How to wean a cat to tear wallpaper and furniture

We are pleased to see our pets playful, cheerful and purring, but the habit of cats to sharpen their claws on any object that seemed appropriate to them causes a lot of sorrowful sighs. What is the reason for this behavior and how to wean a cat to tear furniture – in this article.

Why does a cat tear up furniture and wallpaper

Sharpening the claws of cats is not just pampering, but their natural behavior. There are several needs that they satisfy by this action: keeping their “weapons” sharp and warming up their front legs.

In nature, cats sharpen their claws on trees in order to leave a kind of mark on the surface of interest. Scent glands, located between the pads of the paws, contain the smell of a cat. By scratching the surface, the animal sends information to competitors that the territory is occupied.

Living at home, the cat still does not forget its instincts. That is why it is so important to provide pets with free access to the scratching post. 

But it happens that the animal does not pay attention to the scratching post at all and prefers the upholstery of sofas. How to wean a cat to tear furniture in this case – further.

How to stop your pet from scratching furniture

The most important thing is to be patient and understanding with the behavior of the cat. Her psychology is different from human, so there is no point in scolding her pet. If punishment doesn’t work on cats, then how do you stop a cat from tearing up furniture? A few tips on how to save furniture, wallpaper, clothes, curtains, curtains and other interior items in your home:

1. Improve the scratching post

You can treat the accessory with catnip and gradually teach your pet to use it. It is important to reward your meowing friend with a treat every time he sharpens his claws in the right place. 

2. Process furniture

You can use citrus fruits or bags of spices as repellents – cats do not like strong smells and try to avoid them.

3. Take care of your pet’s claws

To wean a cat from tearing wallpaper, it is important to regularly carry out grooming procedures for it. It is best to use a special nail cutter for this or take your pet to a specialist. Of course, most cats do not enjoy trimming their nails, but if you teach them from an early age, you can avoid unpleasant moments. You can cut only the transparent, curved tip, retreating at least 2 mm from the pulp – the sensitive part of the claw.

4. Play with your cat more often

Games and active pastime are an alternative outlet for cat energy. Frequent active games with the cat and new toys will help her switch her attention to new types of hunting.

It is important to be an affectionate and attentive owner, despite the fact that you have to show diligence. A cat never spoils furniture out of harm, so you need to direct its energy in the right direction.