Scratch Here, Not There

Your kitten needs to scratch—but they don’t have to destroy your furniture. With a little guidance, you can redirect their instincts to the right place.

Scratching helps them:

• Stretch their muscles
• Mark territory
• Shed old claw sheaths
• Relieve stress
   

Kittens prefer:

• Tall vertical posts (at least 28”)
• Sturdy bases so they don’t wobble
• Sisal fabric or rope
   

Place posts near:

• Sleeping areas
• Windows
• The furniture they keep scratching
   

• Use catnip spray or silvervine 
• Add dangling toys
• Reward with treats when they scratch the post
   

• Use double-sided tape 
• Try sofa-protector shields
• Rearrange the room temporarily so the post is the easiest choice
   

Cats repeat the behaviors that get rewarded. Catch them in the act (the good kind!) and praise generously.

Scratch training = happy kitten + undamaged couch.