Cat pet owners know perfectly well that one of the behaviors of their pets is scratching the furniture. But keeping your cat from scratching furniture is not impossible. On the contrary, we know that scratching is normal for a cat and the key is to teach them where they can scratch and where not to scratch.
Tips to keep your cat from scratching furniture
We should know that cats scratch because it is in their nature to do so. So they can express their emotions, mark objects with their particular scent and even just to stretch well. Let’s see how to teach your cat where to scratch and where not to scratch.
- Provide some object for your cat to scratch without problems. For example, a scratching post that does not wobble when the cat scratches it. It must be resistant! For example, wood is a good material.
- Place the scratching post in a place that is comfortable for your cat. If you notice that he likes to scratch the sofa, place him next to the sofa. Observe behavior and take action.
- Use creativity to let your cat know that the object is for him to scratch. You can play with your cat and place the scratching post in such a way that he/she will be interested in investigating it. For example, play with a string around the pole.
- Avoid rubbing your cat’s paws on the scratching post. This will have the opposite effect on your cat and he will even reject it.
- Try discouraging your cat from scratching the furniture by placing unattractive coverings such as a smooth, fitted sheet. This way he will realize that the scraper is better for scratching than your furniture.
It must be remembered at all times that feline behaviors are not in terms of right or wrong, but rather in meeting their needs. That’s why punishments don’t usually work well in cats. To get him not to scratch your furniture, you can induce him to notice that it is better to scratch some surfaces and not others.
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