Provide acceptable objects for scratching that are appealing and attractive from the cat's point of view. Pay attention to the types of unacceptable objects your cat is scratching, such as the location, size, texture, and height, in order to find appropriate substitutes. Place these substitutes near the inappropriate scratching objects. Make sure the new object is stable and won't fall over or move when the cat uses it.

If it starts scratching something it's not supposed to scratch, clap your hand loudly and sharply say "no!" before taking it to the approved scratching area. To introduce your cat to the scratching post, place your own fingers on the area and move them up and down in a clawing manner-it will imitate this behavior. Soon, just a clap of the hands and "no!" will stop unwanted scratching. Once it starts scratching, reward it with a small food treat, warm words, and some petting.

Cover inappropriate objects with something the cat will not find appealing, such as double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of sandpaper, or a plastic carpet runner with the point side up. You may give the inappropriate objects an aversive odor by attaching cotton balls containing perfume, a muscle ointment or other unpleasant odor.

When your cat is consistently using the appropriate object, it can be moved gradually to a location more suitable to you. It is best to keep the appropriate scratching object as close to the cat's preferred scratching location as possible. Do not remove the unappealing coverings or odors until the cat is consistently using the appropriate objects in their permanent location for several weeks. The objects should then be removed gradually, but not all at once.

Never let your cat scratch people. Otherwise it will think that it is acceptable behavior while causing serious damage. If your cat begins to scratch, let your hand go limp and say, "No!" Once it stops, praise it.

Give Your Cat "Soft Paws"