Cats clawing at furniture and other objects may appear to have a destructive habit to you, but cats themselves are not. In cats, scratching is a natural habit, as it is a way of fulfilling the need to keep the claws in tip-top shape and to leave visible marks on the object, in order to set boundaries for other cats and other animals. In addition, clawing is a type of exercise for cats, as well as a way to stretch the muscles, especially in the shoulders, legs, and fingers. Since scratching is a natural activity for cats, you'll need to be smarter about protecting your furniture, but it's not impossible.
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Method 1 of 4: Understanding and Directing Scratching Behavior
Step 1. Understand the purpose of the cat scratching or scratching
A cat doesn't scratch to intentionally annoy you. A cat claws because it is a form of exercising their muscles, from the area of their toes to their feet, shoulders and back. In addition, clawing also sharpens the claws and cleans the outside of the nails.
Cats also claw to mark their territory, with claw marks and glandular odors, which humans cannot smell but can smell by other cats, dogs, and many other animals, both domesticated and wild
Step 2. Be patient and use your understanding
You certainly love your cat and have a close relationship with him. Cats know when you care about them, and will reciprocate your care. A cat will do its best to please its owner, to express that it knows its owner's care and affection.
Over time, with repeated practice of affectionate expressions, your cat will become accustomed to ignoring household furniture and using alternatives to scratching
Step 3. Purchase at least one claw kit or kit for your cat
A claw tool is the solution to the claw problem, but it takes time to encourage your cat to use it.
- When buying a claw tool, there are several considerations to consider. Look for a device that is the same height as your cat when it stands on its hind legs. Make sure that the tool is sturdy and doesn't wobble when your cat presses on it. Also make sure that the claw tool is not too heavy and high enough to put your cat at risk.
- Some types of tools of this kind are made of hemp. Try different types, as it's better to have too many of these at home than none at all.
- Some cats prefer to scratch on flat surfaces such as carpets, so a grounded device may be preferable. There are options such as thick cardboard, sisal fiber, and carpet as a claw tool on flat surfaces.
- Whichever tool you choose, avoid the hairy ones. Claw kits for cats should have a bark-like surface (that is, the natural claw element for cats), rough and rough. A tool with a sisal cord is best, and the more the sisal fiber is scratched, the less attractive your embroidery kit will be to the cat.
Step 4. Place the claw tool strategically
Find the furniture in the house that the cat has scratched and its location. Make sure that the claw tool becomes something of interest in the room and is placed next to furniture that the cat often claws at.
- If you've recently brought a cat home, place the claw near something your cat is likely to scratch.
- If the cat is marking and clawing at more than one area, create a "good" opportunity to scratch in each of those areas. You're better off having more than one claw tool, especially if your house has more than one storey, your house is large, or you have more than one cat. This will reduce the chances of your cat scratching furniture in other rooms that don't have a claw kit.
- If your cat is always clawing at a chair you sit on a lot, place a claw tool near the chair. You can also place a piece of your dirty clothes on the claw for a while, or use the lid of your sink to stick your smell in there, so the cat understands it as part of your territory, just like your favorite chair. This is especially important if your cat is very close to one of the people in your household. Placing claw tools or a cat's tree close to a favorite sofa or chair can be very inviting to cats.
Step 5. Train your cat to use a claw tool
Get the kitten or adult cat to use the claw tool with nothing else to scratch. Encourage your cat to get his paws out on the new claw tool by gently placing the claw in front of him.
- If you want to make your claw tool more inviting, rub or spray catnip oil on it.
- Whenever your cat uses a claw tool, praise him and give him a pet and a little treat. Some experts recommend encouraging your cat to be excited by gently placing the cat's front paws against the tool and even moving the paws up and down on the claw tool. Be warned though, as many cats hate being forced to do anything and this can have negative effects.
- Alternatively, you can “show” your cat how to claw at the tool, using your own nails.
- You can also hang a toy above the claw tool so it makes a sound when it claws. This should entice your cat to approach it. By hooking the toy, the cat will find a preference for clawing at the object behind the toy.
- Another method of getting your cat to love clawing tools is to hold back your greeting when the cat comes home until she touches the claw tool. Stand near the claw tool and claw at it with your fingernail, to let your cat know how much you enjoyed meeting him. When the cat comes up to the tool and starts scratching at it, you can stop scratching and start petting it, complimenting it on a good behavior.
Step 6. Adjust the position and type of claw tool to your cat's needs
You are free to move the appliance occasionally if your cat is not paying attention. Don't try to force the cat to like it, but instead adapt the tool to your cat's likes and needs.
- For example, if you notice your cat is nervous or doesn't like clawing tools, try leaning the tool to its side. This will make the tool look smaller and less threatening, as the cat learns to get used to it.
- Cats have a particular preference for surfaces or materials for clawing tools. Use a surface your cat prefers. It might be sisal fiber rope, carpet, thick cardboard, or fabric, or something completely different. Taking your cat through the process of transitioning to a new claw tool or new surface will be more effective if you adjust it to your cat's preferences. Don't try to give the cat a clawing tool that's against the cat's preference.
Method 2 of 4: Breaking the Bad Habit of Scratching
Step 1. Use the intonation of your voice to correct the cat's habits
Saying "NO!" When your cat approaches and wants to scratch the furniture it can help to reduce his interest in clawing at the object.
- If you don't like screaming because you don't want to sound scary, make a smack of a cloth filled with pebbles or change, or clap your hands, to stop the cat. Then, pick up your cat and place him near the claw kit you've prepared, which means you're conditioning him on the kit. Don't sound angry or scold your cat. Remember that he is just following his instincts and you are a nobler being with the ability to control explosive emotions.
- Do not reprimand your cat when she approaches or uses the correct claw tool. Cats need to understand and associate clawing tools with fun things.
Step 2. Use water to break your cat's bad habit
If you have a spray bottle filled with water, you can squirt water on your cat any time the cat approaches and scratches the furniture. Do this "before" the cat starts scratching the furniture, but if you don't have time to get ahead of it, spray while the cat is scratching. This won't hurt him but will help him relate that scratching the furniture means he's going to have some nasty water spray!
You can also use a citrus oil mixture to deter your cat's behavior. Some cats don't like the smell of citrus oil. Mix an appropriate amount, about a tablespoon of eucalyptus oil and orange oil into the spray water. You can try this by squirting a small amount on a wet cloth and holding the cloth close to his nose. Shake the spray bottle before you use it, as the water and oil molecules will separate after a while. Using this method not only helps to deter your cat from damaging your furniture or walls, but it also acts as a deodorizer that can add a nice smell to your home
Step 3. Distract your cat
Sometimes you need to physically stop the cat from scratching. Remove the cat from its clawing area and give it something else to do. Try giving him a toy or petting the cat for a bit. In essence, you need to give/do whatever the cat enjoys more than scratching.
Method 3 of 4: Limiting the Distance between Your Cat and the Object She Wants to Claw
Step 1. Cover the "problematic" furniture
Some of the furniture has scratch marks because they seem good to scratch according to your cat. In this case, there are several options you can try:
- Apply double-sided tape to the furniture. Cats don't like sticky things and don't want to stick their paws to sticky things, because the hairless part of a cat's skin is very sensitive to touch.
- For larger furniture, tape a large piece of tape over chair handles or on the back of furniture where the cat often plays and hides (from water spray).
- For larger areas, such as rugs or carpets, place the sticky paper face up on the surface you want to protect.
- You can also purchase “Sticky Paws,” which are secure adhesive strips that can stick to curtains, curtains, and anything else that might seduce your cat.
- Use a vinyl or plastic floor that has a "protruding" surface on the back of the sofa to stop scratching. Cats don't like sharp edges touching their feet.
- For cats who seem to be behaving erratically when you're at work or not at home, cover the furniture with plastic. Cats don't like to walk on plastic because of the smell and because of the feelings it makes for them. You can also place the balloon by hiding it under the fabric covering the furniture, so that the balloon will pop when scratched and scare the cat away from contact with the furniture once it bursts.
- Consider using a rough plastic mat to stop the cat from approaching certain surfaces and areas.
Step 2. Consider creating a scratch prevention object in a specific area with the help of a motion detector attached to a spray or in the form of an ultrasonic sound wave
It's generally recommended to remotely correct your cat's behavior so they don't attribute the correction from you or others to negative feelings. Otherwise, you will create fear in the cat towards humans and train the cat to claw silently.
This product can be purchased online at several different stores
Step 3. Close the doors to rooms with special furniture, appliances, and objects
If you have antiques or expensive home furnishings, consider placing them in a cat-free area. Make sure that each family member is aware that cats are not allowed in the area or room and always close the door to this area. Ask people in the house to look after the area, and don't expect your cat to know which furniture is important and which is less important.
If the cat tries to enter this restricted area, immediately evict the cat so that the cat connects the command to the restricted area
Method 4 of 4: Limiting Your Cat's Ability to Claw
Step 1. Trim your cat's paws neatly
Part of the reason cats claw is to sharpen and even shorten claw growth, you can help by trimming your cat's claws regularly.
- If you don't know how to cut a cat's claws, ask your vet to show you how to do it the first time, as you could easily injure the cat if you don't know how.
- A cat who isn't used to nail clippers may be bothered by the tool, but you need to wait until the cat is comfortable with the nail clipper. Again, compliment your cat while you're cutting the paws to let the cat know you care.
- It is especially useful for blunting the tips of a pet cat's claws that never come out and touch the tree. You can do this with a cat nail clipper, (never use a dog nail clipper) but you need to know the cutting limits so you don't hurt the cat. Ask your vet or vet first to show you how.
Step 2. Use a plastic cover to cover your cat's nails
Applying “Soft Paws” to your cat's nails will prevent the cat from damaging the surface, as the cat's nails have sharp edges. You can do this yourself, or ask your veterinarian for help. This cover will peel off periodically within 3-6 weeks and a new cover will need to be replaced.
Step 3. Take your cat outside if possible
If your cat is able to get in and out of the house, he's likely to find a tree or trees to scratch. Encourage him to do this (unless his claws can damage the tree) and continue to allow the cat to have sufficient time outdoors, as using a natural object as a claw tool will certainly reduce the desire to scratch your furniture.
Step 4. Consider the downsides and alternatives of pulling out the cat's claws to break the scratching habit, before you decide to do so
Removing a cat's claws so they don't scratch can be a quick and easy way to avoid damaging your furniture, but, as with all surgical procedures, comes with its own risks.
- While this is not illegal and is an acceptable way to stop cats from scratching in almost all (though not all) cities in the US and Canada, there are some ethical considerations. Stopping a cat's clawing habit by pulling out its claws is considered an abominable act and is illegal in Europe and many other countries. Many cats who undergo this procedure become refusing to use the litter box, develop aggressive habits (usually biting or hissing), and show signs of high stress and fear. This also makes them more vulnerable to attacks by other animals, and ultimately makes them unable to stretch their muscles properly. Do your own research and make sure you understand everything there is to know so you can make an informed decision before you amputate the tip of your cat's claw.
- The claw removal procedure is done in the form of an amputation of the tip of your cat's claw segment. Talk to a veterinarian if you think this procedure is an option for you. Some cats will be fine but others may suffer from chronic pain and, subsequently, arthritis.
- Note that if you have a cat who likes to be outdoors, pulling out the tips of the paws can impact the cat's ability to climb and defend itself.
- Check your cat's adoption or purchase agreement. Some rescue groups and adoption agencies have a “no claw cut” clause in the agreement you sign before bringing the cat home.
Tips
- A cat tree with claws, a small room, and a place to rest can usually be attractive to cats. All of these do require a fairly expensive cost but will give satisfaction to the instinct of marking territory, as well as to sharpen claws. These will all train the cat even more in climbing and jumping.
- Cats hate citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Try to surround your furniture with orange peel for a while to make sure the behavior stops. If the cat is still scratching, spray some citrus and lemon-smelling water on your furniture.
- Never cover a claw tool with the same carpet that is on your floor, or the same fabric as any of the furniture in your home. Thus, the cat will connect the two.
- You can also make your own claw tools if you have carpentry skills.
- Sometimes competition between cats can interfere with the use of claw tools. If one of the cats is chased away from the tool by another cat, make sure the losing cat has its own claw tool in another area. Each cat in a house (inhabited by more than one cat) can have different personal territories and favorite places. Similarly, some cats do not use litter mats used by other cats and request to have their own litter mats.
Warning
- Place the claw tool in a safe place, so it doesn't tip over when a cat or kitten uses it.
- Never yell at a cat. It will weaken your relationship with him. Cats do not understand that it is a form of punishment or something to be avoided. The cat will only understand that you are angry and emotional. Their response is generally to avoid you until you stop being angry and then resume doing what made you angry.
- Be patient with your cat. If you can't stand the cat anymore, contact your veterinarian for advice on animal habits. However, calling a cat trainer or breaking the scratching habit is unnecessary if you are patient and diligent in training your own cat.
