Most cats have the habit of scratching. If the owner does not prepare a scratching board for the cat, it is likely to scratch delicate furniture and leave scratches. But in fact, cats like to scratch, not only to sharpen their claws, but also to leave their own marks.

It is instinct for cats to sharpen their claws

Wild cats will sharpen their claws Habit, which is one of the basic behaviors of survival. They will leave paw prints with their claws near where they sleep or rest to let other cats know that this is its territory. In addition, sharpening the claws can also wear off the old nails that have been worn out, so that the new sharp nails are exposed as a self-defense weapon. Since there are glands on the cat's meat ball, it will secrete pheromones, so it will leave a smell while grinding the claws to prove that it is nearby and enhance the cat's self-confidence; it also allows the cat to feel comfortable after entering this range. and safety.

The cats raised by humans don't need the function of claws, but the nature is difficult to change, and cats still have the desire to sharpen their claws. Even if the owner lets the cat use the scratching board, some cats still choose to sharpen their claws on furniture, especially leather sofas or rattan furniture.

Cats with a strong sense of territory or self-confidence are more likely to use their claws to declare territory. It is difficult for the owner to persuade him not to sharpen his claws, because the cat will have a unique pleasure when piercing the claws into the furniture. In addition, the academy also advises the owner not to intimidate it, because it is not only ineffective, but may cause more problems; the correct way is to induce the cat to grind its claws wherever!

Make cats fall in love with scratching boards

Once a cat has scratched a piece of furniture, it will look for that spot and always scratch it. If the owner wants to induce the cat to use the cat scratching board, he can buy a corrugated cat scratching board, but it is best to put it on the ground, so that the cat can scratch better, especially the kitten. A place to rest; or the owner can also fix it to the wall. The academy here reminds you that it is not recommended for owners to use an upright cat scratching board, as the effect is not as good as it is fixed on the wall.

For furniture that has been scratched, you can put some obstacles next to the furniture to prevent the cat from touching the furniture, or you can directly block the cat scratching board in front of the furniture, or the smell that the cat does not like. Spray on furniture, such as fragrances, so that it doesn't like to be near that furniture; also wrap it in plastic or tape it back on the furniture, because cats don't like the smell of plastic and don't like stickiness s things.

In addition, owners can refer to the following suggestions:

1. Place the scratching board near the place where the cat sleeps and rests.

2. Prepare two or more scratching boards as much as possible, because one should be placed in the sleeping area.

3. Try to fix the scratching board on the wall, so the effect will be better.

4. The size of the scratching board is preferably about fifteen to twenty centimeters wide and thirty to forty centimeters long.

5. Please choose to place the scratching board on the ground, or fix it vertically on the wall.

6. The vertical cat scratching board should preferably be about 30 cm above the ground. The owner can adjust the height according to the size and size of the cat, mainly so that the cat can easily stand and catch the cat scratching board. plate.

7. The material of the scratching board is recommended to choose soft wood, such as pine, cedar, mahogany, and it is best to wrap hemp rope on the outside.

8. It is recommended to wait until the cat is accustomed to using the scratching board, and then move the scratching board to the place where the owner wants it.

9. It is recommended to wait until the cat is used to using the scratching board before removing the plastic or tape from the furniture.

10. The material of the cat scratching board is best to choose what the cat likes.

11. For cats who like catnip, you can put catnip on the scratching board to attract cats to the scratching board.

12. You can stick fluff on the edge of the scratching board to lure the cat to scratch the scratching board.

13. You can hang a cat-like toy on the top of the scratching board, which can better attract cats and make cats fall in love with the scratching board.

14. If the cat is really reluctant to use the scratching board, you can use wood instead of the scratching board to try, otherwise you can only trim the cat's nails.

15. Try not to buy a scratching board that will not be scratched, cats will not like it, and if the scratching board is scratched, don't rush to replace it, because cats like this kind of mark .

Don't force the cat

Some owners will take the cat's forefoot to actively grind the scratching board, but it is best not to do so, because it will make Cats develop disgust that lasts a lifetime, even refusing to use scratching boards. Some owners will demonstrate how to do it in person, but this way the cat can't understand, and will only feel that Zhang Er can't figure it out. Cats are animals with strong self-thinking. Forcing them to behave will only make them disgusted. Please, owners, it is best not to do those thankless things.

There are many ways to prevent cats from scratching furniture. As long as the owner guides them patiently, they can change the position and habit of cats to grind their claws, thereby changing their behavior.