First, realize that this is an instinctual behavior which you have virtually no hope of stopping. Many cat owners believe a cat preforms this scratching behavior to sharpen its claws. While no one knows for sure why they scratch, it is more commonly believed that they scratch to mark their territory.

Cats have several scent glands and use them as a way of communicating with other cats. Besides having sent glands in their paws they also have sent glands at the corners of their mouths, in the thin hair between their eyes and ears, and at the base of their tails. By rubbing and scratching your cat is basically saying, this is mine, that over there is mine, and you belong to me.

Second, understand that cats do not understand physical punishment. Hitting or throwing things at your cat may only serve to reinforce the behavior, and as you may already know, cats have a long memory and are known to hold a grudge.

So whats a person to do when their cute kitty begins to shred their favorite Lazy Boy?
Your best solution is prevention. By understanding and acknowledging this to be normal behavior, you want to provide your cat with a more attractive surface than the arm of your chair.

Start early by introducing a good scratching post to your cat. The scratching post should be long enough that your cat can stretch out while scratching.  Somewhere around 36 inches should be adequate.  Scratching posts should also be sturdy.  If the post continually fall over and startles your cat, they will quickly avoid going near it.

Putting out a few different posts may be a good idea, making sure to locate these posts in areas that the cat frequents most, such as sleeping and play areas.  Cat trees or cat condos can be a good choice because they combine a good scratching surface along with a nice cat bed and play area.  A good selection of cat trees can be found at Kitty Cat Beds.

When introducing your cat to a scratching post don't attempt to physically get your cat to use the post by grabbing its paw, they wont understand what your trying to convey.  Instead, try playing with your kitty around the post, rub some catnip on it, or dangle some of its favorite toys from it. Feeding your cat around the post may also serve as positive reinforcement.

If your cat continues to scratch where you don't want, you might try covering that surface with something the cat may find undesirable.  Materials such as aluminum foil, thick plastic, or double sided tape have been found to be effective.  Trimming your cats nails is also a good idea to limit its ability to destroy objects until they learn the proper behavior.

Most of all, be patient, most cats can be taught to direct their scratching instinct toward desired objects with the proper training.  More information on cats and cat behavior can also be found at the American Veterinary Medical Association.

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You've heard that in real estate location is everything. This applies equally to your cat's litter box. Successful, consistent cat litter box habits depend upon several factors, and the litter location is crucial.

This article will highlight how you can successfully locate your cat's litter box to her (and your) satisfaction.

To begin, try to think like a cat. Where would you like to have a cat litter box? Eliminating one's waste is a vulnerable time. Cats need to feel safe and undisturbed while eliminating. If the cat doesn't feel comfortable, she'll seek out a location that satisfies her - but probably not you!

Ideally, you will locate your cat's litter box in a part of your residence that isn't heavily trafficked by family members. Some possibilities are:

- Basement (keep the door open at all times for easy accessibility)

- Bathroom (this depends upon if you're comfortable with the set up)

- Bedroom (consider the noise and smell factor, particularly if kitty does her business at 3 AM!)

- Closet (a place many feline owners don't think about, but can be very desirable for kitty)

If your home has a basement, this is often the most advantageous location for everyone. It's out of the way, you rarely go there, and the smell and mess isn't intrusive. You do have to remember to visit several times a day to scoop out your cat's waste production. If the cat litter box is full, your cat will avoid it, and find another spot to do her business.

Many feline owners set up the cat litter box in their bathroom. The tile floor is easy to clean. It's a room that isn't occupied except for the essential business, and your cat usually has her privacy to eliminate with grace and dignity. However, if you're in the middle of your shower, putting on makeup, or otherwise engaged, the cat litter box smell may be something you need to consider.

Your bedroom (or another family member's) may work well. If the bedroom isn't occupied around the clock, many cats find this a preferable spot to have a cat litter box. If you consider a bedroom, think about kitty's bathroom habits. If she has a schedule that causes her to eliminate waste at 3 AM, will that wake you or other family members up? Will the noise and/or the odor interrupt your sleep?

If possible, a closet is a good location for your cat's litter box. Remember to keep the door open for her to easily gain access. With the confined space, constant litter box scooping is a must to keep the odor to a minimum. Be certain you don't have any clothes items that hang down far enough to be affected by the litter box or its contents.

Cat owners are resourceful at finding the best locations for the cat litter boxes in their homes. Almost any room will do, although many feline owners tell me they draw the line at having a cat litter box in their kitchen. I can't blame them, except I have a cat litter box set up in a kitchen alcove in my home. However, it's far enough away from the main kitchen that it's not a factor for kitchen hygiene. It's not my choice; the cats made the decision for me.

When bringing in a new cat, or when relocating to a new residence, work with your cat to determine the best cat litter box location for both of you. Keep in mind with multiple cats, you'll need to set up more than one cat litter box for maximum use and efficiency.

This article only touches upon some of the possible locations for a cat litter box location in your home. Look around, think like your cat, and I bet you'll find several locations that satisfies both you and your cat.

About the Author

Nancy has successfully eliminated cat urine odor from her home, and kept the kitty that caused it. The Cat Urine Odor Advisor helps you save money and stop the damage in your household by offering solutions that work together to eliminate cat urine odor from your home.

http://www.cat-urine-odor-advisor.com

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How To Have A Healthy Happy Cat
Giving your cat a simple monthly examination can help prevent potential problems for years, here's what to look for.

1. Have you noticed any recent changes in your cat's attitude or behavior, such as listlessness, restlessness,loss of appetite, aggression?

2. Does your cat's coat look dull or feel dry, brittle, or greasy?

3. Are his whiskers short or broken?

4. Using your hand, brush your cat's hair backwards from tail to head. His skin should be a normal grayish white.Is the skin a healthy color, or is it red and irritated? Is the tail area greasy with sparse hair?

5. Also look carefully for fleas or any little black flecks (the excrement of fleas) on the skin. Do you see any?

6. Does the neck, back or base of the tail show any lesions?

7. Smell your hand after running it through your cat's fur. Your fingers should not have an unpleasant fishy, rancid odor.

8. Are you able to feel good muscle tone around the sternum (breastbone)? If should not be soft orflaccid.

9. Do you feel a firm muscle mass when you run your hand down your cat's spine and over the ribcage? There should not be more than a pinch of fat.

10. Open your cat's mouth and smell his breath.It should smell clean and not have an offensive odor.Does it smell clean?

11. Look at the gums. They should be pink, not pale or white, nor should they be swollen, bright red,or bleeding.

12. Check the teeth. Do they look white and healthy?They should be free of tartar and not loose.

13. Examine your cat's eyes. Are they clear of film and free of mucous discharge? Is there any crusting around them?

14. Feel the inner side of your cat's thighs. Aret here any roundish bumps or swellings? These could indicate enlarged lymph nodes and usually the presence of worms.

15. Is your pet's stomach unusually distended?

16. Look at the paw pads. Are they smooth without dry, cracking lines?

If you notice any of these symptoms be sure to contact you vet for professional advise.

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