From the American Association of Feline Practitioners
Supported by an Educational grant form Hill's Pet Nutrition

Scratching is normal cat behavior, serving to groom the front claws and leave markers of the cat's presence.

Cats may also scratch to stretch their muscles.

Proper training to scratch on appropriate surfaces, combined with nail care, can prevent damage in the home. The following information is pertinent in choosing a scratching post:

1. Many cats prefer vertical scratching posts; some prefer horizontal ones.
2. Vertical scratching posts must be sturdy and preferably tall enough for the cat to have a good stretch. Scratching materials preferred by most cats are wood, sisal rope, and rough fabric.
3. Locate scratching posts near areas favored by cats, such as windows or sleeping areas since cats often stretch and scratch upon awakening.
4. Start training your new kitten or cat to use scratching posts when first introduced to your home. Cats return to favorite or chosen scratching sites, so motivate them to use the scratching post upson awakening, rubbing catnip on the post, and holding treats or toys partway up the post to encourage stretching and scratching. You can secure an appealing toy, such as feathers at the top of the post. Rewards can be given at each step - as the cat approaches the post, touches it, and finally scratches it. Never yell at or punish the cat.

If your cat already scratches in an undesireable area, talk to your veteinarnain or veterinary staff member. They will help determine your cat's likely preferences - for a vertical or horizontal scratching post, for the type of material that will draw the cat to the post, for the location of the post. You can then make or purchase posts of similar fabrics.

Place double-sided sticky tape on inappropriate areas and reward use of the post. This helps direct the cat to the post. If necssary, the cat can be confined to an area where the scratching post is the only available scratching outlet. This establishes use of the scratching post and prevents inadvertent reinforcement for scraching off-limits household items.

Trim the tips of the nails every one or two weeks. If done correctly, this procedure is well accepted by most cats. Introduce nail trimming as part of routine handling to kittens.

Plastic nail caps, applied every 4-6 weeks, are an option for cats that are easy to handle. After trimming nail tips, fill the cap about a third of the way with adhesive, and fit the cap over the nail. The soft plastic covers prevent furniture damage when the cat scratches.

Declawing remains controversial but does stop furniture destruction. For more information, consult your veterinarian. Both the American Association of Feline Practioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association promote training to use the scratching post and discourage declawing as a surgical procedure. You can read their position statements and acquire additional information at their wesites, American Association of Feline Practitioners and American Veterinary Medical Association.