So you have a cat that scratches almost everything it encounters, that is natural and you will just have to find a way to deal with it. Claws are a part of your cat's natural autonomy and just like human fingernails, they do serve a vital purpose.

Claws are a cat's number one tool. They are crucial when it comes to hunting, escaping, fighting and just daily survival. It is deeply instinctual for cats to keep their claws at their sharpest and in tip top shape at all times. Their lives (all 9 of them) depend upon it. In the wild, a cat will use trees or logs to sharpen and help shed the outer horny layers of their claws.

In the home, a cat will, of course zero in on your favorite piece of furniture to gleefully dig those claws into to sharpen. You probably would rather that antique sofa NOT become a very expensive scratching post. How do you train your cat to not sharpen his claws? Well, you can't. It is nature. The best you can do is to encourage him to WANT to use an object of YOUR choosing.

There many types of commercial scratching posts you can purchase. From inexpensive little cardboard boxes to huge second mortgage requiring cat condominium towers, your choices are extensive. Keep in mind that just because you find something aesthetically pleasing and priced right does NOT mean that Kitty finds it awe inspiring. Most scratching posts are made of wood and either carpet pieces or coiled rope.

To make that object more appealing than the couch, try rubbing cat nip leaves on the scratching post. You can buy cat nip or even cat nip scented spray at your local pet store and in some grocery stores. Never try to force your cat to use the new post as he will most likely develop a "you're not the boss of me attitude". By putting the cat nip scent on the post and perhaps flicking a toy or string over it to entice your cat to "dig in" you are able to make it more attractive.

At the same time, you will want to quell the siren song of the items you don't want scratched or shredded. One of the best cat deterrents would be double sided sticky tape. Cats tend to hate the feel of it. Yes, do cover the entire area of the object the cat likes to scratch with the tape. You might also try citrus scented spray or one of the animal repellent sprays available in your pet store. Just remember that with patience and persistence, you and you dear feline friend can live in harmony with your furniture and his claws all intact.

Millions of people across this rock we called Earth are owners and lovers of cats. There are many cat breeds available for any cat lover to get to call their pet. Many of us have had cats for many years, some are just getting around to owning their cat. But one thing is for sure, no matter how long you have owned your cat, there are some common signs to tell if your cat is cool.

Signs Your Cat is Cool

1. You can tell that your cat is cool if you come home from work and see your cat with a beer in his paw and in some cool shades with the remote in his hand and watching his favorite show, "Tuna Paradise."
2. You can tell if your cat is cool if he simply just looks cool. You know that quarter back type of look that just yells, "Hey, I am cool"
3. You can tell if your cat is cool if he comes rubbing and purring on you feet and simply shows you some cool cat love.
4. You can tell if you cat is cool if he manages to chase and catches mice but just lets them go to catch them another day.
5. You can tell if your cat is really cool if dogs in the community whimpers when he passes their gate.
6. You can tell if your cat is cool if for some reason the people see it fit to elect your cat as mayor for the town.
7. You can tell if your cat is cool if when you reach home from work, he is nowhere to be seen or head and then just appears. This is a sign of some really cool cat teleportation.
8. You can tell if you cat is super cool if you Google your cats name and the search engine finds him.
   
9. You can tell if your cat is cool if when feeding, he eats out of the dog pan and the dog has to wait until he finishes before going to his own pan.
   
10. You can tell if your cat is cool if he can walk the tight rope and perform some amazing landing on all four feet  stunts.
    

So now that you know what makes a cool cat, answer this, do you believe your cat is cool? Just let me know why in the comments section.