How to stop a cat from sharpening its claws on a sofa and armchairs: there are ways
One of the most common problems that cat owners face is damage to furniture due to claw sharpening.
Cats sharpen their claws to remove dead skin cells and lubricate their claws. Unfortunately, sofas and armchairs often become victims of this natural process.
However, there are ways to stop your cat from damaging your furniture.
First, you need to provide your cat with enough opportunities to sharpen its claws. Install special scratching posts in several places around the house - vertical and horizontal.
They should be stable and durable. Place them near the places where your cat likes to sharpen its claws to redirect its instincts.
Scratching posts should be regularly filled with fresh litter to keep them attractive to your cat.
You can use hay, carpet scraps, rope as filler. Different textures stimulate the cat to sharpen its claws.
It is also important to trim your cat's claws every 2-3 weeks to prevent them from growing too long.
Long claws are more likely to get stuck in furniture when sharpening. Claws should be trimmed carefully, without damaging living tissue. If you find it difficult to do this yourself, contact a veterinarian or groomer.
In addition, it is worth using repellents where the cat sharpens its claws. For example, double-sided tape, repellents with the smell of citrus or menthol. But use them together with scratching posts, and not instead.
In addition to deterrents, another effective method is to reward the desired behavior.
Every time you notice your cat using the scratching post instead of the sofa, reward it with a treat and praise. This way, your cat will understand that it should only sharpen its claws for its intended purpose.
During the weaning process, be patient and do not punish your cat for damaging furniture. It is better to redirect its attention to the scratching post. Also, make sure that your cat gets enough physical and mental stimulation through games and active activities. This will reduce the need to sharpen its claws out of boredom.
It may take some time to wean an adult cat from damaging furniture, but regular training, patience, and rewards will give results.
The main thing is not to punish the cat and give it acceptable alternatives to satisfy its natural instincts.
Over time, she will stop sharpening her claws on the sofa and will use only scratching posts. This will make the coexistence of the cat and furniture harmonious.
Earlier we talked about what cats are most afraid of .
