Cats scratch furniture to mark their territory with their scent and to sharpen their claws. Cats may also scratch furniture because they are bored or stressed.
While scratching furniture is a natural instinct for cats, it can be difficult for owners to deal with the aftermath of such a destructive act. The best way to keep your cat from scratching your furniture is by providing them with an appropriate place for them to do so, like a scratching post.
If your cat lives with a dog, it may also leave marks on your dog’s belongings to mark its territory. For example, you can find your cat’s claw marks on items belonging to your dog, such as an indoor dog house or a dog cave bed.
To make the right choice, knowing your cat well and its behavior when it scratches is essential. Observing it will significantly help you make your choice concerning the model and the preferred material.
Generally, cats tend to prefer horizontal scratching posts, which, similar to a tree trunk, allow them to stand up and stretch while scratching.
This product is a good compromise between a cat tower for large cats and a scratching post. Most of the building, if not all, is covered with a material intended to be scratched. The tower also has an internal structure allowing the cat to gain height and rest at its top if he wishes.
If your cat tends to scratch your tapestry, there are wall-mounted scratching posts to attach to the scratching area. In the same way, there are corner scratching posts suitable for furniture or sofas.
Choose a cat scratcher house or a horizontal scratching post for felines who like to scratch carpets or older cats.
In all cases, the scratching post(s) must be placed near the scratching places.
Despite your purchase, you notice that your cat does not use his scratching post. There are a few tips to encourage him to go there:
– You can use catnip to draw your feline’s attention to its new accessory and invite it to use it.
– Show him the example by placing his paw on his scratching post. Putting his scent there will help him go more quickly to the object in the future.
– Use Feliscratch on the scratching post. This blue product, based on synthetic pheromones and catnip, attracts the cat both by the smell and by the visibility of the product. It reproduces the pheromones released by the cat during scratching to indicate the place to scratch.
Should a cat’s claws be cut?
The decision to cut your cat’s claws is entirely up to you. First, you need to understand how a cat’s claws are helpful for him in his familiar and unfamiliar environment, and then when you will need to intervene to improve his hygiene comfort. The answers to your questions right away!
The cat has five fingers, like our hand. Its grids, composed of keratin, form a superposition of horny layers and a nail pulp covering the nerves and blood vessels. By its feline nature, the cat loves to hunt, climb and venture wherever it pleases. Thus, he leaves an indelible imprint on his way, that of his claws. Nevertheless, it is necessary in some cases to cut them off.
The cat’s claws cut naturally as soon as the animal wanders. An outdoor cat that gets into the habit of regularly going out and traveling many miles must be able to defend itself against imminent danger. The primordial utility of the claws allows him to take refuge on top of a tree. Know that its sharp claws will be filed on a rough surface, solid ground, or in a wood.
Also, pulling out his claws can become fun for your kitten or an expression of his affection that you must educate as a priority if you don’t want him to pick up bad habits: scratching your calves, the bars of chairs or furniture, etc.
The maintenance of feline claws, a necessary monitoring
It is essential to keep your cat’s claws healthy and treat infections. You will learn how to properly trim your pet’s claws as they bend as they grow, splitting the fragile pads and thus causing severe pain. Indeed, an aging cat, which goes out less often, will have rather long claws. Also, you will watch the lugs, which tend to wear out slowly because they do not touch the ground. This claw, located on the back of the paw, can become very long compared to a human thumb.
In addition, you want to prevent your companion from scratching the furniture at all costs. Many alternatives are dedicated to the comfort of your hairball: the cat tree, the scratching post, and the toys constitute an excellent, effective solution to protect your furniture.
To forbid! Using scissors or nail clippers is not suitable for the animal. Instead, bringing a claw clipper specially designed for cat claws is advisable. First, create a routine with your cat, reassure him, and gently take his paws by exerting light pressure on his feet. Then, check his claws once a week: if they appear while your cat is on a break, they need to be shortened.
In summary, you should not systematically cut your cat’s claws, but you must take care of their maintenance at the risk of bleeding. Even if nature is well done, your cat will primarily manage on its own by filing its claws. However, you will know how to take care of it for its well-being and preserve your interior.
