How do I get my cat to stop scratching my screens?
How To Stop Your Cat From Scratching Your Screens
Do you have a cat who seems determined to ruin your window screens? If so, you might be wondering how to get your cat to stop scratching them. Thankfully, there are some helpful strategies you can use to control your cat’s bad screen-scratching behavior.
1. Provide Cat Scratching Alternatives
One of the best methods for controlling your cat’s scratching is to give them plenty of better, more desirable alternative scratching options. Specifically, you should purchase a few cat scratching posts, pads or scratching boards. Cats love to scratch, so give them plenty of safer alternatives to encourage them to scratch the appropriate surfaces instead.
2. Make Your Screen Unappealing
Using commonly available methods, you can make your screens less appealing to your cat. Specifically, you can try forming a physical barrier between your cat and the screen by using a plastic film or another type of protective material. You can also use double-sided tape or motion-activated repellents that give your cat a scary or unpleasant sensation when they try to scratch the screen.
3. Give Positive Reinforcement
Sometimes, all you need to do to get your cat to stop scratching your screens is to reward them for not doing it. Whenever you catch your pet scratching their desired area, give them positive attention and some treats as a reward for scratching the desired surface. Over time, your cat will learn to associate good things with scratching the appropriate surfaces, and avoid scratching your screens.
4. Visit a Veterinarian
If you’ve tried the methods above and they’re not having any effect, you may have to consult with a veterinarian. An experienced vet can help you assess the situation and suggest medical or behavioral treatments to help get your cat to stop scratching your screens.
Taking the time to research and implement the above strategies can help you get your cat to stop scratching your screens and help your pet remain healthy. Hopefully, these tips can help you keep your screens safe from your cat’s claws.
