Kevin - they don't understand why you won't let use the "scratching tree" you so wonderfully decorated for them. I have a friend who is very proud of the fact that he trained his cat to NOT go into the living room. Until one time when his mom was visiting and he called her from work, during that conversation he told her about how well trained the cat was. She laughed and asked if there was another cat beside the one sleeping on the sofa! You're just lucky you don't have my sister's cat - she wouldn't climb the nice tree you made for her again but she would leave you liquid calling cards in hard to reach places just to teach you who's in charge!!! - martha