Pet owners can prevent damage to their furniture by purchasing cat scratch posts, it has been claimed.
US pet insurance firm Trupanion has released a list of tips for first-time pet owners to help them adjust to the responsibility of owning an animal.
The company, which also operates in Canada, advised consumers to bring a dedicated scratching post into the home to stop their cat ruining their belongings, while a chew toy can also help prevent dogs from sharpening their teeth on cherished possessions.
It said: "Purchase chew toys/scratching posts. Dogs tend to chew and cats tend to scratch. In order to help save your furniture, shoes, and other belongings, give you pet another way to do what it loves."
Darren DeFeo, senior vice president of E-Commerce at Trupanion, expressed his hope that the tips would be of assistance to pet owners.
"Pet ownership can be a wonderful thing if you are prepared for the responsibility," he added.
