How do I get my cat to stop scratching my windowsills?
How do I get my Cat to Stop Scratching my Windowsills?
Cats are natural born scratchers, it’s part of their instinctive behaviour. The main reason cats scratch is because it feels good. It also serves as a way of marking their territory. Cats also stretch when they scratch, giving them a good full body stretch.
It’s important to provide cats with the appropriate materials to thwart off unwanted scratch marks on furniture and windowsills. Providing cats with an appropriate scratching post may seem like a chore, but it’s essential for a happy cohabiting household. The following steps will help to ensure that your windowsills stay scratch free:
1. Establish a location
Place a scratching post near the windowsill which your cat tends to scratch the most. This will help your cat distinguish between materials suitable for scratching and materials that are not. Make sure the chosen location is one that your cat likes to frequent.
2. Choose the right Materials
Make sure you pick a scratching post made of the right materials such as natural wood and sisal rope. Cats like to scratch at these materials and they feel good when they do. Avoid using carpeted posts because cats can get their claws caught in the fabric.
3. Make it Appealing
Sprinkle some catnip on the scratching post to make it extra appealing to your cat. It’s also a good idea to encourage your cat to use the post by giving them a treat when they scratch it.
4. Provide Alternative Materials
You can also provide cats with alternative materials to scratch that don’t damage furniture or windowsills such as cardboard boxes and soft rugs. If you see your cat scratching your windowsills, you can distract them with these alternative materials and reward them for using them.
5. Discourage Bad Behaviour
If your cat continues to scratch the windowsills, you can discourage them by making an unpleasant noise such as clapping your hands or shaking an empty can filled with coins. You should also try to redirect their attention to their scratching post.
6. Trim their Nails
Trimming your cat’s nails regularly can help to reduce the damage done to furniture and windowsills. This should be done every few weeks or months, depending on how quickly your cat’s nails grow.
By following these steps, you can effectively train your cat not to scratch your windowsills and keep your furniture safe. It’s important to be consistent in your approach and have patience as it will take time for your cat to understand. With the right materials, location, and encouragement, you should be able to get your cat to stop scratching the windowsills.
