your cat clearly will not appreciate it if you try to punish her in any way for something she has done, cats do not attach punishment to the "crime", they are far more likely to relate the punishment to you! Punishment in both cases is counter productive.

Covering a favored scratching place with tinfoil, sand paper, double-sided sticky tape or plastic carpet runner (pointy side up) makes the surface unappealing to scratch. Once the improper scratching habit has been broken and the cat has learned to fancy the pole, the covering can be taken off. Cover that side of the couch with double-sided sticky tape that is completely unattractive to your cat (the tape can easily be taken off for entertaining company). This will repel your cat away from your couch and right there is a pole that they will enjoy. Shortly the cat will understand where they should scratch.

If you build your own post cover the it with rope rather than with carpet, the last thing that you want to do is give your cat the idea that it is alright for him to claw the carpet!

Sisal is a very durable material, and will last a long time. Also, if you put a little catnip on the scratch pole, you can pull them right to it. Sisal is a good rough material for covering the scratching pole as it is very durable and cats like to sharpen their claws on such surfaces.

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