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How Do I stop My Cat From Scratching Furniture?
Article written and provided by the staff at http://www.AllAboutMeow.com
How do I stop my cat from scratching furniture? is a popular question. The task can be difficult if your cat is older but it certainly is not impossible.
First of all, if you have a young cat start right away by giving your cat a ‘scratch-friendly’ piece of furniture. An example would be their own scratching post or even an old piece of furniture that you don’t care about. Praise your cat for using the scratching post and scold them in a deep, non-approving voice if they ‘accidentally’ start to scratch your good furniture. Never hit your cat and never reprimand your cat after the deed is done. Only scold him/her if you catch them in the act. Your cat does not understand delayed scolding!
The reason we advise never to hit your cat is because your cat will learn to fear you. You do not want your cat to fear you nor do you want to cause bodily harm to your cat. Also, if you cat were to get our of your house he/she may be scared to return to you for fear they will be hit.
IT IS NEVER PERMISSIBLE TO HIT YOUR CAT!
Now, if you cat is already an adult who enjoys tearing up the sofa, don’t lose all hope. First of all, you can use double sided sticky tape on the corners of your ’cat popular’ furniture. Cats don’t like sticky things and they will stop immediately. Also, provide them with their own scratching post and reward your cat when he/she uses it. Be consistent with your training, scolding and rewarding.
Cats are smart. Whether they are kittens or adults, cats have the capacity to learn what is permissible and what is not. They might test your patience but be consistent and they will understand.
Article written and provided by the staff at http://www.AllAboutMeow.com
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