How do you keep the cat from clawing the TV?

So we got a new kitty from the SPCA and we have had him two weeks tomorrow, and he is a really good cat for the most part, no litter box problems and very affectionate and all that. But we are having a little trouble keeping kitty from clawing the television. My parents have one of those big flat screens in the basement that sit on the floor (its almost 5ft tall) and the kitty likes to claw the base of it. We don't want to spray water at him because we're afraid it would damage the TV.

The vet thinks he's about 5 months and he's active and likes to get into things. And he's neutered. And he's very curious because he's was in the SPCA so long, so everything is new to him. We are going to get him a scratching post, but any suggestions would be great.

Deffinitely get as many things as you can for him to play with. A scratching post is a must, it will save everything that is scratchable! If you have an option of getting a second kitten or young cat I would advise it just because they need someone to help them burn off the energy. I can't tell you why it scratches the TV other than it's fun! Cats are so silly about what they play with, especially when they are young. Also, maybe pick up one of those toys that has a ball that spins around in a plastic circle, our kitten loves that toy!

Surround the base of the TV with something else short term (til he forgets about it and gets into something else) like a very big scrunched up plastic sheet or bag - they don't like the noise they make.

they do have scratching guards for just about everything. You can get large sheets and cut to size.
They're basically just thick clear plastic, can put it up until kitty gets over it.

also try Feliway, that's supposed to work for scratching and spraying also