Anyone that has ever had a cat knows that a cat uses its claws in many of the things it does during the day. From defending themselves to playing, a cat's claws are often in use. A cat's claws are also used for climbing and such mundane things as traction and turning.
Any cat with front claws will scratch at different things. The reason they do this is to sharpen their claws but also to get rid of the old layers on the claws too. Scratching keeps the muscles strong. A cat that goes outdoors will often scratch on a tree, but an indoor cat will use whatever is available.
For your indoor cat there are ways to direct this scratching to appropriate items. You can find scratching posts and other items that are usually covered in carpet for your pet. A cat tree or condo is a good idea but can be expensive. It is possible to make your own scratching items inexpensively from lumber and carpet.
Cat nip is a great tool to use to get your cat to scratch where you want it too. It is best done when the cat is young and easier to teach. Rub the catnip in the places where you want the cat to scratch.
If a cat is older and set in the habit of scratching furniture, it might take some special effort to get the scratching where it should be. Catch your cat in the act of scratching whee it shouldn't and move it to the appropriate place. Gently push its paws against the scratching post. Reward good behavior, and remember to be patient and consistent.
There are some very useful products available to help you teach your cat where to scratch and what areas to leave alone. You can protect your furniture and use deterrents as well. Cats do not usually like foil, sticky objects, or poky things. Using citronella can help too and many cats do not like citrus fragrance. Place toys and other distractions in good areas to encourage the right behavior.
Keeping your cat's nails trimmed can help reduce damage to your furniture. It is best to have help and do this calmly but quickly. If you can trim your cats nails regularly it will make scratching not such a problem. A groomer or veterinarian can also do this for you.
It is possible to train your cat to stop scratching at the wrong things. With patience and consistency you can eliminate the inappropriate scratching.
Any cat with front claws will scratch at different things. The reason they do this is to sharpen their claws but also to get rid of the old layers on the claws too. Scratching keeps the muscles strong. A cat that goes outdoors will often scratch on a tree, but an indoor cat will use whatever is available.
For your indoor cat there are ways to direct this scratching to appropriate items. You can find scratching posts and other items that are usually covered in carpet for your pet. A cat tree or condo is a good idea but can be expensive. It is possible to make your own scratching items inexpensively from lumber and carpet.
Cat nip is a great tool to use to get your cat to scratch where you want it too. It is best done when the cat is young and easier to teach. Rub the catnip in the places where you want the cat to scratch.
If a cat is older and set in the habit of scratching furniture, it might take some special effort to get the scratching where it should be. Catch your cat in the act of scratching whee it shouldn't and move it to the appropriate place. Gently push its paws against the scratching post. Reward good behavior, and remember to be patient and consistent.
There are some very useful products available to help you teach your cat where to scratch and what areas to leave alone. You can protect your furniture and use deterrents as well. Cats do not usually like foil, sticky objects, or poky things. Using citronella can help too and many cats do not like citrus fragrance. Place toys and other distractions in good areas to encourage the right behavior.
Keeping your cat's nails trimmed can help reduce damage to your furniture. It is best to have help and do this calmly but quickly. If you can trim your cats nails regularly it will make scratching not such a problem. A groomer or veterinarian can also do this for you.
It is possible to train your cat to stop scratching at the wrong things. With patience and consistency you can eliminate the inappropriate scratching.
About the Author:
Besides cats, the author also regularly pens articles regarding the Italian leather sofa and funky furniture.
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