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A ruddy Abyssinian cat reaches up to scratch the arm of a scratched brown leather chair in a sunny room. 26 / 27

The Leather Chair Has Seen Better Days, and She Knows Why

AI imageabyssinianleather chairscratching

Sunlight spills across a wooden floor and onto a brown leather chair covered in fine scratch lines. A ruddy Abyssinian has one paw hooked on the cushion, her warm coat glowing and her large ears turned toward whoever just entered. Her eyes are wide and bright, as if she has been caught mid-sentence. A plant, a rug and a pair of jeans lie in the background of the room.

Scratching is not misbehavior but a basic cat need. It keeps claws in good shape, stretches the back and shoulders, and leaves both a visual mark and a scent from glands in the paws. Abyssinians are among the most active cats, and they like to stretch and climb as much as anyone. The best fix is to offer something better than the chair, such as a tall, sturdy scratching post that lets her stretch fully, placed right next to the favorite spot. Rubbing a little catnip on it or dangling a toy near it can win her over.

Never declaw, which is painful and harmful; trimming nails regularly and talking to your vet about options is a gentler route. Double-sided tape or a cover on the chair arm can discourage the old target.

For now, the chair carries the marks of many afternoons. She seems to see them as a work of art, signed by a very talented artist.

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