You absolutely can teach your cat to not damage your furniture by scratching, but prior to we explore the specifics of how to change your feline’s habits, let’s begin by speaking about why he may be doing this in the very first location.
Since felines frequently scratch to shed their external nail sheaths, routine nail trims may help in reducing the scratching.
However there could be something more serious going on: Retreating underneath the sofa could indicate that your cat isn’t feeling well, either physically or emotionally.
A cat who is afraid, nervous or stressed might take shelter under a sofa or bed to leave a disturbing situation– for instance, a new baby or new animal in the home.
And cats will typically mask discomfort or disease, so your feline may be concealing, because he’s sick or injured.
The first step in dealing with the habits is to set up a check out to the vet to identify if your cat is suffering from an undiagnosed medical condition, is in some type of physical discomfort, or if he’s anxious or stressed about something in his environment.
Your veterinarian might likewise refer you to a veterinary behaviorist for additional assistance as needed.
Redirect the Scratching
As soon as your feline has a clean body and healthy, you can begin to deal with the behavior.
The goal is to change your feline’s direction from scratching the furniture to something more cat-friendly, like a designated scratching post.
Cats will regularly scratch furnishings due to the fact that they lack acceptable replacement activities and spaces that fit their tastes.
Teaching your feline to stay clear of the furnishings will need providing cat-specific spaces that are better than the location under your sofa.
Create resting and play areas that accommodate your feline’s choices, consisting of spaces where he can sleep, hide and check his surroundings.
Burrow beds, tunnels, feline trees– especially those with covered areas and den spaces, allow your cat to watch the action in your house, or escape from it, if needed.
Tunnels and boxes also provide areas to play or simply chill. Your feline’s cage or provider can likewise work as a peaceful resting location when he wishes to be alone.
Offer your cat scratching posts in a range of materials. Some cats prefer carpet-covered posts to sisal, for circumstances, while others like corrugated cardboard finest.
If your feline truly enjoys lying on his back while clawing and pawing, think about a covered bed or box made of a sturdy claw-worthy product like corrugated cardboard.
A scratching post must be durable and able to support your cat’s weight as he digs, scratches and paws at the surface.
Lots of cats like to get a full stretch and choose posts that enable them to extend their limbs fully while clawing.
Think about scratching posts that offer both horizontal and vertical alternatives for scratching and stretching.
Your feline may delight in a horizontal scratching post, particularly if he’s already scratching horizontal areas.