While the dog files his nails easily during walks, the cat has it more complicated, and that is why he looks for items inside the home where he can groom himself and file his nails.
That can be a problem if you use the furniture or the sofa instead of the scratchers that we have bought for you, for that reason and for the well-being of your home, we want to answer ¿ why my cat scratches the furniture ?, as well as a series of tips to stop it.
Instinct
All animals carry in their genes an instinct that pushes them to act in a certain way, clean themselves or polish their nails are some of these activities that reside in the nature of the cat and we will not be able to do anything to avoid it. The nails are his defense weapons, so it is a matter of mere survival that he preserves them perfectly.
For this reason, if your cat does not have a scratching post, you should buy one as soon as possible, thus preventing him from using the furniture in the home as a daily lime. Although quiet, you can also make your own scratching post at home.
Furthermore, as a curiosity, we will add that cats have sweat glands that are found in the pads. This way, when they scratch an object, they not only file away but also mark the spot as a spot that is "theirs." Make sure that you comply with the basic care of the cat and that you allow it to scratch, since this activity relieves your pet of stress: do not deprive him of doing it, offer him an alternative.
Tips to stop scratching furniture
Here are some tips to stop your cat from destroying your home, some will be more useful than others, but together you can solve this problem:
- As we have mentioned, if your cat doesn't have a scraper, get one now! There are different types, colors and shapes, look for the most suitable one for your cat by watching him scratch.
- Take him to the vet regularly to have his nails trimmed, you can also trim your cat's nails at home if you are experienced.
- Whenever you find your cat scratching a piece of furniture, distract him and go quickly with the scratching post, encouraging him to play with it. If your cat pays attention and scratches or plays with it, don't forget to praise it with kind words, caresses and even a treat. Positive reinforcement is the key to ending unwanted behavior!
- On the market we find catnip, a dry plant that can be administered through a spray. Its function is to attract the cat and it succeeds! Spray the scratcher with this spray and see how your cat does not stop using it.
- Do you have space at home? Prepare a suitable play area that includes the scratching post.
- Observe the surfaces where he goes to scratch and cover them with a thin and light cloth where he can get caught, we assure you that he will not try again.
Finally, if none of these tricks works for you or prevents your cat from scratching furniture, you should go to a pet store and buy a repellent spray. Then you must apply it in the places where the cat usually scratches, the effect is very fast.
