Cats can be curious pets. One minute you think they are sleeping peacefully, and the next, you hear the sound of carpet being scratched in the other room. While it’s easy to become frustrated by this "misbehavior," scratching is in their nature. It serves a variety of purposes like cleaning their nails, stretching their muscles, and relieving stress. You put in the effort of vacuuming and getting regular carpet cleaning, protect your carpet with these helpful tips to get your cat to stop scratching.

How to Save Your Carpet From Your Cat

1. Invest in Scratching Posts

Buying more than one scratching post will increase your chances of maintaining a pristine carpet. Scratching posts that are different sizes and shapes will keep your cat’s interest and allow them to stretch different muscles. Try a post that your cat can climb as well as a horizontal one where they can scratch and stretch at the same time. If you give your cat options, the floor won’t seem so appealing.

2. Find the Right Location

Put your new scratching posts around your cat’s favorite spots. Place scratching alternatives near their sleeping spot, where they eat, and where they scratch the carpet. They will be most effective if they are easy to find. 

3. Interrupt Scratching Sessions

If you catch them scratching the carpet, make a loud noise like clapping your hands or slapping a table. Then show them a surface that is scratch approved. If you are consistent with this technique, then they will begin to understand which surfaces they should or should not scratch. 

4. Placing Humane Deterrents Around the House

One effective scratching deterrent is apple cider vinegar. Mix vinegar with water in a spray bottle and spray areas that your cat likes to scratch. If you use other carpet cleaners, reapply this solution after cleaning until your cat stops scratching. Another deterrent is double-sided tape since cats don’t like things sticking to their paws. 

5. Trim Their Claws

Keep your cat’s claws trimmed. This could take away the appeal to scratch your carpet since overgrown nails can become uncomfortable for cats. If you are unsure of the proper etiquette on how to trim your cat’s nails, consult your vet.

If your cat has made a mess of your carpet, call the carpet cleaners at Carpet Cleaning By Cummins, located in Sequin, TX. They are a family business that prioritizes customer satisfaction. For the past 30 years, they’ve offered affordable cleaning solutions that leave your carpet, tile, or upholstery looking like new. For more information on their carpet cleaning, go online, or call (830) 379-3383.