Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. Most choose to scratch the surface that they can sink their claws into. Unfortunately, Your cat may prefer to scratch the material as the upholstery of Your furniture, curtains, or carpets. It can be frustrating for cat owners, sometimes leading them to consider Declawing their cat.When a cat is scratching Your goods, they do not do it from regardless; they fulfill their Need to scratch on the material desired. It is essential to break Your cat of this habit and direct the scratching to a better target so You can preserve the furniture Your household (and Your relationship with Your cat).
Once You understand why cats scratch, You can take steps to resolve the problem. You will be able to avoid damage to carpet, upholstery, curtains, and other materials in Your home by directing Your cat to the location of the scratching tools.
Why do cats Scratch Carpet, upholstery, and other surfaces
Cat scratch by digging the claws of their front in a horizontal or vertical surface, then pull their legs down or back. While this is often damaging the item being scratched, to provide benefits for the cat. Scratching is an essential part of feline health and well-being. There are several reasons why cats scratch, and it all comes down to instinct.Health and Grooming
The action of scratching, referred to as stropping, loosen, and remove the outer layer of the claw to reveal a new surface that is sharp underneath. You may find a layer of spikes around Your home, especially in areas where Your cat likes to scratch. Sharpening claws is action care for the cat.Scratching also exercises the muscles of the arms and spine to keep the cat in top condition for hunting. Some cats will scratch by lying down and pulling their weight along the floor. The surface to which they choose to scratch is usually fixed and nonmineral to provide resistance to the muscles that they use for scratching.
Communication
Scratching is also used as a form of communication or marking behavior. Scent and sweat glands in the legs blend and produce a unique smell. When the claws are scratched on the surface, it left a mark, scent, and the skin of the nail. Other cats can see and smell this like a book.A cat outdoors can leave evidence of scratching on trees, fence posts, sheds, and wooden gates. It is no coincidence that this is all public areas by outdoor cats other. Scratching is a territorial behavior that is used to communicate with other cats and to mark the boundaries.
Indoor cats tend to find the same surface in the room to serve their instincts to scratch, often targeting softwoods, carpets, and upholstered furniture.
In some cases, scratching is a precursor to play, good with other cats in the house or with human companions.
Scratching can also be a bid for attention. If the cat routinely pitted or chased away when it scratches the furniture or carpet, it may come to associate scratching with receiving care.
How to stop a cat from scratching carpet
Your first choice to prevent damage from scratching is to direct the behavior of Your cat to the target that can be accepted. Kitty furniture such as scratching posts designed for the exact purpose.What do You do if Your cat refuses to use scratching posts or sometimes choose to ignore it in favor of Your carpet? The best solution is to provide a scratching surface that is more desirable for Your cat than Your furniture.
Add the horizontal pad streaks. Cats have patterns and preferences of the individuals who are scratching. They are the beginning of the carpet may be more likely to scratch horizontally instead of using a vertical scratching post. Fortunately, there are scratching pads made to scratch horizontal; some is the slope of the wedge-shaped and flattened. Experiment to find one that Your cat likes.
Add a few scratching posts and pads, covered with different materials and different textures. There is a possibility of the choice of options is scratched different will free Your cat from Need to sharpen his claws on Your carpet. Many scratching posts are covered with carpet, but You should add one or two with different materials, such as Sisal, corrugated cardboard, or even plain wood. Remember that cats like a variety of corners of the surface to scratch, ranging between horizontal and vertical. So ideally, provide at least one of each: the scratching post vertical height, floor mats scratch flat and tend to scratches. Make sure the scratching post is heavy and sturdy so that they remain fixed in place while Your cat scratches them.
Cover the place where Your cat scratched. If possible, move a piece of furniture (or a post scratching) to the area of carpet Your cat's favorite toys. A scratching post Sisal might be a good option here. To scratch that took place in front of the entrance, cover the area with a thin mat. The two sides of the tape can act as a barrier and ultimately train Your cat to avoid the area, especially on vertical surfaces.
Infuse the area with the scent. You are using pheromones for cats plug-in or spray such as if in an area where Your cat has been scratching. Although this type of product is not marketed specifically for this purpose, the behavior of cats has found that the "pheromone friendly" in these products can fool the cat into believing the area has been "marked" by another cat, often understating the behavior of the scratching.
Consider the level of anxiety — your cat. A cat may be more frequent scratching if emotional stress, such as when feeling threatened by a change in environment or a new pet (or new child), has recently become part of the household. Pay more attention to Your cat, including play with more often, may offer the certainty needed to give up the habit of scratching the carpet.
Reduce the damage done by the claws of a cat
While You are working on a method to stop carpet Your cat scratching, You will want to minimize the damage to your home in the meantime. Trim Your cat's claws regularly, using pruning tools sharp claws. This will help keep the cost to a minimum.
You may also want to try a product like Soft Claws nail caps plastic. If You have never used nail caps before, many veterinarians and shop equipment pet most offer installation and training for a small fee. Your cat probably will not mind the Soft Claws, and they will prevent the shredding-the type of damage Your cat sometimes-sometimes lead to Your carpet.