Cat scratching training consistency

Along with taking the time to learn what to do probably the most important aspect of training a cat to scratch where you it to and nowhere else is consistency. This applies in particular to eliminating bad scratching habits.

If your cat scratches where it shouldn't and you see or hear it, you have to take immediate action or the cat will think it's okay with you.

Making loud noises such as clapping your hands or rattling a shaker can is an effective way of getting your cat's attention and letting it know you don't approve of whatever it's doing.

This is critical, too. You need to catch the cat *in the act*. Doing the negative conditioning five minutes later won't work because the cat won't make the connection.

Whatever you do, don't make the mistake of thinking, "I'm sitting comfortably and it's been a long day. I know Tiger is clawing where he shouldn't but I'm just too tired to deal with it..."

It only takes a minute to make your displeasure or your approval clear but the impact of what you are communicating can last a long time; even forever... Don’t miss a single opportunity.