How do I get my cat to stop scratching my blankets?

How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Your Blankets

If you have a cat, you’ve likely experienced the all-too-common problem of your feline friend’s claws getting a bit too enthusiastic about your blankets. While it may be a nuisance, scratching is a perfectly normal behavior for cats, and thankfully there are ways to keep them from shredding your bedding. Here are a few tips to help keep your cat’s scratching on track:

Give Them a Better Option

Cats scratch to sharpen and remove the dead outer layer of their claws, to leave scent markings, and to stretch their bodies and flex their feet and claws. Providing acceptable scratching areas, like a scratching post, can help satisfy your kitty’s scratching needs. You’ll want to place it in a spot that sees a lot of foot traffic, like near your couch or another area that is often occupied.

Protect Your Blankets

In the meantime, it might be necessary to protect your blankets from being shredded by your cat. Placing a throw-blanket over the comforter or blankets on your bed will help keep your cats from feeling tempted by your bedding. Additionally, you can try trimming their nails regularly. This will help blunt their claws, making it more difficult to do any damage.

Deterrents

If your cat is persistent with their scratching, you may need to use a deterrent. Discouraging sprays are available at your local pet store, or you can create a version at home using water and vinegar or citrus juice. If you use a homemade version, spray it onto the affected area generously and regularly, to remind your cat that this isn’t a suitable scratching area.

Be Mindful of Your Cat’s Feelings

Throughout this process, remember to be mindful of your cat’s feelings. While it’s natural to want to discipline a naughty cat, yelling or squirting them with water will likely only make the problem worse — make sure to reinforce positive behaviors with treats or praise!

By following these steps, you’ll soon have your cat purring beside you, and not shredding your blankets.

• Give Them a Better Option – Provide a scratching post so they can meet their needs elsewhere
• Protect Your Blankets – Place a cover over them, or trim their nails
• Use Deterrents – If your cat is persistent, use a store-bought or homemade deterrent
• Be Mindful – Don’t yell or squirt them with water; instead, praise and reward positive behaviors