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Why Do Cats Scratch Sofas: A Trick to Stop Them
20.11.2023 01:20
Cats can bring their owners a lot of joy and pleasure.
But sometimes they can also cause a lot of trouble, especially when they scratch sofas and other furniture. Why do cats do this and how can you break them of this bad habit?
Reasons why sofas get scratched
There are several reasons why cats scratch sofas and other objects in the house. Here are some of them.
Marking the territory
Cats have special glands on their paw pads that release a scent when they scratch a surface.
In this way, they leave their “signature” on their territory and let other cats know that it belongs to them.
Claw care
Cats regularly renew their claws by shedding old layers of horny substance. By scratching sofas, they help themselves get rid of excess material and keep their claws sharp and healthy.
Muscle strain
Cats love to stretch and relax after sleeping or staying in one position for a long time. By scratching sofas, they stretch their front and back muscles and massage their paws.
Expression of emotions
Cats may scratch sofas when they are stressed, bored, annoyed or happy. This way they relieve tension, entertain themselves or show their love for their owner.
Ways to Stop Cats Scratching Sofas
Scratching sofas can be not only unpleasant, but also costly for cat owners, as it can damage furniture and spoil the interior. So how can you wean cats off this habit? Here are some tips.
Provide your cat with a scratching post
A scratching post is a special item that is designed to allow a cat to scratch without damaging the furniture.
The scratching post should be stable, tall and covered with a material that your cat likes, such as sisal, carpet or wood.
The scratching post should be placed in a convenient place for the cat, for example, near the sofa, window or sleeping place. The scratching post can also be made more attractive to the cat by sprinkling it with catnip or hanging toys on it.
Distract the cat from the sofa
If you notice that your cat is about to scratch the sofa, try to distract her in another way.
For example, you can play with her, give her a treat, praise her, or pet her. This way, you will show the cat that there are more interesting and pleasant things to do than scratch the sofa.
Make Your Sofa Unscratchable
You can try to make your sofa less attractive to scratching by using various products.
For example, you can cover the sofa with a blanket, foil, film, or other material that the cat does not like.
You can also use special repellents that produce a sound, light, or smell when a cat approaches the sofa.
However, remember that these products must be safe for the cat and not cause pain or fear.
