Cat Scratchers: Why Doesn’t My Cat Like It?
A domestic kitten does not lose its instincts, nor the customs inherited from its wild ancestors. Therefore, among many other things, the animal needs to scratch, not just to sharpen and renew its own nails.
After all, in fact, this is also a technique for demarcating territory. Therefore, it is ideal that you have some cat scratchers in your house. The problem is what to do when your cat doesn’t want to use this type of object?
Cat Scratchers Are Indispensable
In the wild, cats sharpen their nails, usually on tree trunks. However, many cats are not lucky enough to have access to a garden or to roam freely outside.
Therefore, you need to put some cat scrapers within reach of your pet. Otherwise, your furniture or any decorative element in your home will suffer the consequences.
And, as you well know, cats can destroy objects that are of great value to you because of this instinctual feline need.
In this context, scrapers for cats are indispensable. But no matter how beautiful or expensive this object may be, or how careful you have been when making it, your cat may not like it. Thus, he can continue using doors, windows, rugs, sofas to sharpen his nails and demarcate territory.
Causes of rejection of cat scratchers
But what are the reasons your kitten doesn’t want to use the scratcher you bought or built? The reasons can be very varied.
That’s why it’s important that you get to know them to avoid wasting time, money, and decorating items. So, pay close attention:
Wrong size. If the scraper is too small, it may not interest your pet. So keep in mind that the scraper must allow the animal to hook its nails on one end and be able to stretch.
Instability. A “bamboo” scraper can frighten the cat as it tends to wobble when the animal tries to use it. So choose a scraper that has a suitable base. You can even choose a scraper that can be attached in some way to the floor or a wall.
Texture. There are scrapers of all kinds. You’ve certainly seen countless models in real or virtual pet stores. However, you need to choose a scraper made from a material that the animal will like.
In this context, the options are very varied: cardboard, carpet, rope. So try to find out which elements are most attractive to your cat. After all, this will save you from wasting time and money on failed attempts.
Other reasons why your cat may not use the scraper
Also, there are some other issues to take into account to prevent your kitten from rejecting the scratcher, they are:
Position. Make sure your kitten prefers to scratch horizontally or vertically before buying or making a scratcher for him. There are even cats that scratch in both directions.
Localization. Not all places are liked by cats. So, even if the scraper is perfect, he might not use it if it’s in the wrong place. Therefore, identify quiet places where the animal likes to sleep or relax. Also, you can try to position the scraper near a piece of furniture that the animal uses to scratch its nails.
Strong odors. If the object is imbued with a certain smell, the animal may reject it. Remember that the cat is very sensitive to certain scents (some plants, cosmetics, etc.).
Lack of education. Despite their intelligence, it doesn’t hurt to teach cats to use the scraper, if possible, from the time they were young. After all, if you encourage use with play, your cat will certainly avoid choosing your furniture to scratch his nails.
More tips about the cat scratcher
If your pet still rejects the scraper, try these tips:
- Sprinkle the scraper with a few drops of catnip, which is irresistible for any cat.
- Scratch the scraper yourself so that the animal is not afraid and learns that scratching is allowed there.
- Use the scraper when playing with your pet.
- Bring the scraper closer to your cat’s favorite toys.
Finally, there is no way you should force or force your pet to use the scraper. After all, this can generate a negative experience and you’ll get the opposite effect.
In other words, you’ll eliminate the possibility that your kitten will ever use the scraper.
