There are gentle ways to train your cat to use her scratching posts. Here’s how.

Do you have to explain to guests why your red velvet sofa has homemade, blue-checked arm covers that barely cover the damage beneath? Then perhaps it’s time to train your cat to use a scratching post. This is a painless way to stop a too-common problem: damage to household furniture or draperies caused by claw scratching.

Scratching is a natural behavior that also does your cat some good. Benefits include marking her territory with a scent from her footpads; removing the dead outer sheaths on her front claws; and getting stress-reducing, muscle-stretching exercise. …

Purchase Selection or begin your FREE 14-day trial subscription to CatWatchNewsletter.com