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

How do I Get My Cat to Stop Scratching My Face?

Cats are lovable companions that can develop close bonds with their humans. One of the downsides to owning a cat, however, is their tendency to scratch people’s faces while grooming (or playing!) their owners. Whether your current cat scratches your face on a regular basis or you are considering adopting a feline, read on to learn how to curb this behavior.

Train Your Cat to Scratch Appropriately

The key to getting your cat to stop scratching your face is to train them to only scratch where appropriate. To do this, make sure you have the right kind of scratching post for your cat. Look for a post that is the right size for your cat, that is tall enough for them to stretch when scratching, and that is stable and won’t tip over.

When your cat approaches you, get their attention with a toy or a treat, then move them over to the scratching post so they can practice the appropriate behavior. Reward your cat with love and praise anytime they use their scratching post instead of your face.

Discourage Unwanted Behavior

When your cat approaches your face to claw you, it’s important to respond appropriately. Never hit or yell at your cat; instead, use a firm but calm voice when saying “no,” then immediately redirect their behavior to the scratching post.

You can also discourage unwanted behavior by:

• Using a spray bottle: If your cat steps on the counter, for example, spray them with a water bottle to break the habit and retrain their behavior.
• Using deterrents: If your cat jumps on the furniture, for example, you can place double-sided tape or aluminum foil on it to deter them.
• Providing plenty of toys: Provide your cat with plenty of toys that they can use to play and keep themselves entertained.

Create a Cozy Environment

Aside from training, making sure your cat’s environment is cozy and comfortable is key. Keeping your cat safe and happy means giving them a safe place to sleep and play, as well as providing plenty of toys and scratching posts.

Conclusion

Although it might take some patience, you can train your cat to stop scratching your face. Get the right scratching post, discourage unwanted behavior, and make sure to offer lots of love and praise to your cat when they use their post appropriately. By doing these things, you can help create a loving and comfortable environment for your cat and avoid getting scratched in the process.