How to wean a kitten to tear wallpaper and furniture?
We often scold our pets for gaps in behavior, but in practice, the unwanted habits of the ward are almost always the consequences of improper upbringing. Remember the phrase: “There are no bad students – there are bad teachers”? So, it works! By ignoring the kitten’s unwanted behavior, the owner only reinforces the kitten’s habits. And if at an early age you let the kitten sharpen its claws on the back of the sofa, do not be surprised if he will tear this sofa apart at an older age. The behavior of the pet must be corrected in a timely manner and, most importantly, systematically. In our article, we will give some useful tips that will help wean a kitten from scratching furniture, wallpaper and other household items.
1. Stock up on a scratching post! Cats will always sharpen their claws: this is their natural need. Therefore, before punishing a pet for damaging furniture or wallpaper, stock up on a worthy alternative. In this case, a scratching post.
2. Experiment. In modern pet stores, various scratching posts are presented: scratching posts, corner, floor and other scratching posts – and all this is of different sizes. Why such diversity? The fact is that every pet is an individual. And if the neighbor’s cat cannot be torn off from the scratching post, then yours may prefer the floor scratching post. You can find the “same” model only by trial and error. It is best to purchase several different scratching posts and evenly distribute them throughout the apartment – believe me, it will not be superfluous!
3. Give the kitten some toys! Yes, sharpening claws is a natural feline need. However, a bored cat may take up the “design” of wallpaper and upholstery in an attempt to diversify leisure activities. To prevent this from happening, the cat should always have toys “under its paw” that it can play on its own, in the absence of the owner (for example, the Petstages track for cats, electronic toys, etc.).
4. Stop the kitten’s attempts to sharpen its claws on a prohibited place. If possible, such places are recommended to be isolated from it. Our goal is to make the pet “forget” that he sharpened his claws on furniture or wallpaper. Since the “memory” of cats is based on smells, we first of all work with them. Did you know that cat paw pads contain a special secret? When a pet scratches any objects, this secret remains on them, and the cat feels it. That is, passing by the corner scratched the day before and catching a familiar smell, the cat will again take up its habit. Reliable assistants in eliminating such marks are special behavior correctors. In our case, anti-scratch sprays (for example, Natures Miracle). They neutralize the secretion of paw pads and, due to their aroma (which people like, but pets do not like – for example, lemon and cinnamon), make the treated areas unpleasant for cats.
5. Systematicity is the foundation of the foundations. If you decide to wean a kitten from scratching household items, be consistent in your goal. Many owners, depending on their mood, today allow the cat to tear up the sofa, and tomorrow they punish her for it. Of course, this approach will not bring the expected result: the pet simply will not understand what is required of him. When you see that the kitten is about to “play out”, give him the “no” command and clap your hands to get his attention. As “heavy artillery” use a spray gun. Spray water on the prankster after catching him at the scene of the crime: cats hate water. But the use of physical force in education is not recommended. It’s both useless and cruel. In addition, the pet will sooner or later cease to respect the person who hurts him.
Take care of your wards and do not forget to encourage them for their success! Your care, attentiveness and love are the best upbringing tools that work real miracles. And they should always come first.
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