What to do to prevent the cat from tearing the sofa

Domestic cat pets know how not only to purr pleasantly and run cutely after a toy. They also like to spoil furniture with sharp claws. The cat is tearing up the sofa, what should I do? The main thing is not to let go of the brakes and act immediately.

tattered furniture — Torn furniture is a familiar problem to most cat owners.

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Why do cats do it
How to stop a cat from tearing up furniture
Using a scratching post
- How to make a scratching post with your own hands
- How to train a cat to a scratching post
Video: how to wean a cat from scratching furniture

Why do cats do it

The habit of scratching not only the sofa, but also any rough hard surface came to cats from their wild relatives. In nature, they used trees as scratching posts. So representatives of the feline family not only did a "manicure", but also marked the territory, left their "information" and even competed with each other.

the habit of scratching furniture in cats — The habit of scratching hard shaggy surfaces was passed on to cats from their ancient relatives.

In the modern world, cats scratch furniture for several reasons:

This is how small scales are removed from the claws of animals. By regularly erasing, cats keep their paws healthy and combat-ready. Otherwise, they do not know how to do it. If the cat is independently walking, this problem is solved with the help of trees, wooden benches and stairs. If the animal does not go out even at home, he has no choice but to find a claw trainer himself.
When a person is stressed, worried or scared, they have their own methods to calm down. The same thing happens with the animal. When a cat is worried, frightened, or nervous, sharpening its claws can help. This is a kind of anti-stress workout.
Hunting instincts make themselves felt. And even the most affectionate, lazy or street-afraid cat trains in releasing its claws. Let the animal no longer remember why it needs it, but the call of wild relatives makes itself felt.

why do cats scratch the sofa — There are several reasons why cats scratch your couch.

How to stop a cat from tearing up furniture

Even if, deep down, you fully justify such behavior of a mustachioed pet, you don't want to live with eternally tattered furniture. The animal must be weaned from tearing up the chair and establish new habits for it. If a cat tears up furniture, what to do? There are several options for resolving the problem.

ways to distract the cat — There are several ways in which you can distract the cat's attention from the furniture.

Loud sounds

Loud noises distract the cat from the couch. Shouting regularly will help the animal know that you are unhappy. It is important to establish this rule at the level of instinct: as soon as the sofa turns into a scratching post, immediately yell at the cat or make a loud clap. The animal does not like it, gets scared, panics, runs away.

scare the cat with cotton — You can distract your cat from the couch by scaring him with a loud pop.

Over time, he will establish a direct connection between the discomfort and sharpening of the claws on the sofa. At the same time, it is important to offer the cat an alternative - a scratching post from a pet store or a handmade one. If you do not want to scream, use a rattle, bell, whistle, or other object that emits loud, harsh signals for a loud, loud sound.

scare the cat with a sound — In addition to cotton, you can distract the attention of the tailed beast with any sharp sound.

Voice command

Cats are intelligent and docile animals. It is believed that they are not trainable. But this is not the case. In fact, these are wayward animals that do not like to obey.

cat character — Regardless of the breed, each cat has its own personality and can be wayward.

A voice command is a call to stop the unwanted action immediately. When the pet realizes that you are not joking, and he begins to obey.

distract the cat from the furniture with a voice — Cats are much more intelligent than they might seem. Sometimes you can achieve results using voice commands.

Spray bottle with water

Along with a loud voice and command, spraying with water can be used. As a rule, cats do not like water procedures and avoid it in every possible way. If you suddenly spray the cat with water spray during the damage to the sofa, it will work.

spray bottle for cat — An atomizer can help solve many problems with a cat.

The disadvantage of this method, like the previous three, is that it works if you are nearby. As soon as there is no one at home, the cat will freely sharpen its claws on everything that falls under its paws.

zilch from a spray bottle on a cat — A spray from a spray bottle will cool the cat quickly, but naturally you cannot use it when you are not at home.

Odor feature

What to do to prevent the cat from tearing the furniture if you do not frighten him by bathing? It is easy to find out what odors your pet does not tolerate. It is known that tangerines, oranges and other citrus fruits are among cats' unloved smells. Buy an essential oil or fresh fruit and apply to a favorite spot where the animal prefers to spoil furniture.

citrus oils — The aromas of various citrus fruits will help scare off cats.

Pet stores can also find special, repellent sprays with an unpleasant odor for cats.

sprays for cats — There are a huge number of different repellent sprays on the pet supplies market.

Sticky surface

To make your cat lose interest in spoiling furniture forever, use sticky tape. Cats hate the feeling of stickiness on their feet and avoid these places.

scotch tape — The sticky double-sided tape will help keep the cat away from the furniture.

Take double-sided tape and attach it to your pet's favorite exercise spots. Pet stores also sell special adhesive tape for animals.

sticky tape for cat — You can use either regular double-sided tape or tape sold at pet stores.

Change the scotch tape to a new one until the animal weaned from the bad habit.

sticky double-sided tape on furniture — Sticky tape should be applied to the areas of furniture that attract the cat.

Claw clipping

With the help of a nail clipper, you can cut the claws of your pet yourself. The procedure must be carried out regularly and extremely carefully.

clipping a cat — Systematic clipping increases the chances of keeping furniture intact.

Then the animal will have nothing to injure the surface of the furniture. And with soft paws, the cat will not harm your favorite sofa.

soft paws of the cat — It is practically impossible to seriously damage furniture with soft paws.

Closed doors

It happens that cats spoil unique, antique furniture. Unfortunately, animals do not understand art and a sofa for it is an ordinary wooden surface in order to sharpen claws. In this case, close the doors to the room and do not let the animal in from the moment you brought it in.

cat under a closed door — One option is to simply keep the cat out of the room where the furniture is important to you.

An animal that has never been in a certain territory will lose interest in it or will perceive it as something alien, unfamiliar and scary.

loss of interest in the cat — Gradually, the animal must lose interest in the unknown.

Anti-scratch

To prevent the cat from tearing the sofa, purchase special anti-scratches. They are adhesive silicone claw caps. It's funny looking and pet safe. The accessory does not harm the furniture, even if the cat wants to sharpen its claws on it.

Over time, you can stick on new anti-scratches or cut them off along with the growing claws.

anti-scratch for cat — It is almost impossible to damage furniture with such feet.

Using a scratching post

Scratching posts solve many problems in the house associated with damage to furniture.These are stable structures or inclined planes, tightly wrapped with twine or glued with a dense, wear-resistant material.

cat scratching post — It is desirable that such a construction with a string be in every house where there is a cat.

The presence of a scratching post in the house does not mean that the animal will use it. Cats need to be taught to everything, and to sharpen their claws as well.

to train a cat to a scratching post — It may take time to train your animal to use the scratching post.

Show your pet the device, slide your paw over it until he realizes its purpose. It is advisable to purchase the first scratching post with the kitten, so that he learns to use it from an early age.

scratching post for kitten — It is better to acquaint your pet with a scratching post from childhood.

How to make a scratching post with your own hands

Scratching posts are divided into vertical and horizontal:

For a vertical scratching post, it is enough to make a platform base and glue a post wrapped in rope in the center.
Fasten two flat, small boards in the form of the roof of the house. Glue the outer surface with a rope or an unnecessary piece of carpet.
Attach a flat, glued-down claw board to the wall or battery.
Any horizontal or inclined surface becomes a scratching post if you attach a piece of unnecessary carpet, tightly rolled rolls of paper, rough cloth, wallpaper, pieces of rope or construction twine on top.

homemade scratching post — If you wish, you can independently make an analogue of a purchased scratching post.

How to train a cat to a scratching post

In order for the scratching post and the cat to become friends, they must be "introduced":

At the first acquaintance, bring the animal to the structure, let it sniff and inspect.
Place the pet's front paws on the surface of the scratching post and slowly slide them down. The cat will automatically release its claws and catch on the winding.
Thus, the pet has already left its recognizable scent on the device.
Regularly bring the animal to the scratching post so that he does not forget about it.
Drizzle a few drops of valerian or catnip on top of the winding to heighten attention.
Praise and pet your pet for any independent display of initiative towards the accessory.
Try to play next to the scratching post so that the cat can touch it with its claws.
Reward your favorite treat for understanding.

The problems of furniture damage can be solved if you approach the issue of raising a cat with all care and regularity. Don't expect the animal to figure out on its own what they want from it. Guide, praise and love your pet. And your furniture will remain intact.