Scratching furniture and furnishings, carpets and miscellaneous items is destructive from your point of view. However, as cats see it, it is a completely natural behavior, which follows the biological need to keep nails in top shape and leave their visual and olfactory marks on objects, to communicate the extent of their territory to other cats. and animals. Additionally, scratching is a form of physical activity for cats, which allows them to contract and extend their shoulders, legs, and paws. Since scratching is a natural activity for cats, protecting your furniture and other household items takes effort and ingenuity, but it's not impossible.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Understanding and Redirecting Scratches
Step 1. Learn why cats scratch
They don't do this to bother you, but because it's a form of exercise for the muscles that go from the claws, through the legs, to the shoulder blades and back. Also, scratching is to sharpen your nails and keep them clean.
Cats also scratch to mark territorial areas with their paws, which have scent glands that give off a trace that is generally indistinguishable from humans but very clear to other cats, dogs and many other animals
Step 2. Be patient and understanding
You love your cat and the precious bond you have for each other - cats understand when you care for them, and will try to reciprocate in any way they can to please their human companion, if they feel praised and supported.
Over time and your affection, your cat should get used to not scratching the furniture and using alternatives
Step 3. Buy at least one scratching post (a wooden object that will scratch) for your cat
A scratching post is the answer to your problem, but it will take some time for your cat to get used to using it.
- When buying a scratching post, you need to consider some aspects. Look for one that is at least as tall as your cat when standing on its hind legs. Make sure it is sturdy and does not wobble when the cat leans on it. Make sure it's not heavy And high, or it could fall on the cat.
- There are many types and sizes of scratching posts. Some are flat on the ground, others raised. Some are made of cork. Try several; better to have one too many than not enough.
- Some cats prefer to claw on horizontal surfaces, such as carpets, so buy a tool that is placed on the ground in these cases. There are cardboard, sisal and carpet options for horizontal surfaces.
- Whatever you choose, avoid soft things. Your cat's scratching post should be like the bark of a tree (their natural element with which to sharpen their claws), i.e. hard and rough. Wooden stakes with sisal fiber rope wrapped around them are best. The more tempting the scratching post is to the cat, the safer your furniture will be.
Step 4. Place the scratching posts strategically
Find out which furniture your cat scratches most often and where they are. Make sure the scratching post is clearly visible in the rooms and close to where that furniture is.
- If you have just adopted a cat, place the scratching post near where a cat might scratch.
- If your cat scratches and marks many areas, it creates "good" opportunities to scratch in each area. The best solution is to buy more than one scratching post, especially if your home is spread over two floors, is very large or if you have more than one cat. This will reduce the chances of your cat scratching the furniture.
- If your cat is always scratching the chair where you sit most often, place a scratching post next to it. You could also leave your garment on the stake for some time, or leave your personal items in the top drawer of the scratching post, so that the cat interprets it as part of your territory, like your favorite chair. This is especially important if the cat is very attached to a person in the house. Putting the scratching post or tree near that person's favorite sofa or chair can make it even more tempting.
Step 5. Train your cat to use the scratching post
Try to make it clear to your cat that he must use the scratching post and nothing else to get his nails done. Encourage the cat to draw its claws against the new scratching post by gently placing it in front of it. At the same time, pat him fondly and wait for him to react to the scratching post.
- If you want to make the scratching post even more tempting, rub it with catnip or spray catnip oil on it.
- Whenever your cat uses the scratching post, praise it, pet it, and give it a treat in food. Some people suggest encouraging the cat by gently placing its front paws on the stake and even moving them up and down, but be careful, as many cats hate being forced to do something and this can have a very negative impact on their training.
- Alternatively, you could even show the cat how to scratch using your fingernails.
- You can also dangle a toy over the stake to hit it. This should get the animal's attention; trying to poke the toy, he may discover the benefits of the scratching post behind it.
- Another way to get your cat to like the scratching post is not to say hello until you reach the tool. Scratch the scratching post with your nails and tell the cat how happy you are to see it. When he gets close to the stake and starts scratching it, stop scratching it and start stroking it while you praise it.
Step 6. Modify the location and type of scratching post according to your needs
Try moving the scratching post if your cat doesn't consider it. Don't try to force the cat to like it as it is, and instead try to adapt it to your pet's preferences.
- For example, if you notice your cat is nervous or doesn't like the scratching post, try tilting it to one side. This will make it smaller and less threatening, allowing the cat to get used to it more easily.
- Cats develop preferences for certain scratching surfaces. Find a scratching post built from the pet's favorite surface. This could be sisal rope, carpet, cardboard, cloth, or whatever. It will be much easier to get your cat used to a scratching post if you meet his preferences.
Method 2 of 4: Stop Unwanted Behaviors
Step 1. Use your tone of voice to correct cat behaviors
A sharp "NO!" said aloud whenever your cat approaches a scratched piece of furniture can help lessen his interest in getting his nails there.
- If you don't like to scream or have a bad tone with your cat, play a can full of pebbles or coins to scare your cat, or clap your hands. Then, grab it and bring it near the scratching post to get him to use it. Don't sound too aggressive and don't scold him too harshly; remember that he is simply following his own instincts and you are a superior being with the ability to control his emotional outbursts.
- Never scold your cat when he is near the scratching post or is using it. He should only associate the scratching post with pleasant and happy things.
Step 2. Use water to stop unwanted cat behavior
If you have a spray bottle with water, you may want to try spraying the cat every time it approaches a piece of furniture to scratch it. Try to do this before she starts getting her nails done, not during. You won't hurt him, but you will help him associate the scratches on the furniture with an unpleasant splash of water!
You can also use a citrus oil mix to discourage the cat. Many cats don't like the smell of orange oil. Mix eucalyptus and orange oil in equal parts, about a full scoop for each, and put them in a spray of water. You can test its effectiveness on your cat by placing a small amount on a clean cloth and bringing it close to their nose. You will need to shake the contents of the spray before each use as the oils and water separate within a short time. With this method you will not only dissuade the cat from destroying furniture and walls, but will also give your home a pleasant fragrance
Step 3. Shift the cat's attention
In some cases you will only have to physically stop the cat when it scratches. Move him away from where he is and find him something else to do. Try giving him a toy to play with or stroke him for a while, depending on his preferences.
Method 3 of 4: Restrict Cat Access to Objects You Want to Scratch
Step 1. Cover the furniture your cat scratches most often
Some furniture attracts cat scratches more than others because it is perfect for its needs. In this case, you can try several strategies:
- Put double-sided tape on the cabinet. Cats do not like the feel of the adhesive under the paws and will no longer scratch the furniture, because the hairless skin of the paws is extremely sensitive to touch.
- For larger furniture, apply electrical tape to the armrests or the back of the cabinet, where the cat often plays (and hides from the sprayer).
- For a larger area, such as a carpet, leave adhesive sheets, sticky side up above the surface to be protected.
- You can also buy a product called "Sticky Paws", adhesive sanitary strips that you can apply on carpets, curtains, fabrics and all other objects that attract the animal.
- Use the "gnarled" side of a plastic or vinyl mat on the back of the sofa to discourage the cat. The cat will not like the sensation of the sharp knots on its paws.
- For cats that only seem to have a blast when you're at work or away from home, you can cover the furniture with plastic liners. Cats are not very fond of walking on plastic because of its smell and feel. You could also try placing balloons under the upholstery covering the furniture so that they pop when scratched, causing a fright to the cat that will associate with that furniture long after it blows.
- You may want to consider using a "Scat mat" (an unsightly mat for cats) to keep the cat away from certain surfaces and areas.
Step 2. Consider creating a deterrent for certain areas with the aid of a motion sensor connected to a sprayer or an ultrasonic alarm
Generally, it is recommended to correct the cat's behavior from a distance, so that he does not associate the punishment with you or other humans. Otherwise, you would generate fear of humans in the cat and train him to scratch in secret.
You can find these products on the internet from various retailers
Step 3. Close doors to rooms that contain furniture or items of great value
If you have antique furniture or other items that are very valuable to you, put them in an area where the cat cannot access. Make sure all family members know they must deny the cat access to those rooms and therefore always keep the doors closed. Ask all tenants to be careful and don't hope the cat understands the difference between an important piece of furniture and an expendable one.
If the cat enters one of the forbidden rooms, promptly chase it away so that it knows it is out of its territory
Method 4 of 4: Limiting the Cat's Scratching Ability
Step 1. Keep the cat's nails trimmed
Two of the reasons cats scratch are to sharpen their nails and shorten their growth, so you can help your pet with careful, regular claw trimming.
- If you don't know how to care for a cat's nails, ask your vet to show you how to do it for the first time, as it's easy to hurt your cat a lot if you don't know what you're doing.
- A cat not used to this treatment will initially be annoyed, but you need to persevere until they are comfortable doing it. Again, stroke him while you're cutting his nails, so he knows you're taking care of him.
- It is helpful to blunt the tips of the nails of a house cat that never has access to trees outside. You can do this with a nail scissors (never use those for dogs), but you need to know the right line to cut along to avoid hurting him. Ask your vet to show you the procedure the first time you need to do this.
Step 2. Use plastic caps to cover the cat's nails
Soft Paws glued to the cat's nails will prevent it from damaging the surfaces, as the hood covers the sharp edge. You can apply them yourself, or have your vet do it. These caps will perform their function for 3-6 weeks, before falling off and needing to be reapplied.
Step 3. Let your cat go outside if possible
If your cat is already free to come and go around the house, chances are she has already found a tree or two to claw on. Encourage him to do this (if he isn't damaging the tree) and keep letting him spend enough time outdoors, because using natural elements as a scratching post will surely reduce his desire to use your furniture as one of these.
Step 4. Consider the downsides and alternatives to cat nail removal before doing this procedure
Removing the pet's nails can be a quick and easy way to prevent damage to furniture, but it is a surgical procedure that, like all medical operations, has risks.
- While it is still legal to remove cat claws in almost every country around the world, you should make some ethical considerations. Do your research and make sure you understand all aspects of the process to make the best decision for your cat.
- The claw removal procedure involves amputating the toes of the cat's front paws at the last joint. Talk to your vet if you think this is the right solution for your case. Some cats recover well from the surgery, while others suffer from chronic pain and, later on, from arthritis.
- Note that if your cat goes outdoors, removing its claws may limit its ability to climb and defend itself.
- Check your cat's adoption or purchase agreement. Some rescue groups and adoption agencies include "no claw removal" clauses in contracts they have new owners sign.
Advice
- Tree scratching posts with scratching fibers, small houses and raised resting places are particularly interesting for cats. They are a little expensive, but they can satisfy both territory marking and nail sharpening instincts. They also provide more opportunities to exercise through climbing and jumping.
- Cats hate citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons. Try surrounding the furniture with orange peels to keep the cat away. If it continues to scratch, sprinkle some orange or lemon flavored liquid on the cabinet.
- Never cover the scratching posts with the same carpet as the floor or with the same fabric as your home furniture. If you did, the animal could associate the two surfaces.
- You could also build a scratching post yourself, if you are able to do basic woodworking work. Read this article for instructions on how to do this.
- In some cases, cat rivalries can interfere with the use of scratching posts. If one cat is chased away by another, make sure the pet that has lost dominance has its scratching post in another area. Each cat in the house may have different personal territories and favorite places. The same goes for litter boxes.
Warnings
- Place the scratching post on solid ground so it cannot fall over while your cat is using it.
- Never yell at a cat. It only serves to weaken your relationship with him. They do not understand that it is a punishment or an attitude that they can avoid by behaving well; they'll just think you're loud and short-tempered. Their most common response will be to walk away until you calm down and then resume doing what they were doing.
- Be patient with the cat. If you feel like you can't take it anymore, contact your vet, who will be able to recommend an animal behaviorist. A cat trainer or surgical nail trimming shouldn't be a necessary solution, if you have patience and diligence in training your pet.
