Why do cats claw things

Add a horizontal scratching pad. Cats have their own individual scratching patterns and preferences. Those that scratch carpeting may be more inclined to scratch horizontally than use a vertical scratching post. Fortunately, there are scratching pads made for horizontal scratching; some are wedge-shaped inclines and others are flattened out.

Experiment to find one that your cat likes. Add multiple scratching posts and pads , covered with different materials and different textures.

It's possible that the choice of different scratching options will relieve your cat of its need to sharpen its claws on your carpet. Many scratching posts are covered with carpet, but you should add one or two with a different material, such as sisal, corrugated cardboard, or even plain wood. Remember that cats like varying surface angles for scratching, ranging between horizontal and vertical.

So ideally, provide at least one of each: a tall vertical scratching post, a flat scratching mat, and an inclined scratcher. Make sure scratching posts are heavy and sturdy so they remain fixed in place while your cat scratches them. Cover up the spot where your cat scratches. If possible, move a piece of furniture or a scratching post to your cat's favorite carpet spot. A sisal scratching post may be a good choice here. For scratching that takes place in front of an entryway, cover the area with a thin mat.

Two-sided tape can act as a deterrent and eventually train your cat to avoid the area, especially on vertical surfaces. Infuse the area with scent. Use a feline pheromone plug-in or a spray like Feliway in the area where your cat has been scratching. Although these types of products aren't marketed specifically for this purpose, cat behaviorists have found that the "friendly pheromones" in these products can fool cats into believing the area has already been "marked" by another cat, often discouraging scratching behavior.

Consider your cat's anxiety level. A cat may resort to more frequent scratching if it's emotionally stressed, such as when it feels threatened by environmental changes or a new pet or a new child has recently become a part of the household. Paying more attention to your cat, including playing with it more often, may offer the reassurance it needs to give up its carpet-scratching habits.

They could also catch your hand now and again during a biting and bunny-kicking frenzy if they think you are playing with them. Touching their tummies could lead to this, so beware of the belly. Conrad recommends always using a toy to play rather than your hand to avoid getting hurt. These behaviors can be trained out of a cat. Nikki Naser, BeChewy Senior Editor Instead of owning 30 cats, Nikki has an impressive collection of 30 cat-themed T-shirts, and just 4 pets—a ginger-haired senior cat, a senior Maine Coon, a middle-aged Choodle, and a young kitty who showed up one day on the back steps.

A former Orlando resident, Nikki worked on several tourism publications before moving to South Beach. Published: June 28, By: Chewy Editorial Updated: January 20, By: Amy Shojai Updated: November 10, By: Chewy Editorial Updated: December 8, By: Chewy Editorial Updated: June 15, By: Chewy Editorial Published: May 3, By: Chewy Editorial Published: September 26, Instead, the goal in resolving scratching problems is to redirect the scratching onto acceptable objects.

Punishment is effective only if you catch your cat in the act of scratching unacceptable objects and have provided her with acceptable scratching objects. If you do catch her in the act of scratching inappropriate objects, remote punishment is best, in which you do not directly interact with her. Ideas for remote punishment include making a loud noise using a whistle, shaking a pop can filled with rocks or slapping the wall , throwing a pillow at her or using a water-filled squirt bottle.

You can do this by gently petting her legs and paws while giving her a treat. This will help to make it a more pleasant experience. Continue with the treats until your cat tolerates this kind of touching and restraint. Apply a small amount of pressure to her paw, with your thumb on top of her paw and your index finger underneath, until a claw is extended.

There are several types of claw trimmers designed especially for pets. Until you and your cat have become accustomed to the routine, one foot a day is enough of a challenge. They often include upright wooden posts covered with thick sisal twine or carpet together with platforms, beds, hiding boxes and dangling toys for the more energetic individuals.

Scratching posts can be free-standing or designed to fix to a wall or floor. There are a number of ways to ensure your cat makes use of any available scratching post. It would be most attractive if you place it near a window or radiator in a room your cat particularly favours, particularly if it is one of the larger designs that incorporate platforms and beds in the structure. Do not encourage your cat to scratch by grasping its paws and showing it what to do or pay particular attention to the scratching post when it first arrives as this may well dissuade your cat from going anywhere near it!

You could even try placing a small handful of dry food on one of the platforms, if it is a tall modular post, to encourage your cat to jump up and explore. If space is an issue in your home you can always purchase a flat panel that can be fixed to your wall at the appropriate height. You can, of course, be adventurous and make one of your own.

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