Managing Your Cat's Scratching Behavior: Tips to Protect Your Furniture and Create a Happy Home
How to Prevent Your Cat from Scratching Furniture, Rugs, and Unwanted Places
Cats are creatures that greatly value their comfort and act according to their own whims. Sometimes, even in a friendly home environment, you can witness them assuming the role of the boss. It’s as if you’re not the owner of the house, and they’re the ones in charge. The scratching habit of our beloved home-dwellers has frustrated many cat owners. Newly acquired couches, carefully maintained rugs, cherished furniture pieces, and even clothes can all end up in tatters due to a cat’s claws. But is there really no way to prevent this? Can’t we stop cats from causing damage by scratching their most loved household items?
It’s almost impossible to completely stop cats from scratching. Scratching is one of the most well-known cat behaviors. Cats engage in scratching primarily for nail exercise and territory marking. When cats scratch, small glands in their paws release a scent. Through this scent, they mark their territory on the scratched surfaces. While some try to address scratching by trimming a cat’s nails, it’s actually against a cat’s nature to have its nails trimmed. However, since indoor cats can’t naturally wear down their nails like they would in the wild, it’s important not to neglect their nail care with the help of grooming products. As seen, instead of trying to prevent a cat from scratching, the key is redirecting their scratching energy elsewhere.
You should provide them with a scratching post in a way that they won’t want to scratch anywhere else. Of course, it’s essential for this alternative to not drive you crazy with its noise. Scratching posts can be an excellent solution to deter cats from scratching unwanted places.
To guide a cat towards using a scratching post, the first step is to place it near a spot they typically scratch. Of course, the scratching post should be sturdy and able to support the cat’s weight. If the post is not sturdy, the cat will remember this and avoid it. When your cat shows an interest in scratching or heads toward their usual scratching spot, you can guide them towards the scratching post. Over time, they will only use the scratching post.
If obtaining a scratching post is not feasible, the next best option is to cover the furniture or couch that the cat scratches with something it dislikes. This tactic works even if there’s a scratching post available. The cat will opt for the scratching post to avoid the unpleasant thing you placed on the furniture, and will eventually prefer using the scratching post.
Cats aren’t the most obedient creatures. Scolding or physically reprimanding them often proves ineffective. To keep a cat away from an unwanted area, you need to establish clear boundaries. For example, if the cat consistently goes to places you don’t want it to, you can use deterrent sprays. If this is consistently applied, the cat will interpret it as a clear sign not to engage in that behavior. This way, you can guide your cat to the places you prefer it to scratch, or to use the scratching post.
Cats are our companions under the same roof. Patience is important when dealing with them. To curb a cat from scratching a place or object you don’t want it to, you must give it time. Cats are creatures of habit and don’t easily give up their routines. Although they might test your patience, getting angry or frustrated could backfire and harm your relationship. While you do your best to change its behavior, if the cat continues scratching unwanted places despite your efforts, remember that there might be underlying issues. In such cases, seeking help from a veterinary expert is recommended.
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