The observable delight cats get from a good scratch is reason enough to provide them with non-destructive opportunities to indulge in this satisfying behavior.

But too many people seem far too willing to deny their pets this normal behavior by declawing them without even trying to train them. While it's natural on our part to not want our furniture demolished, it's also possible to let cats keep their claws and channel their behavior in ways we humans can live with.

If you're going to have any success in getting your cat to scratch where you want -- instead of somewhere you don't, such as the corner of your couch -- you need to provide alternatives -- scratching posts and boxes, and cat trees -- that are not only sturdy but are also made of a material your pet can enjoy digging into.

Stability is important, because the first time a scratching post or cat tree comes crashing down on your pet is the last time she'll ever use it, rest assured. As far as material, sisal, a natural ropelike covering, is popular with cats, as is a carpet with loops that aren't too shaggy.

Many cats love cat trees, especially those with shelves, hiding spaces or perches. These days, these products come in all shapes and sizes, and many are designed to fit in attractively with the decor -- no more leftover '70s shag carpet covering!

Horizontal scratching boxes or pads offer another alternative, as do doorknob hangers made of cat-friendly scratching material. Try to offer as many choices in as many places as possible.

Be sure to place scratching items in places your cat frequents. A cat tree won't be of any use if it's hidden in a garage or basement, after all. You can ease the transition by positioning the scratching post, tree or box near the place where you're discouraging scratching. If that's not an aesthetically attractive spot, you can slowly move the scratching material to a more eye-pleasing location after your cat gets in the habit of using it.

You can make scratching posts, trees and boxes even more appealing by rubbing fresh catnip on them, by adding toys, or by playing games with your cat on (or near) the scratching material. These strategies will help make your cat comfortable with preferred scratching areas and will help to encourage return business.

Once you have pleasant places for your cat to scratch, you can discourage use of the furniture by covering the corners (or other scratched areas) with double-sided tape or panels of foil. The use of such materials is temporary: Once your cat gets in the habit of scratching where you want and leaving the unpleasantly padded furniture alone, you can remove the tape or foil and enjoy the look of your furniture again.

Keep squirt bottles handy as well, and be sure to deploy them in a way that makes the cat think the water that hit her didn't come from you.

Always remember to reward your cat with treats, praise and gentle physical attention when she scratches in a suitable spot.

Above all, be positive! Why punish your pet when you can offer alternatives and reward your pet for using them? If you're patient and persistent, your cat will learn to focus all that happy scratching on the places you've provided, leaving your expensive furniture unscathed.

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and journalist Gina Spadafori. E-mail them at petconnection@gmail.com or visit www.petconnection.com. Back columns: www.sacbee.com/spadafori.