Content
- Choose the ideal scraper
- make a homemade scratcher
- How to teach how to use the scraper
- What if he doesn't want to use the scraper?
If you have a cat and a sofa, you will likely need one. scratcher to prevent the latter from ending up in rags. You don't need an especially big or expensive one, with economical and homemade options you can make a great and original scratcher.
In this PeritoAnimal article we will give you some tips for teach your cat to use the scraper, whether adult or still a puppy, everyone can learn but of course at a different pace.
Stop suffering with tattered furniture and fabrics and teach him once and for all how to use the scraper, with patience and constancy everything is achieved. Let's do it!
Choose the ideal scraper
First, you should know that there are many types of scratchers for sale and finding the ideal one for your cat is not always simple, but with a few tricks you can find out which is the most suitable for him.
make a homemade scratcher
To start educating your cat on the use of the scraper, you will first need to buy one or make one at home. There are many types and varieties of scrapers, but remember that it doesn't matter how valuable it is, it's just that your cat feels happy with it.
How to teach how to use the scraper
Scratching is an ancient and innate habit that cats carry out. not just for sharpen your nails, with which they hunt their prey, as well as leaving furniture with their body scent. It's one more way to mark their territory.
It's important to teach your cat how to use the scraper if you want to keep your furniture from ending up shattered, frayed, and broken. THE vast majority of cats learn on their own to use the scraper, but in some cases we need to guide the cat to do so. Here are some useful tips:
- where to place the scraper: If your cat seems to have a special taste for scratching a piece of furniture or a concrete sofa, this will be the ideal place to put it.
- Encourage the cat to use it: Placing a ball, a feather duster or a mouse hanging from the scratcher is a good way to encourage your feline to approach and use the new object, as it will pique their curiosity.
At the outset, your cat should start using the scraper in a natural way, as sharpening their nails is pleasant and very beneficial for them.
What if he doesn't want to use the scraper?
Some cats don't seem to want to use the scraper you've so lovingly brought them. Don't despair, your cat needs more time to understand how it works, it is usual. If your cat doesn't seem to be interested at all, you can use some tricks like the following:
- Imbue the scratcher with your scent: Rub your blanket against the scratcher so that your cat feels it's yours and has the natural instinct to rub against it.
- The Cat Weed Trick: If your cat seems to like catnip, don't hesitate to leave it near the scraper and even rub the grass against it.
- join the fun: In the previous step we advise you to play with the scratcher and the cat at the same time. In this way, not only will you be having a good time with him, you will also be encouraging him to use the scratcher and relate it in a positive way.
- Use positive reinforcement: Every time you see your cat approaching or sharpening her nails on the scraper, you should congratulate him. A piece of ham, a few caresses or kind words will be more than enough for your cat to understand that he likes it.
- Don't let it scratch the furniture: If your cat is still a puppy, when you see it scratched, another piece of furniture should pick it up and take it directly to the scratcher.
- use another scraper: Sometimes the design of the scratcher itself is not to the cat's taste. In these cases, one idea is to make a scraper that can be attached to the sofa to simulate the same shape and prevent it from ruining your furniture.
Follow this advice more or less regularly and always with a lot of patience and affection, something all animals need. Being brusque, using physical force or not devoting enough time to educating your cat is a serious mistake, bear this in mind.
