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

January 8, 2023

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How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Your Sandals

Many of us have been there – you come home to find your lovely sandals covered in scratches, courtesy of your feline friend. While it’s easy to get mad and assume your cat is just purposely trying to destroy your possessions, scratching is actually a natural and important behavior for cats. So, how do you get them to stop scratching your sandals – and other belongings – while still allowing your cat to scratch warningly? Here are a few tips:

1. Give your cat alternatives

Your cat needs somewhere appropriate to scratch, so providing alternatives is key. A cardboard scratch post is a great starter – cats love the feel of cardboard and it’s very cheap to replace when needed. If your cat needs something with a bit more grab, you can provide sisal rope posts or even leather posts. Make sure the posts you get are tall enough for your cat to stretch up so that they can really get the full effect of scratching.

2. Deterrents

You can also try using deterrents in the area your cat is scratching on. Use caution with this approach, as cats have sensitive noses. Some options you can use include:

Citrus: Spray citrus-scented cleaners on sandals; cats don’t like the smell.

Aluminum Foil: Cover the sandals with aluminum foil. Cats are irritated by the sound of foil.

Plastic: Put a piece of plastic over sandals. Cats dislike the feeling of it on their paws.

3. Positive reinforcement

Whenever you catch your cat scratching their appropriate posts, reward them with a treat or some extra affection. This will help them learn that scratching the post gets them a reward, and scratching your sandals does not.

4. Keep your sandals out of reach

If all else fails, keep your sandals out of reach of your cat. If possible, put them in a closed closet where your cat can’t access them.

By taking these steps, you can help your cat understand where scratching is and is not appropriate. With a bit of patience, you can stop your cat from scratching your sandals for good.