The Best Ways To Prevent Your Kitten From Clawing Your Furniture, And Your Face!
As any cat owner knows, a cat uses its claws in often throughout the day.
A cat uses its claws for big things like climbing or defending itself, but also for normal things like traction and turning.
Watching a cat play will show it using its claws as well.
A cat scratches with its front paws to strengthen the muscles, remove the old layers off the nails, and off course to sharpen its claws.
An indoor cat will use furniture or whatever is available.
A cat that goes outdoors will often use a tree.
For your indoor cat there are ways to direct this scratching to appropriate items.
You can find scratching posts and other items that are usually covered in carpet for your pet.
A cat tree or condo is a good idea but can be expensive.
It is possible to make your own scratching items inexpensively from lumber and carpet.
To get a cat to scratch in the places you want it to, catnip can be very useful.
Take some catnip and rub it where you want the scratching.
This works better when a cat is young, but should be a good start to appropriate scratching either way.
If a cat is older and set in the habit of scratching furniture, it might take some special effort to get the scratching where it should be.
Catch your cat in the act of scratching whee it shouldn't and move it to the appropriate place.
Gently push its paws against the scratching post.
Reward good behavior, and remember to be patient and consistent.
Many items are available for you to use while training your cat.
You can protect your furniture and deter the cat from the area too.
Many cats do not like citronella and citrus sprays.
Wrapping items in foil or sticky or pokey things deter also.
Redirect the cat's attention with toys and other distractions in the right areas.
If you keep your cat's nails trimmed it will help save your furniture.
Groomers and veterinarians usually can do this for you.
You can do it yourself too, work calmly and quickly with the cat and have someone help if needed.
Be sure not to cut too far.
Training your cat is not impossible.
With a bit of patience and consistency you can keep your cat from being destructive to your furniture.
A cat uses its claws for big things like climbing or defending itself, but also for normal things like traction and turning.
Watching a cat play will show it using its claws as well.
A cat scratches with its front paws to strengthen the muscles, remove the old layers off the nails, and off course to sharpen its claws.
An indoor cat will use furniture or whatever is available.
A cat that goes outdoors will often use a tree.
For your indoor cat there are ways to direct this scratching to appropriate items.
You can find scratching posts and other items that are usually covered in carpet for your pet.
A cat tree or condo is a good idea but can be expensive.
It is possible to make your own scratching items inexpensively from lumber and carpet.
To get a cat to scratch in the places you want it to, catnip can be very useful.
Take some catnip and rub it where you want the scratching.
This works better when a cat is young, but should be a good start to appropriate scratching either way.
If a cat is older and set in the habit of scratching furniture, it might take some special effort to get the scratching where it should be.
Catch your cat in the act of scratching whee it shouldn't and move it to the appropriate place.
Gently push its paws against the scratching post.
Reward good behavior, and remember to be patient and consistent.
Many items are available for you to use while training your cat.
You can protect your furniture and deter the cat from the area too.
Many cats do not like citronella and citrus sprays.
Wrapping items in foil or sticky or pokey things deter also.
Redirect the cat's attention with toys and other distractions in the right areas.
If you keep your cat's nails trimmed it will help save your furniture.
Groomers and veterinarians usually can do this for you.
You can do it yourself too, work calmly and quickly with the cat and have someone help if needed.
Be sure not to cut too far.
Training your cat is not impossible.
With a bit of patience and consistency you can keep your cat from being destructive to your furniture.