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A pale blue point Siamese cat sits next to a brown leather armchair covered in scratch marks in a cluttered living room. 13 / 32

The Siamese Has a Fine View of the Chair She Redecorated

AI imagesiameseleather chairscratching

The armrest of the leather chair looks like a map of tiny canyons, and the pale Siamese sitting next to it is gazing off to the side with wide, icy-blue eyes. Her coat is the color of cool gray cloud, her ears are tall and alert, and she holds her body in the straight-backed, dignified pose of a cat who has done nothing at all.

Late sunlight falls through the curtains onto a coffee table covered with magazines, a toy truck, and a plush bunny. A rumpled green blanket sits on the couch behind her, and the whole room has the happy disorder of a busy household.

Scratching is not misbehavior, it is a normal need. Cats scratch to stretch their muscles, shed old claw sheaths, and leave scent from glands in their paws. Leather, rough fabric, and sturdy furniture corners all feel satisfying to claws. The easiest fix is to offer something better. Place a tall, sturdy post or a scratcher right beside the favorite chair, with a texture such as sisal rope. Sprinkle a little catnip to attract her, and reward her when she uses it. Trimming nails regularly can also help, and your vet can show you how if you are unsure.

Siamese cats are intelligent and strong-willed, so persuading one may take a little patience. In the meantime the chair wears its battle scars with honor.

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