How to wean a cat from scratching furniture

Such cute fluffy pets sometimes annoy their owners by scratching the furniture and walls in the apartment. According to people, this is the destructive behavior of cats. Often, owners in every possible way punish pets for their tricks. However, for the animals themselves, this is a natural behavior, due to the biological need to keep the claws in great shape.

The main reasons for this behavior of cats

• process of sharpening claws - physical exercises to strengthen muscles;
• animals express their emotions;
• mark their territory: sweat glands are located on the paw pads, which leave traces of smell on the upholstery of furniture;
• scratching your favorite chair or sofa, cats express their love for you, marking you as "their" person.
• No matter how you scare or scold the animal for such pranks, it will still continue to do this: it is a natural necessity. Therefore, it is possible to protect furniture and other home decoration by showing ingenuity and making some efforts.

There are several ways to wean cats to scratch furniture.

1. Scarlet

This is an excellent solution to problems with keeping cats. You can design it yourself.

Things to Consider When Creating a Scratching Post

1. Determine the best place for the cat;
2. the height at which the claw-point will be located should correspond to the growth of the cat;
3. it must be firmly fixed to withstand pressure from the cat;
4. Material for the top layer is important to choose medium hardness and roughness, so that it resembles the bark of a tree. Sisal rope is ideal, but other materials can also be used:

Since cats consider themselves owners of the apartment, they are unlikely to be limited to one place to claim their rights. If you have more than one cat living in your house and a sufficiently large area, it is best to install two or three clawpaws where your pets most like to be.

In order for the cat to quickly get used to a new subject for its pleasures, the claw-tip should be treated with compounds with odors attractive to them, for example, a solution of valerian or motherwort.

2. Sharp, piercing sounds

• voice intonation. Every time a cat intends to sharpen its claws on furniture or wallpaper, pronounce sharply and loudly: "No!" or "You can’t!";
• You can make a special rattle: put coins or pebbles in a tin can and rattle it each time to scare away the cat.

Never scold your cat when she has already sharpened her nails on furniture. The animal must be punished in the first seconds from the beginning of the process. The animal must understand why it is scolded.

As scaring sounds, you can use balloons. Place them next to the object that the cat sharpens its claws on, so that the animal touches the ball with its claws and it bursts. The sound of a bursting ball will scare the cat away.

3. Water spray

As soon as the cat has set out to sharpen her claws in the wrong place, sprinkle lightly on her with water. This does not hurt your pet. It is important to do this at the moment the scratch begins, so that the animal associates the unpleasant sensations with its actions.

4. Bad smells

Cats do not tolerate the smell of citrus, vinegar, onion. It is better to use a mixture of citrus oils, as the smell of onions in the room is also unpleasant for people, and vinegar quickly disappears. Mix equal parts of eucalyptus and orange (lemon or tangerine) or any other aromatic oils in a spray bottle and spray on upholstery, wallpaper or furniture. This method will not only help keep the cat from spoiling furniture or walls, but will fill your home with a pleasant aroma.

5. Sticky surfaces

Cats cannot stand the feeling of stickiness, so double-sided tape can be glued to places that attract animals. For example, on armrests, the back of furniture or carpet. You can use a special adhesive tape Sticky Paws (sticky paws). This product is an adhesive tape that can be placed on curtains, carpets, furniture upholstery. They are absolutely invisible and will not damage your interior details:

6. Trimmed Claws

Cut off the sharp part of the claw in animals very carefully and carefully so as not to accidentally harm the animal. It is better to do this with a specialist veterinarian. You can learn it yourself. Cut the sharp part of the claw at a certain angle and at an optimal length. Use only special scissors:

Never use dog scissors. They and cats have different shapes of claws. After such a procedure, praise and encourage your pet so that the clipping process does not become a pain for him.

7. Tightly closed doors

If your apartment has expensive unique items, immediately after the appearance of a cat in your house, keep the doors to these rooms always tightly closed. Use a door handle design that will not open when the cat pushes it with its paws:

Or design a fixture at the bottom of the door:

Some tips for dealing with cats

All owners of furry pets should understand that a cat is a freedom-loving and independent animal. It is impossible to win her favor with threats and prohibitive methods. Only affection and proper upbringing can provide you with a friendly coexistence with a cat.

Let your pets explore the room and walk from time to time wherever she wants. If your cat or cat is already taking to the street, most likely they have the opportunity to sharpen their claws on a tree. Encourage it, so you protect your furniture.

Be patient and understand the nature of your pets. If you sincerely love your cat, she will definitely reciprocate and will always thank you with her purr.

Do not forget that honing the claws of a cat is a natural instinct, and it is impossible to avoid it. Over time, the cat will get used to the fact that you can sharpen your claws only in a specially designated place for this and leave your furniture and wallpaper alone.

Watch the video: How to STOP Kittens From Biting You 6 Tips! (November 2024).