Real Estate Innovation

Stop Problematic Cat Scratching Around Your House

Are you overwhelmed because you can’t get your cat to stop scratching all the valuables in your home? Does your cat tear up the things you leave lying around? Did you know that scratching actually a natural thing for your cat? Well, before you get discourage, there are ways to get your feline friend to stop scratching your stuff, and the methods are easy. When getting your cat to stop scratching your things take this information into consideration.

While there are many reasons your cat may be clawing, it has nothing to do with making your angry. One real reason for clawing is to mark their territory. While you’ll find this reason is more true for males than females, females will do this too. Or it could be that they are stressed out. Clawing releases stress for cats. So if they have some sort of stress in their lives at the moment, you’ll find that they claw more. Cats also scratch to keep their claws sharp, groomed, and short. This is instinctual. Since cats are natural hunter, they need their claws to be in optimal hunting condition. Another reason is simply if they get bored. They need something to do, and scratching is something to do.

Now, that you know a few reasons why they scratch you have to remember it’s natural so if you want them to stop scratching valuables, you have to get them something else to claw. Give them a variety of choices. Some cats prefer carpet on a post, and some prefer a log. There are many types of surfaces available for you and your feline friend to try out. You may have to purchase a few scratching elements, but I bet it won’t cost nearly as much as purchasing new furniture.

After, you get your cat these scratching elements, you will have to persuade your feline friend to use them. Since they scratch in part to mark their territory put the elements in high traffic areas and areas where the human household hangs around. Like in the tv room, or a busy hall way. You can also rub some catnip on them to make them that much more appealing to your cat. If you want to ensure that they get the idea. Put a citrus or minty freshener on the old cat scratching favorites. Cats are repelled by citrus and mint scents.

Many see declawing your cat as a quick fix. While it will fix your cat from scratching, it will also bring up a new batch of issues. While some try to convince you declawing is harmless, and is similar to getting your nails trimmed. It’s NOT! Declawing is no a trip to the salon. The process of declawing your cat is extremely painful for them since they do cut of their fingers from the first joint of their paw, out. Never consider this horrible operation an option. No only will is it unnecessary but it also cause problems in their paws, and joints later in life.

If you are looking to make sure that your cat does not claw up your furniture, remember to give them some options. This can make all the difference when it comes to getting this problem taken care of.

Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, visit www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems quickly.

- Kathrynn Kelley