If you have a cat that has a bad habit of clawing at your furniture, you need to know how to keep your cat from doing it. The first step is to lay down the law right away, and make sure that he knows that it is not acceptable to claw at your furniture. Next, you will want to introduce a variety of scratching options for him to choose from.
Avoid yelling at your cat
Often times, when we have a cat, we think about how to stop it from scratching furniture. However, cats don’t respond well to punishment, so it’s best to rely on positive reinforcement to deter them.
Some cats will scratch because they want to mark their territory. It is a natural behavior for cats to do. They will also scratch to keep their nails clean and to help their claws grow and sharpen. Using a scratching post can help prevent your kitty from scratching your carpet or upholstery.
You can also use a spray bottle or a noise-making can. These will deter your cat. But if your cat is already aggressive, this method is not recommended.
When you are yelling at your cat, you are only escalating their anxiety and making them more likely to scratch. As a result, you’re not likely to get the results you want.
Cats do not understand that yelling at them is the same as punishing them. The reaction is to continue to do what they were doing before the yelling started.
To avoid yelling at your cat, try bringing out toys or treats. Your cat will then begin to associate the scratching post with something positive.
Also, keep the doors closed and don’t let your cat wander into rooms where they shouldn’t be. If you have a valuable item, such as a camera or jewelry, make sure to ask your cat to stay out of these areas.
Finally, if you are still having a problem with your cat scratching furniture, you may need to contact a pet behaviorist. This can help you get to the root of the problem.
Introduce a variety of cat scratchers
If you have a cat, chances are that he or she likes to scratch. The reason behind this behavior is that it stretches their muscles and removes the outer layer of their nails. Luckily, there are ways to keep your cat from scratching your furniture.
First, you need to make sure that the cat scratcher you choose is appropriate for your cat. Some cats prefer horizontal scratching posts, while others prefer vertical ones. It’s also important to determine where your cat tends to scratch. Ideally, the post should be positioned near the area where he or she sleeps.
For a good start, try to find a cat scratcher that is both easy to clean and has a durable material. You can also opt for a double-sided scratcher.
Once you have a suitable scratcher, it’s time to get your cat used to it. Make sure you give him or her the right incentive to use it. Using treats to lure them to it is an effective way to do this.
Using a scratching pad is another excellent method. Scratching pads can be made of different materials, such as sandpaper and plastic. This can be a great way to train your cat to scratch without making it feel obligated to do so.
Another option for deterring cats from scratching your furniture is to cover it with a sheet or cellophane. You can also use double-sided sticky tape. However, if you’re dealing with a grown cat, it’s not a good idea to cover all of your furniture.
There are many cat scratchers out there, so you should choose one that is the right size for your pet. You should also ensure that the scratcher is sturdy enough to support your cat’s weight.
Lay down the law as soon as you bring a kitten home
Keeping a cat off your furniture is no fun. There are a couple of nifty ways to reclaim your prized possessions. One of the better known is to install the cheapest cat proofing kit around the house. Besides the obvious cat scratching mat, the best way to go is to enlist the help of a pro or two. Ideally, they will be able to help you determine the best cat proofing solution for you. A good start is to ask the local pet grooming specialist to help you choose the best type of cat proofing material to use. They will know the top of the crop and will most likely recommend the most suitable choice. Once you’ve selected a reputable company, be prepared to shell out a few hundred dollars. The cat proofing kit is worth it in the long run, a new home or apartment is a good place to start.
Luckily, there are a number of high-quality cat proofing kits available to choose from. Depending on your budget and your personal preferences, you can select from a wide range of quality cat proofing materials, including: polyethylene, vinyl, aluminum and leather. Using the best cat proofing material is the surest way to keep your cherished furniture intact.
Place scratching posts in areas where your cat loves to play or rest
You can keep your furniture from being scratched by your cat by placing scratching posts in areas where your cat likes to play or rest. But how do you know where to put a scratching post?
Cats scratch to maintain their sharp claws and stretch them. They also scratch to mark their territory and communicate with other cats. A good place to place a scratching post is near your cat’s bed or sleeping area.
The type of post you choose should be a good fit for your cat. It should be tall enough for your cat to stand on it and sturdy. Make sure that the base is also made of a strong material.
Some cat owners may be concerned that their cat will become frightened when they scratch on their furniture. You can use a deterrent such as aluminum foil, apple cider vinegar, or double-sided sticky tape to make your furniture less attractive to your pet.
Ideally, you should have one scratching post on each floor of your home. If you have multiple cats, you will probably need a larger number of scratching posts.
Depending on your cat’s habits, you may have to switch to a different material for your scratching pad. Some cats are prone to scratching on carpeting. Others will turn their claws toward furniture or other objects.
Scratching posts come in many shapes and sizes, so it is important to choose one that your cat will find attractive. For example, a post made of wood or sisal fiberrope may be ideal.
Once you have chosen a good scratching post, you will need to teach your cat to associate it with the pleasant scent of catnip. Sprinkle it around the bottom of the post or hang it from the top.
