In cats, there are some unwanted behaviors that come from the animal’s own instinct. And although it is impossible to modify or cancel them completely, they can be redirected.
Within this universe, two basic behaviors of felines that usually worry their owners stand out: scratching furniture and biting.
Especially when they are very small, it is common to see them go against armchairs, clothes, shoes, curtains, rugs and a variety of other things that they find extremely interesting. Therefore, we focus on how to avoid unwanted behaviors in cats such as scratching furniture and biting.
The habit of scratching is in cats’ DNA, because in this way they mark their territory, keep their claws in shape, and even control their stress.
When scratching a table leg, for example, the glands located between the toes of their paws release chemicals, pheromones. These tell other cats where their territory begins and ends. And even if he lives in a house, he will have this habit.
The second benefit of scratching and scratching is that, for cats, this is like going to a manicure since they are actions that keep their nails well cared for: they remove old nail remains and reveal the new and sharper ones. Finally, by scratching a piece of furniture or sofa, they keep their body stretched and balanced, which frees them from stress.
So, the first preventive measure is to cut their nails once a week. But this will not be enough and more resources will have to be used.
One of the most popular tips is to lightly spray them with water every time they do something wrong, to tell them not to do it again. Also, stack several empty cans in the “no-go zone” so that when they climb over them, they fall, make a lot of noise and scare them away.
However, scratchers are the best solution for this problem. First you have to place them near the “prohibited areas” to bring them, little by little, to the “permitted areas” of scratching.
A resource that always works during his education is to use positive reinforcement: rewarding him when he does something well with a caress or his favorite treat.
While cats get used to using scratching posts instead of furniture, it is advisable to protect them with a fabric or material different from the original, for example, with an unused blanket or sheets.
There are several models of scratchers on the market. The ones made from corrugated cardboard, shaped like a ramp and scented with ‘catnip’ or cat grass (Nepeta cataria), a plant similar to mint that cats love, are quite inexpensive. Another option is wall scratchers, which have a metal frame covered by a piece of carpet.
More complete, and more expensive, models include columns and several high bases covered in plush and sisal rope, so that cats can scratch and climb to their hearts’ content. Scratching posts can also be made at home, with a doormat and a wooden frame or a piece of wood covered in sisal rope, among many other clever ideas.
Finally, if the animal insists on damaging the furniture, it will only have to be challenged if the owner catches it red-handed. Telling him “no” firmly and taking him to the scratching post is a good measure.
Another problem of living with a cat appears during the game, because, suddenly, they can bite their owner. To avoid this, you should not encourage him with the movement of your hands but with a toy, so that he focuses his attention on it and not on the hands.
The game must be stopped if he bites or scratches so that he understands that this behavior is negative. Also, during the game, do not excite him too much, so that he maintains control. If the person you are playing with notices that you are getting too excited, the best thing you can do is suggest a calmer activity.
