Furnishing
Scratching is a typical behavior in cats. While most cat owners believe outdoor activities are enough for scratching, it is not. From trees to fence posts to home furnishing, they will scratch on almost anything they get. When your cat is indoors, the problem will be severe. So, how will you protect your furniture and carpet? Here is every point you need to know to protect your furnishing from the scratches of your beloved cat.
Why will they scratch your furniture?
One fundamental question that comes to the mind of pet parents is, why will the cat scratch the furniture? Scratching is a form of muscle exercise in the cat’s front leg and spinal cord, which keeps them fit. Cats scratch to remove or loosen the exterior part of the claw that reveals the sharp surface below. The surface they picked to scratch is usually challenging, so they do not need to move around from one point to another. They may start to scratch casually and then get rigorous once they properly grip the surface.
Many cats scratch out of anxiety. Yes, anxiety is not only a problem with humans but animals as well. It can be an external manifestation of an underlying cause. If your furry friend is scratching excessively, it is time to take them to the veterinarian. If you want something good for your cat, start working right now.
What can you do to stop your cat from scratching?
You can provide your cat with an alternative surface where they can scratch and keep them away from the carpet or furniture. The general rule here is that the cat will scratch on the rigid surface, which resists its pull. Generally, they like to scratch their bodies against a high-end, rigid surface because it provides them with the benefit of exercise.
It is significant not to punish the cat for this behavior. Scratching is a normal and natural behavior for the cat, so do not think they are doing something wrong. It is simply their instinct. You need to understand where it is acceptable and where it is unacceptable.
The alternative is scratching surfaces like cat scratching posts, and boards are available online and offline. You can go to the pet shops and get these for your cat. They provide them with a sturdy surface where they can keep scratching themselves, and thus you can protect your furnishing and valuable carpet.
You may also purchase a multi-level piece of cat furnishing that allows the cat to scratch, climb and purge; these raised beds are popular in the market. The structure is durable and practical. If space is a problem, flat panels are also available. These come with rough surfaces that may be fixed to the wall, which is how it works. Many versions are available to purchase, and you can make the most of getting sturdy ones.
Scratch and boards that are horizontal and not vertical are also there in the market. Usually, these come from a compressed layer of cardboard. Some are flimsy, but the sturdy model is big enough for the cat to use and scratch whenever they want. These models will not move and thereby keep your cat in one position. Once the cat develops the habit of scratching on these surfaces, the rest of your house will be protected.
How will you pick the best scratching board?
If your pet is scratching on an object or surface repeatedly, it is fundamental to understand why they are scratching. You must provide them with an appropriate and suitable alternative for their regular use. For instance, where is the cat scratching? Some animals scratch after sleep, while others scratch throughout the day.
It has become their routine habit. However, you need to understand where they are scratching, and depending on that, you can go for vertical or horizontal surfaces available in the market. The texture of the scratching surface plays an important role. All you require is a high-quality surface that provides maximum return on investment. If you have multiple pets, providing at least one scratching post for every cat is decent.
Encouraging the cat to scratch on the new post
Now that you have the new scratching post, how will you encourage your cat to use it? Ensure that you place the new scratching post in a location where the cat will spend a good deal of their time. Cats are curious creatures. You need to use their curiosity and provide them with a scratching post in a place where they want it. Your cat may take some time to understand and accept the new object. Following this, they will decide when and how to scratch it.
Once you purchase the scratching post, proper placement plays an important role. If you constantly push them to use the scratching post, they might move away from that. Yes, even that is possible. So, do not try to force them and help them use it like a toy. You may also provide them with food near the scratching post. The phenomena will help them relate the food with the scratching post.
What if your cat does not use it?
One fundamental question that hovers in the mind of pet parents is, what if the cat does not use the scratching post? If you have tried everything to limit your cat and protect furniture from cat claws, there are certain things you may do. Firstly you need to clean the damaged region to remove traces of scratching; it will encourage the cat to keep away. Many commercial scratching deterrents are available in the market, which may be sprayed on the area to prevent further approach.
Train your cats to follow and enjoy their scratching posts! You may also try the application of low-tack adhesive tape over the region because it will provide an unpleasant feeling to the cat. Double-sided sheets and wallpaper are effective in this regard. What are you waiting for? Try these steps today!
