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Are you overwhelmed because you can't get your cat to stop scratching all the valuables in your home? Does your cat tear up the things you leave lying around? Did you know that scratching actually a natural thing for your cat? Well, before you get discourage, there are ways to get your feline friend to stop scratching your stuff, and the methods are easy. When getting your cat to stop scratching your things take this information into consideration.

The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that there are many different reasons that your cat wants to claw, and it has nothing to do with making your life difficult. In the first place, cats claw because they are marking there territory. While it is most males that will do this, females will do it to a certain extent as well, and you'll find that this behavior can get worse if there are disruptions in their home environment or if they are feeling stressed. You'll also find that cats will scratch to wear down their claws, or to exercise their muscles. Finally, keep in mind that scratching for a cat is relaxing and natural behavior; they might just do it because they're bored!

Now, that you know a few reasons why they scratch you have to remember it's natural so if you want them to stop scratching valuables, you have to get them something else to claw. Give them a variety of choices. Some cats prefer carpet on a post, and some prefer a log. There are many types of surfaces available for you and your feline friend to try out. You may have to purchase a few scratching elements, but I bet it won't cost nearly as much as purchasing new furniture.

After, you get your cat these scratching elements, you will have to persuade your feline friend to use them. Since they scratch in part to mark their territory put the elements in high traffic areas and areas where the human household hangs around. Like in the tv room, or a busy hall way. You can also rub some catnip on them to make them that much more appealing to your cat. If you want to ensure that they get the idea. Put a citrus or minty freshener on the old cat scratching favorites. Cats are repelled by citrus and mint scents.

Under no circumstances, declaw your cat to prevent her from scratching. Claw removal for cats is an extremely painful and disfiguring operation. While some people will compare it to having fingernails trimmed, the truth of the matter is that the first joint is removed each of your cat's toes. This is something that can lead to many problems later on, so do not opt for this painful and needless operation.

If you want a quick fix to stop go out and get plastic nail caps. This is a painless, and easy way to keep you cat from clawing up your furniture.