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Replacing frayed furniture is a common annoyance for many cat owners. Felines scratch at sofas, carpets, and additional surfaces to file and sharpen their nails or leave behind a scent to let other animals know they’ve marked the territory. Luckily, there are a few pet care products and steps, explained here, that will put an end to this behavior, so you won’t have to worry about letting your cat roam free through the house.  

How to Stop Cats From Clawing at Furniture

1. Buy Plastic Caps 

When picking up food and other pet care products for your feline, look for plastic caps for cat claws. The hollow molds slip over each nail and are held in place with adhesive. The caps are the same shape as the claws, so they won’t affect your pet’s ability to move around or groom themselves. They can still go through the motion of scratching without tearing upholstered furniture to shreds. The caps typically last four to six weeks before they need to be replaced.  

2. Clip Claws Frequently

Lincoln-Nebraska-pet-careClipping your cat’s nails won’t only curb the damage their scratching can cause, but it will also keep your pet safer. When their nails are kept short, there’s less risk of them getting caught on furniture and breaking. When grooming your pet, apply gentle pressure to the paw pad to make the nail come out. Only clip the white portion of the nail, as the pink area contains sensitive nerves and blood vessels. If you are worried about hurting your animal, have a veterinarian clip their claws instead. 

3. Make Certain Objects Less Desirable

To deter destructive behavior, cover furniture in plastic or vinyl covers, as cats generally prefer scratching fabric. You can also place sandpaper or sticky tape on surfaces to save fibers from damage. Scratching posts should be positioned near furniture, too. This way, your cat can paw at the rough material whenever they have the urge to scratch.

 

For additional advice to put an end to furniture scratching, contact the veterinarians at All Feline Hospital in Lincoln, NE. From providing cat vaccinations to performing dental cleanings and surgeries, the pet care specialists are committed to keeping their four-legged patients throughout Lancaster County happy and healthy. To schedule a checkup for your feline, call (402) 467-2711. Visit the animal hospital online for a look at all available pet care services. Become a Facebook follower to see pictures of the cuddly patients. 

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