Why Cats Love Scratching On Things
Cats love to scratch on objects because it serves as a full-body workout that stretches their entire back. This is the reason why they prefer to go after tall, sturdy and vertical objects, like decks posts and legs of a table or chair. In addition, it helps remove their claw sheath while maintaining the sharpness of their nails.
Scratching leads to the release of secretions which convey their signature that is unique to the cat, and pheromones, which are scents used to communicate with other cats. By scratching, they tell these other cats theyve been to that place and for how long. It is believed that such scent will help keep the cat secure in that environment, by leaving a marking that identifies their territory. Lastly, cats get bored thats why scratching gives them something to do. When they scratch, cats release that untapped energy which could have been released during playtime. This is the reason why its important to spend some time with your cats to help them release so much of their energy.
What If My Cats Scratching Is Anxiety
Cats can become tense or anxious for many different reasons and the causes are not always easy to identify by owners.
Excessive scratching is rarely the only sign that your cat might be distressed, so you should keep an eye out for other changes in behaviour. The solution to scratching that is territorial lies in identifying the underlying cause and this is usually best achieved by consulting with an expert.
If you are concerned that your cats scratching is anxiety-related, you should contact your vet for referral to a behaviour specialist.
How To Stop Your Cat From Destructive Scratching
If the vinegar spray does not stop your cat from scratching your furniture, you may need to try a different approach. But before you do, it is worthwhile to understand why cats like to scratch in the first place. Although scratching can seem like an unwanted and destructive behavior, for your cat, it is natural and serves multiple purposes.
For starters, scratching allows him to remove the old outer layer of his claws. Cats also use scratching as a way to mark their territories. Their paws contain scent glands and scratching allows them to transfer their scent on a surface. Finally, scratching is one way that cats exercise and stretch their bodies.
As you can see, scratching is natural to felines and you will be hard pressed to stop your pet from doing it. The better approach is to acknowledge the fact that you cannot stop your pet from scratching. And the next best thing that you can do is to redirect his instincts to an acceptable surface, like a scratching post.
Here are some helpful tips that you can follow.
You May Like: What Is A Cat’s Normal Heart Rate
How To Trim Your Cats Nails
Clipping nails should be done every 2-3 weeks.
Here are some other tips:
Start young: It is easier to start kittens on the right path than to retrain an adult cat, but even older cats can learn to enjoy having their feet handled and to accept nail trimming.
Go slow:Paws are one of the most sensitive parts of a cats body. They will often pull away from you and make the job more difficult. If your cat is sensitive, try warming them up to the concept during petting sessions. When the cat is most relaxed, touch one of her paws. Then, gently push on their pads, extending a claw, gently praising the whole time. Respect when shes had enough, and thats all for that particular session. A minute or two is a good chunk of time. When your cat is accepting of that feeling, then try clipping. One or two nails per session is fine, at first, getting them used to the sensation while having a positive connection with your praise and gentle touch and perhaps a treat afterward.
Catch em napping: You can often clip a nail or two or three on a sleeping cat with no stress whatsoever. Be gentle and quiet. If he wakes up and pulls away, thats okay remember, cats take many naps every day. Youll have another chance soon! You can also use the same holistic formula that Jacksons office cat, Mojo, uses, to keep him calmer during nail trims. Stress Stopper can help to reduce any animals stress during short duration disruptions like nail trims, the vacuum cleaner, or house visitors.
Deter Scratching On Furniture
The easiest way to instantly deter a cat from scratching your furniture is to spray it with a water bottle. As you probably already know, cats hate water , so spraying them will typically cause them to pause for a second and run away. It’s not a long-term solution to your cat-scratching problem, but it will instantly stop them when they are caught in the act.
Another technique that’s helpful for deterring scratching on furniture is to apply a small amount of apple cider vinegar. First, dilute the vinegar in water using a 50/50 ratio. Next, spray a very small amount on any furniture that you cat is known scratch. The strong odor of the vinegar should deter them from scratching. Of course, you can also use anti-scratching sprays, which are available for sale at most pet supply stores and certain veterinarians.
Recommended Reading: Why Do Cats Roll On The Ground
Ive Bought A New Scratching Post How Can I Encourage My Cat To Use It
If youve bought a new scratching post, make sure you are placing the new scratching surface in a location where your cat spends a lot of time or near where they have previously scratched.
Cats are naturally curious creatures, but they dont like to feel that they are being forced to do something. Your cat may take some time to explore the new object, but they will accept it more readily if they have decided when and how to use it on their own terms.
If you are keen to speed up the process, a simple game involving a rod and string that dangles a toy around the base of the scratching post will encourage their claws to make contact with the surface to let them know that it is there.
You could also try applying Feliway® FELISCRATCH to the scratching post. This synthetic pheromone smells like the scent that is released by the glands between a cats pads and will make it smell familiar.
If you have purchased a tall scratching post or multi-platform cat tree make sure it is rigid and doesnt wobble you might even need to attach the taller models with a bracket to the wall. You could try placing some treats on the different surfaces to encourage them to explore.
Why Cats Hate The Smell Of Vinegar
So why is it that cats do not like the smell of vinegar? Open a bottle of vinegar and put your nose directly on the opening. Most probably, you will be put off by the intense aroma. The same thing applies to your cat. Imagine that intense aroma multiplied several times. That is exactly what happens when your pet smells the scent that he dislikes.
Although dogs are often touted for their keen sense of smell, cats are not that far off when it comes to their smelling ability.
Cats have 14 times more olfactory cells in their noses compared to humans. That can make every scent in and around your home more intense for your cat.
For cats, that heightened sense of smell is vital for a couple of reasons. For one, they use their noses to taste food. If there is one sense that is not as well developed as the others, that would be their sense of taste. That is why if you want to entice your cat to eat, you have to make his food smell intensely, either by adding a smelly ingredient or by heating his food.
Second, cats use all of their senses, including their noses, to become aware of their environment. This is necessary because cats are highly-territorial creatures, ready to pounce on prey and wary of other predators.
Read Also: Diy Kitten Clothes
Buy The Appropriate Scratching Surfaces For Your Cat
Once you have determined your cats preferences, get him scratching surfaces that match these. But this is not enough. You also have to pay attention to the location where you put this. Your pet might be scratching the sofa because he is aware that you are always on the couch. His scratching might be his way of marking his co-ownership of the furniture.
Place the scratching surfaces in areas that your pet frequents. It is also a good idea to place a few around your home so that your pet has one within easy reach at all times. Temporarily cover the objects that you do not want to get scratched by the cat
Initially, you will need to cover all your household items that your cat might target as scratching posts. For example, you can turn your speakers around to prevent the part easily damaged from getting scratched.
You may also attempt to spray scents that your cat dislikes on the surfaces of these objects. You can also try attaching or putting a perimeter around these objects with surfaces that cats dislike. These include aluminum foils and sandpaper.
How Do You Keep Cats Off Furniture And Counters
Try the method that works best for your situation and/or that your cat responds to most positively. Apply sticky tape to the edge of the counter . Tape a strip of crinkled aluminum foil along the counter . Use clicker training. Eliminate the chair. Provide legal jumping targets. Keep your countertop clean.
Don’t Miss: How To Train A Kitten Not To Bite
Do Not Even Consider Declawing Your Cat
When your cat scratches or even destroys your precious furniture, it is understandable for you to feel frustrated, especially if you have tried all available options to prevent him. And out of your frustration, you might be thinking of getting your cat declawed. However, getting your cat declawed can cause more harm than good.
When a cat is declawed, he is practically declawed. The risk of death due to an adverse reaction to anesthesia is a considerable risk involved.
After the procedure, your cats foot may become infected. If the infection is not treated immediately, the whole foot may be amputated. In some cases, the foot can bleed profusely once the bandage is removed. Surgical mishaps can also lead to the growth of misshapen claws and shattered bones.
Aside from these physical side effects, your cat can become emotionally scarred. As previously mentioned, scratching is embedded in your cats psyche. Once declawed, your pet cannot reap the benefits of scratching and even perform some of the things that he likes to do like kneading.
Some declawed cats even avoid using the litter box altogether because scratching the litter reminds them of the pain in their paws.
How To Stop Your Cat From Scratching Furniture With Vinegar
Start by mixing one part vinegar with one part water. You can use any kind of vinegar but most cat owners use white vinegar because it is cheap and apple cider vinegar because of its sweeter smell. Any type of vinegar will do to prevent your cat from scratching your furniture.
As for the ratio, using the vinegar at full-strength can be too much for your cats senses. Initially, you should start with a 1:1 ratio and vary the mixture until you find the optimal solution that works best for your desired goal.
Once you have mixed your vinegar solution, pour this inside a spray bottle. Next, spray a small amount of the solution on the surface of the furniture that you want your cat to stop scratching. Be aware that vinegar can stain some fabrics and surfaces.
If you are sure that your vinegar solution does not stain the surface of your furniture, you can now spray the mixture on it. Because cats hate the smell of vinegar, they will avoid the surfaces where this vinegar mixture has been sprayed. Take note that you will need to spray your vinegar solution every few days as the scent of the vinegar will eventually dissipate.
If you do not like the smell of vinegar, you can make other solutions that can be sprayed on furniture. Among the scents that cats detest are citrus, lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus.
Don’t Miss: Is Blue Buffalo Good Cat Food
They’re Great Alternatives To Declawing Your Cat
Cat scratch disease is an illness caused by the bacterium bartonella henselae. Fleas aren’t very dangerous, but they’re still very annoying. Learn some home remedies for cats with scrapes and scratches. Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection that a person can get aft. Home products every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or re. If you feel sick after a you have been scratched or bitten by a cat, you may have cat scratch disease, also called cat scratch fever. A cat with scrapes or scratches can run the risk of getting an infection. Video playback not supported cats often use woodwork, furniture, and other surfaces in your home to. Cat scratch disease is an infection that causes swelling of the lymph nodes after a cat scratch or bite. Cats naturally like to scratch at things, but this habit can be destructive. They’re great alternatives to declawing your cat. Mar 31, 2021 although they’re more c. Check out these absurdly entertaining and expensive pieces of cat furniture.
Learn about signs and symptoms, prevention, treatment, and more. Video playback not supported cats often use woodwork, furniture, and other surfaces in your home to. Watch this video to find out how to prevent this from happening. Check out these absurdly entertaining and expensive pieces of cat furniture. Let your cat stretch their legs and sharpen their claws with a scratching posts.
Humane Society Suggestions On How To Keep Cats Off Furniture
Another suggestion for cat repellent for furniture is to change the texture on your cats favorite surfaces temporarily. The Humane Society suggests that cat owners place no-residue, double-sided tape to deter your cat. It leaves your cat with sticky paws but does not harm them. They also suggest leaving sandpaper, sheet plastic, or aluminum foil on your furniture to deter your cats from using their nails or leaving their smell or scent on your favorite pieces .
A word about declawed cats and pet owners that are considering declawing. Some pet owners consider this method after all else has failed. Its important to note that according to the Humane Society, declawing is an unnecessary surgery that provides no medical benefit to the cat and traditionally involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. Educated pet owners can easily train their cats to use their claws in a way that fosters a happy household without utilizing this invasive procedure.
Also Check: Do Cats Drool When They Sleep
What Can I Use To Get My Cat To Stop Scratching Fabric
Use Apple Cider Vinegar. Cats also dislike the smell of apple cider vinegar, Jones says. Combine equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar and use a spray bottle to apply it over the spots where your cat usually scratches, she says. Again, apply to a small area first to make sure the spray doesnt harm the fabric.
Can You Buy A Spray To Stop Cats Scratching Furniture
Use this No Scratch Cat Scratch repellant as a harmless household spray that helps train your cat not to scratch furniture , curtains and carpets! The No Scratch repellent contains a blend of herbal essentials that when sprayed on fabric surfaces, discourages cats from scratching the treated surface.
Don’t Miss: How To Train A Kitten Not To Bite
Home Remedies To Keep Cats Off The Couch
Finally, there are some home remedies to keep cats off the back of the cough in the form of solutions and sprays. However, we need to be careful not to make the environment unpleasant for ourselves.
There are various scents and smells which cats do not like. These are not necessarily unpleasant for us. For example, citrus smells can be delightful to our nose, but cats find them much to overpowering. If we make a solution of water and lemon essential oils and spray it on the back of the sofa. Be careful not to damage the fabric of the sofa.
You can do the same with apple cider vinegar by providing a solution and putting it in a spray bottle. This might provide a sharp smell for a while, but it can be used safely on many materials. Since we are diluting it in water, it shouldn’t smell too strong, but the cat’s sensitive nose will still pick it up.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Keep Cats Off the Back of the Couch, we recommend you visit our Behavioral problems category.
Clipping Nails As A Last Resort
Clipping their claws can prove to be effective. Indoor cats do not have the exercise to wear their claws and hence clipping claws can help to avoid damage to your furniture. Ensure that you take your cat to the vet to clip their claws as it could lead to infection and pain at times. Trimming the nails should be used as a last resort as it is unnatural for a cat to be without its claws which make it difficult for the cat in its regular activities.
Trimming a cats nail is a delicate process as the blood vessel is present in the nail and you need to avoid clipping it and hence you should not attempt it at home and leave it to the professionals if you dont have any experience in this.
If you have the luxury of time, keep a watch on your cat. Frequent tutoring can help you train your humanely and safely.
Don’t Miss: What Was Hp Lovecrafts Cats Name