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

Stop Cat Scratching with Careful Steps

If you are a proud cat owner, then you know that cats come with certain quirks – like scratching. And, when it comes to your favorite loafers, that behavior can become concerning. You want to protect your favorite shoes from getting scratched, but you also don’t want to make your beloved pet feel unwanted. Luckily, there are ways to get your cat to stop scratching without shunning it away. Here are a few steps you can take to put a halt to the shoe-ruining behavior:

Provide Alternatives

First, it is important to understand the reasons behind scratching in cats. Cats scratch to ‘sharpen’ their claws and to mark their territory by leaving visual and invisible scent markers. So, if your furry friend is scratching your shoes, it is simply seeking out a rough surface to scratch.

One way to get your cat to stop scratching is to provide our cat with a better ‘scratching post’. Choose a post that is sturdy, that can be securely attached to the ground, and place your cat’s favorite scratching treats near this post. You can also hang catnip toys or feathers nearby, too. This gives your pet a suitable option for scratching, without risking your shoes.

Intervene Immediately

To ensure that your cat associates the scratching post with positive feelings, it is important to intervene when your cat is scratching your shoes. Whenever you see your pet starting to scratch the wrong surface, firmly say “No” and bring it to the post. If necessary, you can gently guide its paw to the post and reward it with a treat.

Be sure to praise your pet and give it loving cuddles when it complies. Cats are smart, so they will soon understand that the scratching post means a positive experience.

Discourage Bad Habits

Following these principles will help, but you will also need to consider the other factors that may encourage your cat to scratch your shoes. For example, your cat may be drawn to them because of the fabric or the smell of your cologne. To discourage this, you can:

• Cover Shoes: Cover any shoes that you don’t want your cat to scratch with a sheet or blanket.
• Clean Shoes: Regularly wash the shoes with a pet-safe shampoo.
• Remove Colognes: Wipe away any colognes or perfumes and use an odor neutralizer.

By understanding the causes and providing alternative scratching solutions for your cat, you can keep your pet happy and your favorite shoes safe.