Most cat owners will eventually catch their cat clawing at a section of carpet, but did you know that this is a normal and healthy activity for cats? We’ll show you how to stop your cat from scratching the carpet. A cat can be easily enticed away from the carpet in a variety of ways! This article will demonstrate how to change your cat’s behavior by providing them with less enticing options for scratching and more desirable ones.
1. Give your cat a scratching post to stop them from scratching the carpet.
Give cats a place to scratch so they can maintain their health. Accept the fact that your cat will always scratch to clean its claws out of instinct. If you provide them with an alternative, such as specific scratching posts in each area with carpets, they won’t damage the carpet. When you notice your cat using the scratcher appropriately, reward them with a treat to encourage good behavior. Because cats love to do a complete back stretch while using a scratching post, choose one that is robust and tall enough for them to do so. To divert their attention and make sure it is accessible, place the scratcher either near the cat’s bed or next to carpeting that they frequently scratch. Your cat could
2. Give your cat a variety of scratchers.
To find out which scratchers your cat prefers, experiment with various shapes and sizes. Horizontal scratchers are frequently a desirable substitute for scratching posts if a cat is uninterested in them. Some of them are made for cats to rest on after scratching and can also serve as beds. Try a hanging cat scratcher or a post with an odd shape that stands out more than a standard scratcher. Attempt various materials, too. Cardboard, carpet, sisal, upholstery, and other materials can all be used to make scratchers. When given an option, you can never predict what your cat will prefer.
3. Rub catnip on scratchers to stop your cat from scratching the carpet.
Scratchers with a catnip aroma draw cats, preventing rug-scratching. If placing a scratcher in a convenient spot isn’t enough to divert your cat’s attention, think about adding some catnip to the scratcher. This will entice your cat to use the scratcher rather than the carpet by making it more enticing. As an alternative, you might want to consider using Feliscratch, a product that imitates cat pheromones to entice cats to the scratching post. Cats may also approach the scratcher if you hang toys on it.
4. Trim your cat’s nails to stop them from scratching the carpet.
A trim is beneficial for cats since they scrape to keep their claws short. When you cut your cat’s nails, hold their paw gently and reward them with treats after each successful clip. Be careful not to cut the quick, the solid pink section of the claw that contains the nerves and blood; instead, stay on the white, somewhat transparent area of the nail.
When your cat is calm and asleep, it’s easier to trim their nails. Get them acclimated to the sound of the nail clippers beforehand. A vet or groomer can simply trim your cat’s nails for a nominal charge if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself. Declawing your cat, which includes removing the tip of your cat’s finger, is ultimately unpleasant and pointless. Avoid using this technique and keep in mind that there are other effective ways to stop a cat from scratching!
5. Cover up the carpet
Put furniture or barriers over the area where your cat prefers to scratch. If your cat ignores the scratching posts you’ve placed, just removing their access will stop them from doing so. Cats frequently choose a specific area of the rug to scratch, so block it off with a horizontal scratcher, a chair, or even a couch so your cat is forced to utilize it.
6. Use a citrus spray to stop your cat from scratching the carpet.
Citrus repels cats, so a spritz can get them to stay away from the rug. Fortunately, cats don’t appreciate a few pleasant scents that people do because they have strong nostrils that are quite sensitive to smells. Spray the carpet with a citrus spray or similar fragrant spray that your cat won’t like. You may also buy some sprays that are made expressly to discourage cats. Lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are some of the more unpleasant odors for cats. You won’t likely smell anything (and if you do, it will go away quickly), but your cat will continue to sniff it for days.
7. Use pheromones to distract your cat.
Problematic areas of the carpeting should be treated with a pheromone-impersonating substance. Additionally, pheromones can trick your cat into believing another cat has already claimed the rug, which will make them retreat. Plug-in diffusers that mimic hormones can also be used to generally calm your cat and reduce scratching. Fear not; humans’ less sensitive noses are unable to detect the pheromone spray.
8. Clean the carpet to keep your cat from scratching it.
Carpets with a cat’s fragrance on them should be frequently washed to prevent this. This also holds true for obvious scratches that cats can see and go back to when they want to itch. For this, you don’t need to exert too much effort; simply wash the spots with clean, cool water and soap. When you’re finished, if necessary, use a pet odor neutralizer to make sure it doesn’t still smell like your cat. Avoid using cleaning agents like ammonia and vinegar since they could encourage your cat to mark the area with their aroma.
9. Get nail clovers for your cat’s claws
You can safely and painlessly blunt your cat’s claws by using nail caps. Allow your cat to scratch away after gluing these soft vinyl caps to each claw. With nail covers, your cat won’t leave any traces behind and may still extend and retract their claws as usual. When the caps begin to lose their potency after 4 to 6 weeks, replace them.
A veterinarian or groomer can apply the nail caps for you if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself. Remember that nail caps aren’t the best option for cats who spend time outside because they remove the cat’s first line of defense. Although cat nail caps are completely harmless, not all cats respond the same way. While some may fuss about them during the initial applications, others may do it without any trouble. Give your cat a few days to get used to them, and try to be patient.
