{"id":1467,"date":"2022-02-11T16:16:32","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T21:16:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omgmeow.com\/?p=1467"},"modified":"2022-02-15T16:55:55","modified_gmt":"2022-02-15T21:55:55","slug":"how-to-train-cats-not-to-scratch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omgmeow.com\/how-to-train-cats-not-to-scratch\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Train your Cat not to Scratch?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Eventually, people with cats will discover (once their favorite chair has been smashed) that cats organize “their house” quite carefully. You need to be ready for new challenges if you want to have a “tiger bonsai” in your living room.<\/span><\/p>\n If you are thinking about buying designer furniture or updating your wallpaper… you better wait until you are single again since sofas, wooden furniture, and wallpaper top the list of items scratched the most by cats.<\/span><\/p>\n However, why do cats always scratch everything? Is there anything we can do to prevent this? How to train cats not to scratch<\/strong>?<\/span><\/p>\n Cats scratch as an instinctive behavior. It’s in their nature. They do it to express emotion, such as excitement or stress, to mark objects with their scent (paws have scent glands), to remove dead nails, and, often, just to get a good stretch.<\/strong><\/p>\n Let’s have a look at different reasons why do cats scratch.<\/p>\n The claws are the most important “tools” of the cat.<\/p>\n Deprived of their efficient claws, cats cannot hunt prey, climb or jump. A cat with broken claws would be unable to defend itself and, in territorial battles, would have no chance of defeating other members of its species.<\/p>\n Cats are solitary animals, and they worry all the time about protecting their territory, which is of fundamental importance because it is their source of food. That is why they will defend it tooth and nail if necessary. Losing the turf battle means looking for new territory.<\/p>\n In that sense, male cats that have not been neutered are more aggressive than neutered cats or females. As if it were a wrestling match, the territorial fight is quite a spectacle. The objective is basically to intimidate or impress the opponent, without seriously injuring him.<\/p>\n When a cat intrudes on another cat’s territory, or when kittens reach adulthood, serious confrontations often ensue to establish a pecking order. Once the conflict is resolved, there is usually no need to continue the fight.<\/p>\n Playing is fun and very important for cats; it is a way to exercise and acquire social skills. Cats learn the repertoire of movements necessary to become great hunters, and they can also be taught manners. The signals must be unambiguous so that other members of the species understand them. The hype that comes with games sends a clear message to cats: \u201cHey! It’s a game, understood?<\/p>\n But why do cats sometimes get carried away and go overboard?<\/p>\n Young cats, especially, sometimes get out of control to the point of scratching and biting. In the heat of combat, they latch onto an object with their front paws and scratch their fill.<\/p>\n When interacting with their feline friends, this behavior is perfectly normal and acceptable (it allows them to get an idea of \u200b\u200bwhat is happening and launch a counterattack if necessary). However, humans do not like it and may even see it as a hostile act.<\/p>\n Cats are used to living with us and, over the centuries, have adapted perfectly to our lifestyle. However, we must not forget that they are still animals and have their own natural instincts, which must be lived.<\/p>\n All cats have in common with their undomesticated wild ancestors the hunting instinct, which manifests itself differently depending on the breed. Persian cats are quite placid creatures, while Burmese, Abyssinian, and Siamese cats are more active.<\/p>\n Indoor cats are especially dependent on a daily quota of playful activities and entertainment. For them, games are at least as important as proper hygiene and nutrition. Just as their friends follow the hunting instinct outside, they too want to capture anything resembling prey.<\/p>\n Thus, if the cat is the only feline in the home and has no one to fight with, it will be the furniture or the people who suffer the consequences.<\/p>\n We have deprived our cats of everything they used to know: they no longer have to hunt to feed themselves and we make sure that they have a litter tray to relieve themselves and even that they live in the company of other felines so that they have a little friend to play with.<\/p>\n However, they still retain their instincts. We cannot turn them off, nor would we want to. In fact, we are excited that a “wild animal” like the cat allows itself to be tamed and shares its affection with us.<\/p>\n The fun of movement \u2013 \u200b\u200bwhether it’s catching prey, fighting, or playing \u2013 is the engine that keeps the cat fit, faces challenges, and brings joy. The excess tension accumulated in the body has to be released, but what happens when it is impossible? In that case, the cat will look for an escape valve. And as today we do not usually have trees in the middle of the room, the cat will look for an alternative in the domestic environment.<\/p>\n In the wild, cats scratch trees to signal their presence to other cats and send the message “this is my territory” through the scratches and scents they leave on the bark.<\/p>\n They also mark their territory with urine and feces. In fact, scratching trees is a way of drawing limits: this far and no more!<\/p>\n Another common type of marking consists of rubbing the head against objects or people. If the cat rubs against its owner’s legs to greet him, both exchange aromas and this creates a feeling of union and, in a certain way, of belonging.<\/p>\n For the rest, as far as territorial marking is concerned, the trees are the main object: the rough bark is quite resistant and, therefore, the ideal medium for the cat to impregnate it with its scent. At the same time, the scratches serve to maintain the claws, since by sharpening the nails against the bark, the horny tissue is shed. Cats use trees like huge limes.<\/p>\n Cats consider personal care extremely important. Not in vain, they dedicate almost four hours a day to it.<\/p>\n Claws are not excluded from the grooming routine. We human beings have to cut our nails only once in a while. Cats, on the other hand, meticulously clean their eighteen claws every time they clean themselves: they open their paw, remove their claws and clean even the spaces between their fingers with extreme thoroughness.<\/p>\n Cats take care of the claws of the front legs by scratching and those of the hind legs, with their teeth and tongue. When they scratch their claws against a rough surface, they shed the old nails.<\/p>\n Establish attractive scratching zones, as many as possible; At least one or two per room.<\/strong><\/p>\n The market offers an infinity of options for the enjoyment of scratching:<\/p>\n Scratching post<\/strong>: It is best to opt for scratching posts made of natural materials, such as untreated wood (without toxins). These not only impress with the use of quality materials and chemical-free craftsmanship but are also great for the cat. It is true that they are not very cheap, but, in the long run, it is worth investing in a resistant scratching tree.<\/p>\n Scratching Barrel<\/strong>: Scratching barrels come with cat flaps and caves provided with reclining, cushioned surfaces. It’s a solution to kill two birds with one stone: the resistant material is perfect for sharpening nails, and the cozy hiding places are ideal for lounging. It will undoubtedly become the favorite place for your domestic tiger.<\/p>\n Tip: designer furniture and scratching objects<\/p>\n If you want to give your home a special touch, you can place cat furniture in the living room. In addition to renewing the space, they are very entertaining for the cats and the spectators!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Daily training: the sooner the better<\/strong><\/p>\n Ideally, you should put the new scratching posts in places where the cat likes to spend time, near their favorite areas. Since our little cats are naturally curious, they won’t need any encouragement from you to inspect and investigate the new “unidentified object.”<\/p>\n If they don’t show interest, resort to imitation instinct: scratch the post vigorously and wait. The cat will come closer and start scratching it. (Your strange behavior may throw him off completely, but in any case, you’ll be sure to catch his attention.)<\/p>\n Start early: if you get your kittens used to scratching objects and furniture, they will adopt this activity at an early age as part of their routine.<\/p>\n Praise and rewards work better than punishment<\/strong><\/p>\n And if an accident occurs…<\/p>\n Keep in mind that the cat is not doing it to annoy you.<\/p>\n Take gentle but categorical steps so that he knows that scratching those areas is not allowed. It will be enough to pronounce a resounding “no” and move it from the “forbidden” site to the scratching post. If he gets the message and starts scratching it, praise him and give him a treat.<\/p>\n Avoid draconian measures<\/strong>: don’t scold him, yell at him, or spray him with water. Also, do not punish his “misdeed” by denying him affection, acting offensively, or withdrawing his word, since the cat will not understand it, much less if you maintain the punishment for a prolonged period.<\/p>\n Harsh measures can scare the cat and harm your relationship. Flattery works much better: it strengthens your relationship and induces the cat to repeat the desired behavior, which he associates with pleasant feelings.<\/p>\n Be patient<\/strong>! Cats have their character and can be stubborn. Do not give up; otherwise, not only will you take damage from scratch attacks, but you’ll also have a supremacy problem. Trust is good, but preventative measures are better. You cannot control your cat twenty-four hours a day. If when you are away from home, you are worried about the furniture, you will have to take preventive measures.<\/p>\n Cover the furniture with smooth materials (if it’s rough, the cat will want to scratch it) that make noise, such as aluminum foil, crepe paper, or an insulated blanket. Offer your cat an interesting and irresistible alternative. Put a scratching post next to the furniture you want to protect or distract him with a new toy. (By the way, you don’t have to buy toys all the time. With a little imagination, you can surprise your kitty with very simple objects.) To distract the cat, an empty cardboard box will suffice; if he has cat flaps and has a surprise inside, all the better.<\/p>\n Another option is to place a box full of things on the furniture you want to protect. When falling to the floor, the box will make a noise and the cat will be scared and move away from the furniture.<\/p>\n The simplest method, however, is to close the door so that the “assailant” does not have access to the room. But, a warning: some cats know how to open doors! Therefore, we recommend that you lock the door, so you will be covered.<\/p>\nWhy do cats scratch?<\/span><\/h1>\n
Scratches as a defense mechanism<\/h2>\n
Scratches like a game<\/h2>\n
Scratching out of boredom<\/h2>\n
Why do cats scratch doors, sofas, and furniture?<\/h1>\n
Because they don’t have enough scratchers<\/h2>\n
The cat scratches the furniture<\/h2>\n
Scratches as territorial marking<\/h2>\n
Personal care scratches<\/h2>\n
How to train cats not to scratch?<\/h2>\n
\nIf educational efforts are unsuccessful, observe the cat carefully. Pay attention to his body language. When and where does it scratch? Have you made any changes at home? Are there new people at home? Is bored? Think about what might be missing and try to remedy that deficiency.<\/p>\nWhen the cat is home alone<\/h3>\n
\nPlace empty cans or metal toys on the furniture so they make noise when the cat touches them<\/p>\nDistraction is everything<\/h3>\n
Smells that repel cats<\/h3>\n