Pet Warehouse
Super DealsHow to keep your cats away from scratching?
Posted by Muskan bhardwaj on
Introduction
Before we dive into effective strategies for managing scratching behavior in cats, it's vital to grasp why cats scratch. Scratching serves multiple purposes and is a fundamental aspect of a cat's well-being. We will explore strategies for managing this behavior while emphasizing that declaring is not a recommended approach.
But why do they scratch?
If you're a cat owner, you're likely familiar with how territorial these charming felines can be. Cats possess scent glands in their paws, which they use to leave scent marks, asserting their ownership of a specific area. When they scratch furniture, they are effectively marking it with their scent to establish their possession.
You might often come across discarded layers or fragments of your cat's claws scattered across your home's floor. This occurs because scratching plays a crucial role in helping cats shed old claw layers, ensuring their claws remain sharp and in good health. An effective suggestion is to consider offering a designated cat scratcher as an alternative to your cherished furniture.
3. Scratching Helps Cats Stretch
Maintaining the health and activity of your cats is a top priority! Scratching serves as an excellent means for cats to stretch their bodies and engage their muscles. Consider installing multiple scratching posts equipped with toys to provide an ideal diversion from your furniture. By recognizing the underlying reasons for scratching behaviors, we can devise and apply effective methods to guide their scratching tendencies towards more suitable options.
Preventions for Scratching Furniture
To safeguard your furniture and establish a peaceful coexistence between you and your cat, it's crucial to present cats with enticing and appropriate alternatives for scratching. There are a variety of alternative options that you can provide for your feline companions.
Tall vertical scratching posts serve as effective distractions for diverting cats away from your furniture. It's essential to invest in sturdy, durable scratching posts crafted from materials like sisal rope or heavy cardboard, as these can withstand the rigors of clawing. To encourage your cats to scratch these posts instead of your furniture, strategically position them near the pieces your cats tend to target. When selecting a vertical scratching post, ensure it's sufficiently tall to allow your cat to fully extend their body while scratching.
Apart from vertical scratching posts, horizontal scratching pads are also an option. While some cats prefer to scratch both vertically and horizontally, others favor horizontal scratching exclusively. By offering both flat scratching pads and horizontal ones, you can determine your cat's preferences. Ensure these pads are located in areas where your cat frequently rests, such as close to their preferred napping spot.
3. Protect Your Furniture & Provide Deterrents
While offering appropriate alternatives is crucial, it's equally important to take measures to safeguard your furniture from your cat's innate scratching instincts. This becomes especially vital when you have a young cat or are introducing a new feline companion into your home.
Consider applying double-sided or sticky tape to the specific areas of your furniture that are targeted by your cats. This can dissuade them from scratching due to the uncomfortable texture of the tape. Cats generally dislike the sticky sensation on their paws, reducing their inclination to scratch those surfaces.
5. Furniture Covers And Throws
An additional practical method for safeguarding your furniture is by using furniture covers and throws. Go ahead and buy washable covers or throws to offer temporary protection. Cats might avoid scratching if they don't like the texture or find it inconvenient. Ensure that these covers are securely positioned and provide alternative scratching surfaces nearby for optimal results.
6. Apply Plastic Or Aluminum Foil
Although it may sound unconventional, employing plastic wrap or aluminum foil can be an effective means of discouraging your cats from scratching your furniture. When you cover furniture with plastic or foil, you create a surface that cats find uncomfortable to scratch due to the texture. However, it's important to mention that while this approach is effective for many cats, some may not be discouraged by it. In such cases, there are numerous alternative solutions to explore.
Proper nail maintenance and trimming play a crucial role in maintaining your cat's overall health and discouraging them from scratching furniture. Trimming your cat's nails is essential, as it minimizes the potential damage that can result from scratching. Cats with shorter nails are less likely to inflict substantial harm on your furniture. To ensure you trim your cat's nails correctly, it's advisable to seek guidance from a veterinarian or a professional groomer who can provide you with proper nail-trimming techniques.
Consider using soft paws or nail caps to mitigate the effects of your cat's scratching on your furniture. These caps are safe, painless, and can be conveniently applied in the comfort of your home. It's crucial to either seek guidance from a veterinarian or carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions when opting for these solutions.
9. Positive Reinforcement & Training
Utilizing positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and affection is vital to motivating your cat to use designated scratching surfaces. Whenever you observe your cat scratching in the right places, offer verbal praise or a small treat to strengthen this behavior. It's crucial to steer clear of punishment or yelling, as these actions can lead to anxiety and create negative associations in your cat's mind.
10. Redirecting And Distracting
If you happen to catch your cat in the act of scratching furniture, gently guide their attention towards a suitable alternative, such as a scratching post or pad. Utilize a toy or interactive game to captivate their interest and motivate them to scratch the designated surface. Over time, they will come to understand that these appropriate scratching areas offer more rewarding experiences.
Keep in mind that altering your cat's scratching behavior is a process that demands both time and patience. Consistency is key when it comes to offering alternatives, employing deterrents, and applying behavioral adjustments. When you catch your cat in the act, redirect them to the designated scratching areas, gently guiding them towards these surfaces. Through persistence and the use of positive reinforcement, your cat will progressively establish the habit of using the provided alternatives.
Engaging your cat in playtime with interactive toys that mimic hunting behaviors is essential. This activity assists in releasing their pent-up energy and redirects their natural instincts away from scratching furniture. It's crucial to regularly rotate and introduce new toys to maintain their interest and keep them engaged.
Conclusion
If your cat's scratching habits are proving tricky to change, reach out to a vet or animal behaviorist for personalized advice. Furniture protection involves understanding your cat's instincts, offering alternatives, using deterrents, and creating a stimulating environment. Stay consistent, be patient, and try different strategies to redirect their behavior. Avoid declawing, as it can cause pain and behavior problems. Strengthen your bond with positive reinforcement and understanding for a harmonious, scratch-free home.
