Grayson
Cats bring warmth and fun to the home. But when their predatory instincts kick in, they’ll begin clawing on decors, damaging them. Here are 15 ideas on how to stop felines from spoiling your furnishings.
Provide Scratching Posts
Felines naturally love to scrap surfaces. It’s their way of marking territory and maintaining toenails. Therefore, they’ll be attracted to sisal, cardboard, and carpeted clawing stakes with varied textures. Place these objects beside home fixtures to divert kitties away from decors while satisfying their inclinations.
Trim Their Claws
Cats’ nails continuously grow and can become sharp if not trimmed regularly. Grooming them every 2-4 weeks helps prevent the claws from becoming overly long and causing discomfort. Use cat-specific nail clippers, avoiding cutting into the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves.
Use Deterrent Sprays
Deterrent aerosols formulated from plant extracts like citrus or rosemary help repel tomcats. These substances are safe; you can sprinkle them in areas where pets scratch constantly. Reapply the spray periodically, especially after cleaning or if the cat returns to the area.
Cover Furniture
Double-sided tape or aluminum foil creates an unpleasant sensation on pets’ paws, deterring them from scrubbing. Ensure the tape is secure and won’t leave residue on the furnishings. Also, remember to remove the coverings once the cat learns to avoid the sofas; leaving them permanently on may disrupt the decor.
Give Them Play Mats
In addition to scraping posts, clawing pads and mats offer additional areas for kitties to rake. Some pads come infused with catnip or have a corrugated texture that will appeal to the animals. Strategically position them where your cat spends a lot of time and replace them if worn out.
Try Pheromone Diffusers
Feliway sprayers release synthetic versions of the feline facial pheromone, which helps the kitty feel calm in their environment. Placing these diffusers beside cushions or tables can reduce stress-related behavior. This method may take a few weeks to have an effect, so be patient and consistent.
Provide Toys
Playthings stimulate tomcats’ hunting instincts and assist in mental and physical exercises. Additionally, interactive objects like wands allow you to engage with your cat in play, strengthening your bond. Experiment with different items to find ones that capture your cat’s interest away from household stuff.
Reward Good Behavior
Kittens respond well to positive reinforcement during training. Whenever you catch your cat using the scrubbing post, praise it immediately and reward it with their favorite treat. Regularly doing this will help reinforce the desired attitudes.
Catnip
Catnip contains nepetalactone, which triggers a euphoric response in many felines. Rubbing it on raking posts can attract pets to them, providing a positive association with the action. Not all pussycats respond to the mint, as sensitivity to its effects is genetically determined.
Rotate Toys
Cats can quickly become bored with their playthings if they’re always available. Rotate their playthings often, introducing new ones and temporarily removing others to keep your cat engaged and interested. Store unused gadgets in a box or closet and periodically switch them out for variety.
Create vertical space
As natural climbers, pussycats enjoy climbing onto heights to survey their surroundings. Installing shelves, trees, or wall-mounted perches provides vertical space for your cat to explore, climb, and scratch. Make sure the structures are sturdy and secure to prevent accidents.
Apply Nail Caps
Nail caps are plastic covers applied to the cat’s nails to keep them from raking. First, trim the cat’s claws, then gently slide the covers onto each one using pet-safe adhesive. Check the cap regularly for wear and replace as needed.
Use Covers
Invest in furniture wrappers specifically designed to protect against pet damage. These durable and waterproof jackets provide a barrier between your cat and the surface. Cleaning and removing them is also easy, so you’ll have no worries when you have guests.
Motion-Activated Deterrents
These devices emit a sudden noise, burst of air, or water spray when they detect motion. Place these devices near the abrading area to startle and deter the cats. Ensure that these gadgets are harmless and won’t cause undue stress to your cat.
Consult a Veterinarian Or Behaviorist
If the digging persists despite trying various preventive methods, seek professional advice. A veterinarian may find no underlying medical issues contributing to the action. On the other hand, an animal behaviorist may prescribe tailored strategies to address the problem based on your cat’s specific needs and environment.
Comments
Loading…