trees , rocky areas, etc. This explains the fact that pets, in particular cats, tend to scratch upholstered furniture and wallpaper.
If in the case of furniture, it can be protected from external factors, then in the case of wallpaper this is not always possible. That is why the question of how to wean a cat from tearing wallpaper is becoming the most popular among breeders. This is understandable, because wallpaper is much more difficult to replace than a bedspread.
Causes
One of the main reasons why cats begin to scratch furniture and wallpaper is a physiological feature inherent at the genetic level . Thus, they perform the procedure of “sharpening” the claws. After all, it is known that when performing such actions, the stratum corneum is removed.
ATTENTION! It has been proven that when a cat scratches furniture, wallpaper, etc., it produces a pheromone that serves to mark territory on an instinctive level.
The negativity that cats release by scratching also serves as strong evidence that the desired procedure is not only a gymnastic technique, but also a protective reaction of the body.
If all else fails
If water and a scratching post do not solve the problem, you will have to think about how to stop your cat from scratching furniture, using more serious methods. You can use special silicone attachments for animals. They are attached to the claws with an adhesive substance and last from 1 to 2 months. After the upper horny part of the cat's toe peels off, the pad falls off along with it.
An alternative to silicone devices is surgical declawing. This procedure is not recommended for use as it is similar to amputating a human finger and is not humane.
You can also protect items from the kitten using covers. They are similar to fabric covers that are attached to the surface, but cover the entire furniture or a separate part of it. If a cat is tearing at an element of the interior, it is recommended to use a spray with a strong repulsive odor. You can find it at a veterinary pharmacy or prepare it yourself. This substance has an unpleasant aroma for cats and can discourage the animal from any furniture. You can mix essential oils, spices, citrus juice with water, or hang bags of spices near the problem area. This method is not always suitable, since the listed substances emit an unpleasant aroma for humans and can also leave streaks and stains.
Adviсe
During the domestication of cats, there were no cases when they did not sharpen their claws on objects. In the past, the solution to the problem was to release the pet into the wild if it found its way back on its own.
However, not all cat breeds have retained this instinct over time. Moreover, if you adopted a kitten and are afraid that it will not find its way back, it is best to train the pet rather than solve the problem radically.
ATTENTION! The most common way that helps to wean any cat, regardless of age and breed, from tearing up the material goods of an apartment is to purchase special “soft” claws, each of which is put on the existing claws of the front paws.
It should be noted that the adhesive composition, which serves to securely attach artificial claws, is absolutely harmless to the life and health of animals. As for physiological constraint, practice shows that the caps do not limit the possibility of releasing the claws.
After 2 months, the claws grow back and the caps are removed . By this time, the animal will have stopped tearing wallpaper, furniture and other household items.
On the pet products market, so-called scratching posts have long been available. Their main feature is the material, as well as the intricate design, which arouses interest among the vast majority of pets. To stop the cat from tearing up wallpaper and furniture, plastic toys are usually hung on the scratching post and attached in such a way that they attract the pet’s gaze.
There are still many ways to decorate a scratching post. If your pet scratches wallpaper and walls, it is advisable to stop scratching by talking. For example, experts recommend encouraging living creatures and, on the contrary, punishing them. This method is effective not only in weaning kittens, but also adults.
If you have found a new play activity for your pet, try to attract his attention with treats from the pet food industry.
You can spray sprays that repel animals due to a specific composition. Sprays that help accustom pets to a litter tray, play area (catnip, valerian infusion), sleeping place, etc. have the opposite effect.
How to stop a cat from tearing wallpaper?
scratching post
The cat needs a designated corner where he can groom his claws. Buy a scratching post. It doesn't take up much space and looks beautiful. You can do it yourself. Determine the favorite place (the place where the cat tears the wallpaper the most) of the animal, attach a small piece of board.
The board can be covered with your favorite wallpaper. After the pet eats it, you can gradually move the device to a place convenient for the owners. For a homemade scratching post, use a piece of carpet and cotton twine.
The optimal size of the product should be such that the animal can fully stretch out in length. The shape of the scratching posts is different: vertical, horizontal. You can make a curved or inclined shape.
How to finish the surface
Due to the fact that wallpaper may lose its presentable appearance, sooner or later repairs will still need to be performed. And, if you haven’t managed to stop pets from sharpening their claws on walls and furniture, you should think about materials for decorating the interior of a house or apartment.
Professionals advise purchasing a special solution that repels cats, which can be used to treat not only wallpaper on the wall, but also any other materials. However, it should be taken into account that there are a number of surfaces that are completely uninteresting in the quality of the scratching procedure.
If you are an ardent fan of domestic animals and want to protect your renovation, think about purchasing finishing materials that react mediocrely to external influences. Such materials include: ceramic tiles, fiberglass wallpaper, decorative stone surfaces, PVC material, as well as plastic surfaces. The surfaces of upholstered furniture are usually protected with thick covers and sofa decks.
If you are just going to adopt a cat
It is recommended to adopt kittens at the age of 3-4 months.
In this case, you may be wondering – are there “well-bred” breeds? You buy a kitten with a pedigree and don’t worry about the wallpaper or the furniture.
Experienced cat owners assure that there is no such breed. However, they can give the following advice:
- take a kitten at the age of 3-4 months. By this time, the previous owners will have already taught him to use a scratching post, and the animal’s character will begin to develop;
- You can give preference to breeds that are focused on communicating with people , such as the British Shorthair or Devon Rex. It will be easier for you to achieve mutual understanding with your pet;
- A purebred cat is capable of outdoing its purebred counterparts in its neatness. But in this case, take an adult animal so as not to buy - both literally and figuratively - a pig in a poke.
The trick of zoological services
- Most cats cannot tolerate citrus scents. That is why zoologists recommend putting the peel of a fresh lemon or orange in the place where the animal spoils wallpaper, furniture, or carpeting.
- Essential oils can be a substitute for fresh citrus fruits. However, it must be remembered that the latter leave characteristic greasy stains. Therefore, oils are usually dipped into cotton and placed in a tied woven bag.
- Sticky substances are another clever way to help wean kittens off the habit. An ideal option would be ordinary double-sided tape with self-adhesive bases.
- The pet products industry produces special adhesive tapes called “sticky paws” that help cope with the problem described above. For the effect, you just need to fix the tape on the surface, be it on wallpaper, curtains, window sills and evaluate the “trap”.
- As a home accessory that will serve as a scratching post for cats, it is recommended to purchase a felt mat or any other. The main thing is that it has a pile base. It will serve as both a threshold for an interior door and fun for pets.
Don't let them jump on kitchen shelves and tables
The first thing you will notice about your Bengal cat is her love for food. They will smell those wonderful food smells from your kitchen shelves and dining table. I bet that as soon as your back is turned, they'll be thinking about jumping up on the kitchen counter or table to try whatever smells so good. No matter how much they want it, they do not see the danger in it. But it can be dangerous, and as a pet owner you need to keep them safe. All too often, cats have been burned by jumping on the burner or injured by the hot steam. So, as their protector, you must teach them that this is a bad place for them and is forbidden.
When they jump up on the kitchen counter or table, it is important that you pick them up, look them square in the face and firmly tell them “no”, and then put them back on the floor. Another thing you should do is to have a bottle of water handy and spray your cat directly when she jumps up and says “no” at the same time. Another good thing you can do is to place orange peels in the areas where your Bengal is most likely to try to jump up. Most cats hate the smell of any citrus fruit. Another way to train them to stay away from unsafe areas is to take masking tape, then fold it into loops and place it where the cat goes most often. Your cat hates having her paws come into contact with the sticky part of the tape and will soon equate that area of the counter with the sticky tape.
And one last piece of advice. Consider feeding your cat before you start cooking. Often, if they are already full, what you do in the kitchen may not interest them unless they are hungry.
It may take a little time to teach your Bengal not to jump up on your kitchen shelves and tables, so be patient. Over time they will learn that these areas are associated with unpleasant experiences and, being as intelligent as they are, they will avoid these areas. Just remember, each Bengal has its own unique personality and will respond differently to training. So be patient.
Cat breeds
Secretion glands, which are located under the fingertips, produce a special enzyme composition for marking territory. This is another reason why a pet sharpens its claws on the surface of home decoration.
Those who are involved in breeding animals know very well which cats are lazy by nature and which ones are nimble. Breeders also know that instinct cannot be suppressed simply by using all sorts of innovative clinical tricks . Based on this, it should be concluded that not a single breed of cat, including lop-eared and Cornish Rex, is deliberately accustomed to order in the house. In a word, they need to be taught order, starting from birth.
Remember that pets can be trained, so you can have absolutely any breed. And, having worked on education, you can not only teach not to tear furniture, wallpaper and curtains with claws, but also instill a huge number of other skills useful for life.
Do not try to make your pets feel afraid at the sight of any trap, create conditions that will force them to make other decisions that are favorable to you.
Why does the cat tear the wallpaper?
A cat can ruin good furniture in the house.
Let's first figure out why the mustachioed striped animals have such a habit?
First of all, this is the natural behavior of the animal, determined by nature itself. The cat is a predator; it hunts with its claws and teeth. This means his claws must be in perfect condition.
Territory defense
Also, by sharpening its claws, your pet marks its territory. This is especially true if there are other animals in the apartment. The sight is so familiar to the eye that you simply don’t notice to yourself: the cat sharpens its claws only on its front paws. This is not only due to the fact that it grabs the victim with its front paws. Here in cats there are glands that secrete a specific odor.
Putting your claws into any surface is a great way to show others who is boss.
I am the boss of the house!
Finally, a cat - well-fed and well-rested - may simply be bored and want to throw out pent-up energy and stretch its muscles.
It should be noted that wallpaper is far from the most favorite option among cats for sharpening their claws. Upholstered furniture suffers the most - sofas and armchairs. Curtains, bedspreads, and soft floor coverings are also at risk.
British cat looks at the wallpaper she has torn off
But it is the wallpaper torn to shreds that causes the greatest complaints from the owners. After all, in order to give the home its former appearance, you will have to make repairs. And this is difficult, troublesome and expensive.
