6 Ways to Keep Your Cat From Scratching Improperly

Scratching is a pretty common complaint among people with kitties. Fluffy is absolutely adorable, but her nail-care routine doesn’t exactly get rave reviews from her human buddies. If your cat is scratching up your furniture, read on! Below, a Brampton, ON vet offers tips on teaching your furry little diva better manicure habits. For a more in-depth look at why cats scratch and how to manage this behavior, check out our article on Fluffy’s Scratching Habits.

Offer Suitable Scratching Posts

If you don’t want Fluffy using your sofa as a nail-care station, you’ll need to offer something else. Cat towers are great, as they’ll also give your cute pet a napping spot, vantage point, and jungle gym. Scratching posts and boards are fine too. Just be sure to pick something sturdy: if your cat’s scratching post wobbles, she may become wary of it. Kitties like to stretch when they do their nails, so choose something that allows your pet to stretch out.

Curb Bad Behavior

Never punish Fluffy for scratching improperly. It’s a natural behavior, so punishment won’t work. Instead, try to break bad habits by basically annoying your cat when she misbehaves. When you see your furball scratching improperly, squirt her with water or make a loud noise. You can also clap your hands, or just say ‘Bad Kitty!’

Block Access

Another thing that will help is curbing your cat’s access to her favorite scratching spots. If your feline friend is scratching the corner of your sofa, put clear, two-sided tape in the spot she’s scratching. Or, block her access with a carefully-placed plant or end table.

Bribery

Bribery can go a long way when it comes to teaching Fluffy better petiquette. Give your furball toys and treats near her scratching post, and sprinkle catnip around it. When you spot Fluffy using it, immediately praise her and tell her she’s a great kitty. Cats love compliments!

Nail Trims

Consider clipping Fluffy’s nails. This is painless and temporary, and can help save your furniture. We only recommend this for indoor cats, however: if your kitty is allowed to go outside, she’ll need her claws for defense.

Claw Caps

Another option is to put claw caps on Fluffy. These are basically fake nails for kitties. Your furball can even wear cute colors, like pink or red! Ask your vet for more information.

Please contact us, your Brampton, ON vet clinic, with any questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care. We offer veterinary behavior counseling for persistent scratching issues and other behavioral concerns. We’re here to help!