Every wonder why a cat has to scratches
everything in site. Your cat is sharpening claws and ridding the outer layer of
old claw is one reason. After a cat has been declawed, they could continue to
go though the motion of clawing. On the paw pad are scent glands, that will rub
off the scent as they claw or scratch on an item. Once a cat does claw or
scratch on the item other cats will come to smell the scent left and can have
the tendency to scratch the same item to have their scent on the item. When you
finding the couch or other item scratched or clawed this is when the cat is
exercising.
Redirection and proper scratching post or
trees will help with the exercising or energy that a cat has.
A rope can offer a stable item for the cat
to scratch and claw on. Purchasing a scratch post or tree that is sturdy enough
for the cat and will not be easy tip over when the cat is scratching or clawing
at the tree. Making sure, the scratching post or tree is high enough for the cat
to reach and be able to scratch and claw.
Rubbing orange peel or lemon on the fabric
or surface of the item can help with scratching or claw the item. Using a
commercial cat repellent is another way to rid the scent on your items. Cats do
not like plastic, covering your furniture with plastic till, the cat starts to
use the post, or tree will help. Communicating with the cat with soft words as
“no kitty you are not to scratch that, this is not the place”. Then taking the
cat to the scratching area and showing them this is the place to scratch will
help with the redirecting the energy of the cat. Rubbing the cats paw on the
post will help leaving the scent of the cat on there so they know that this is
a place to scratch.
Scratching is a natural to a cat as it is
for them to breathe. With gentle guides, redirection, telling the cat not to scratch
on the item the cat will soon leave the furniture and couch alone.
Nail grooming a cat is also important
especially with older cats and inactive cats that sleep most the time. These
types of cat are usually in a curled up position with the paws tucked under
them and this can cause the nails to curl. Trimming the nails is just an import
to help with training. If you are uncertain about trimming the nails on the
cat, call the groomers. Groomers that have been trained to trim and cut nails
on cats. Taking the cat when the nails are in need of grooming, can also gives
a cat a good chance to get out of the house for the socializing that it need.
Treats are another import thing when
training a cat. Giving a treat to a cat for good behavior warrants the cat to
continue the behavior. Treats and food on the other hand should be use when a
cat wants something, like attention from the owner. Excessive meowing is
another time you do not want to give a cat a treat. Treating the cat is a way
of saying they are doing a great job. A reward, with rewarding with the bad
behaviors will lead the cat to continue them.
Simple treats as live treats are a good
treat for your cat. Most cats like the taste of liver and with the small treat,
this will not over feed a cat. Once the behavior is in control, you will want
to decrease the times that the cat gets a treat for the behavior until the cat
is doing it with a treat. This is so that you will be able to use the treat for
training for the cat with other unwanted behaviors. With the cat knowing that
the taste of the treat and that with good things they are doing, the next
training will be a non stressful on the cat.
Training the cat to not to scratch
everything in site can be a great experience for you and your cat. With the
proper training and love, communication you will be on your way to the next
training behavior.
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