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

How to Get Your Cat to Stop Scratching Your Shoes

Cats have a natural instinct to scratch, but it can be inconvenient when cats scratch your belongings, especially your shoes. Fortunately, there are a few simple solutions you can try to help you get your cat to stop scratching your shoes.

1. Provide alternatives.

By providing cats with a designated scratching area, you can encourage them to scratch in that area instead of your shoes. Cat trees, scratch posts, and cardboard scratchers with catnip all make enticing scratching options.

2. Keep your shoes out of reach.

If you put your shoes away out of your cat’s reach, they won’t be as tempted to scratch them. This may mean keeping them stored in closed containers, cupboards or closets, or in designated shoe racks that are far out of reach.

3. Keep claws trimmed.

Trimming their nails can help make them less likely to scratch, but you should also make regular nail trimmings part of your cat’s normal grooming routine.

4. Use deterrents.

If your cat has a certain pair of shoes that they keep scratching, you may want to try putting a scent that your cat dislikes on those particular shoes. If used consistently, this could eventually convince them to stay away from the shoes.

5. Make it unappealing.

Bitter sprays, double-sided tape, and other substances that are unpleasant to cats can often be used to train cats to stay away from certain objects.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can help discourage your cat from scratching your shoes. Remember that cats have an instinctual need to scratch, so your cats may not be happy when their scratching behavior is restricted, so be sure to offer plenty of alternatives and reward your cats when they scratch in the proper place.