Scratching is an innate habits for cats that’s not solely pure however vital. Cats should have entry to one thing to scratch of their setting. If you happen to don’t give them one thing particular to scratch on, they could find yourself scratching your furnishings, drapes, cushions, or bathe curtains. Whilst you cannot prepare a cat to not scratch, you’ll be able to divert them from scratching undesirable locations and as an alternative redirect them to extra acceptable places, corresponding to a scratching publish or pad. First, you will need to perceive why cats scratch. Then you’ll be able to train your cat the place they’re allowed to scratch and what areas are off limits.
Scratching serves a number of functions for cats. Scratching is a technique that cats mark their territory. Since cats have scent glands of their paw pads scratching leaves each visible and scent markers. Cats really feel protected and in management when surrounded by their very own scent. It additionally tells different animals that this space belongs to them. Offering scratching posts, sisal posts, or scratch pads will enable cats to fulfill this fundamental territorial intuition with out ruining your furnishings or curtains. A scratching publish provides your cat a minimum of one acceptable place the place they will depart their scent, which could be very comforting for them.
Scratching additionally helps cats preserve their claws sharp and wholesome. Scratching additionally helps take away the outer layer of their claws. Giving your cat common nail trims each 4-6 weeks will help cut back any injury it causes to your own home.
Scratching helps cats launch pent-up power. It may be fairly calming for them and a great way to alleviate stress, particularly since cats stretch out whereas scratching. Some cats even scratch when they’re joyful. It’s a monotonous motion, just like making biscuits, that cats prefer to repeat when they’re feeling good.
It’s necessary that their cat scratcher is massive sufficient for them to completely stretch out whereas utilizing. A bit of one foot tall scratch publish constructed for kittens will not be appropriate for an grownup cat. They want a minimum of a 3 or 4 foot tall publish as a way to absolutely stretch out and scratch to their coronary heart’s content material. Giving your cat sufficient playtime and train is a greater method for them to launch pent-up power. Thirty minutes of interactive play per day is often appropriate for many cats, although kittens could require extra!
Equally, the scratcher should be sturdy and in a position to maintain their weight. If the publish is just too small and ideas over, that’s not helpful. The sofa could be rather more interesting because it’s not going wherever!
In case your cat is uninterested of their scratch publish, attempt sprinkling catnip or valerian root on it or enjoying with them close to it. Wave a wand toy across the scratch publish to point out your cat that the publish is enjoyable. You may also reward them with treats once they use it. This can assist entice them to scratch the publish.
Place the scratch publish close to the world they’re inappropriately scratching. In the event that they scratch the arms of your sofa, quickly place the publish in entrance of it and attempt to redirect them.
In the event that they nonetheless aren’t , be sure you are providing them the proper choices. Some cats favor to scratch horizontally and a few favor vertically. Scratch posts and pads are available in all sizes and shapes and it’s essential discover what works greatest in your cat. In case you have a sisal publish however your cat prefers to scratch horizontally, they’d possible favor a cardboard scratch pad or coconut fiber mat. Some cats don’t like the texture of sisal rope and would favor a scratcher coated in carpet or plain wooden.
Do not forget that cats have to scratch as a way to really feel protected, safe, and in management. You can’t get a cat to not scratch, however you’ll be able to redirect them towards extra acceptable places to scratch quite than your furnishings! Offering your cat with scratching posts, pads, or mats will enable them to hold out pure behaviors with out placing a pressure in your relationship. Understanding your cat’s wants will strengthen the particular bond you share!
Love Nala
