Let's face it: our cats are not just fluffy, adorable and harmless creatures. They are also ferocious predators, beautiful and strong felines related to the lion, the tiger and the leopard. Even if during history cats became our friends and companions, they didn't lose their innate instincts.

To summarize, you should get your cat at least one scratching post, or cat tower as a solution to its scratching needs. There is nothing wrong with having more than one especially if you have more than one cat as I have found. The most durable and suitable scratching material I have found is the sisal rope wrapped furniture. If you match your tree color to your cat you will spend less time cleaning it.

As a last resort try squirting them with a water spray or clapping your hands loudly and saying 'NO' in a firm voice when you catch them in the act.

- Pleasure... Cats scratch because it feels good!

The bad news is that if you've just got a cat the chances of him leaving your furniture alone are low, however if you buy him a cat scratching post and teach him to use it damage to your household furniture should be limited.

First you need to offer an alternative so buy a scratching post. Cats love the carpet-like texture and will enjoy using it therefore you are not removing the pleasure of scratching for your cat.

Cats appreciate respect, not only love and affection. If you treat your cat with consideration and respect her natural needs, she will see you as a true friend and your relationship will considerably improve. There is a huge difference between cats and dogs. While dogs can easily be trained, cats are more independent and stubborn. Don't force your cat to do something (scratch the new post, for example) and don't punish her when she refuses to do as you say. She will not understand you and her behavior will become even worse!

One other consideration might be the color you choose for your cat tree. For the most part the only two considerations will be to either match the cat tower to your decor or to your cat. If you choose the latter, your cat, you will spend less time cleaning because the hair that your cat sheds will blend in better with the fabric. You can also buy cat furniture to only match your home decor. This may cause you to clean your cats furniture more often due to unsightly hair.

Alright so you might not be able to train a cat to roll over or shake hands like a dog can but through perseverance you can train your cat to do certain things!

You're in good company, this is a problem that has been discovered by millions of cat owners. The good news is that there is a solution. It's not punishing him and it is not de-clawing him as some would make you believe.

The simple answer is no. You don't need a tree if you don't mind your cat scratching and clawing up other potentially valuable furniture and/or carpeting. Most cats develop routines where they have their favorite places and items to work their claws on. If you haven't provided your kitty with a scratching solution then you can't be mad at him or her for following its natural instincts to scratch and claw.

Try covering the area with tin foil since cats don't like the feel of this.