Q: We recently adopted a 11/2-year-old mixed breed cat after losing two 12-year-old declawed cats. She is not declawed and we're having a tough time trying to deter her from the furniture. We don't want to give up on her as we feel she is a precious little girl. Do you have any suggestions?

-- Karen Lore, Macungie

A: Your decision not to declaw is admirable. Understand, however, she needs appropriate outlets for scratching and sharpening her claws.

Observe materials she is attracted to, such as wood, carpet and upholstery. Then construct a scratching post or other free-standing device that includes those items, as well as a little sisal rope.

Unlike prefab posts sold in stores, homemade scratching posts can be customized to kitty's taste. And as we all know, Fluffys can be pretty particular.

So often owners complain kitty ignores her scratching post and there's usually a good reason for this. Could be a bad mix of materials, a wobbly post, or one stuck in a corner somewhere out of view.

Because cats love to show off their scratching prowess, the aforementioned elements are most important. A teetering post made of so-so stuff just won't do.

Secure the post firmly to the floor, using dumbbells or other weight. Place it out in the open, near any furniture she's clawing and give it a good shot of catnip spray. Act impressed and shower her with praise when she paws it.

If you're successful with the first post, add another somewhere else in the house. You may need to experiment with materials, but in the long run her claws and your furniture will be spared. Good luck!