Scratching is a natural and normal behaviour exhibited by cats but comes as a discomfort to any pet owner when they see their furniture being clawed. This depends on whether you have a velvety couch to scratch right through or a mahogany coffee table; understanding why your cat does so can be a good starting point in evading disasters. In this blog, we will be discussing various tips, such as pet grooming, that are useful to prevent your cat from destroying your furniture.
Understanding Why Cats Scratch
At the beginning of your pet-parentship, you may believe that your cat is just acting destructively. Nevertheless, scratching is entirely normal for any cat, whether a kitten or an adult feline. The animal marks the ground with its paws to deposit secretions from the scent glands found at the paw pads. They use it to groom their claws by shedding off the dead tissue. The activity enables the stretching of the muscles and tendons of the animal. This calls for a basic approach to eradicating harmful behaviour, such that you should first determine the reasons behind it.
Provide Appropriate Scratching Alternatives
There is nothing as powerful as changing a cat’s behaviour by offering them better options other than your furniture. Spend money on the best scratching post or pad where your cat can become attracted and intrigued. Cats are likely to scratch posts that they would meet in the natural environment; hence, the recommended scratch surface should be sisal or corrugated cardboard. It would be wise to locate these scratching alternatives close to the furniture they normally scratch since they can be redirected. In this respect, vertical and horizontal movements are used to address various scratching styles.
Make the Furniture Less Appealing
If your cat has already exhibited signs of furniture surfing, you may wish to make these locations less attractive to them. Two other easy solutions include using double-sided tape or aluminium foil, as cats hate their texture and the sound it produces when rubbed. Some people can use commercial sprays that have been developed to deter cats; however, these sprays should be harmless and non-toxic. One can also place some undesirable surfaces on the furniture to discourage the cat from using its claws on it, such as plastic or carpet runners. Here is a quick checklist on how to find a pet-friendly rug for your home.
Encourage Positive Reinforcement
It is most important to note that a positive-reward-based approach has been proven to work effectively for a behaviour change. Only encourage your cat to use the particular post by offering their favourite treats or toys and praising them after they have used them. Thus, associating the scratching post with positive reinforcement will ensure your cat keeps utilising the scratching post rather than the furniture. Thus, it is crucial to make sure the reward is constant to enhance the behaviour of the subject.
Proper Trimming of Cat Claws (Pet Grooming)
Having well-kept claws will help to minimise instances where the cat will want to scratch in the wrong places. One of the most effective recommendations to discourage your cat from scratching furniture is to trim its claws often; this reduces the satisfaction a cat gets from clawing furniture. However, fear not, as it is possible to trim the cat’s nails yourself, or you can seek the services of a vet or a groomer.
Address Underlying Stress or Boredom
On other occasions, excessive scratching may be as a result of stress or as a result of boredom. Always make it a point to provide an adequate amount of mental and physical activity to your cat. This can be prevented through interactive toys and puzzle feeders as well as encouraging the pet to play frequently. Clients should create a part of the house where the cat can go when it wants to be alone or get some rest.
Conclusion
It is important to know that cats are territorial creatures that will scratch, especially when they are young, simply because it helps them groom themselves. Through scratching, modification, encouragement of rewards and aversive methods, management of the nails, and careful attention to the mental health of the cat, the health of your furniture and the well-being of your cat will be improved.
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