Is your cat scratching wall corners? Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and it can be frustrating when they start damaging our stuff – but that’s part of being a cat owner, unfortunately. Sometimes, cats scratch walls for attention because they’re bored, or sometimes just because you have not provided an alternative. Try these tips to re-direct this behavior!
Provide enough entertainment and exercise
Cats need plenty of stimulation and exercise to stay healthy and happy. If your cat is scratching your walls, it could be a sign that they’re not getting enough entertainment or exercise. Make sure your cat has plenty of toys to play with, and set aside some time each day to play with them. You can also try providing your cat with a climbing tree or a scratching post to satisfy their natural scratching needs.
Create a designated scratching area
Cats have a natural urge to scratch, and it’s important to provide them with a designated area to do so. You can create a scratching area by purchasing a scratching post or a scratching board and placing it in an area where your cat spends most of their time. Encourage your cat to use the scratching area by rubbing some catnip on it or placing their favorite toys nearby.
You can also buy a “corner scratcher” on Amazon. This is a cat scratch pad that is corner shaped. You already know your cat likes scratching in a particular place, so using this makes it easy to compromise with your furry friend. Your walls are protected, and they can scratch as much as they like.
Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage your cat to engage in desired behaviors. If your cat scratches their designated area instead of your walls, be sure to praise them and offer them a treat. Over time, your cat will learn that scratching the designated area is a good thing and will continue to do so.
Avoid negative reinforcement, cats do not respond to it well, and it’s likely you will not receive your desired outcome.
Use deterrents
If your cat continues to scratch your walls despite your best efforts, you can try using deterrents to discourage the behavior. There are several products available on the market that can help deter your cat from scratching your walls. For example, you can use double-sided tape or aluminum foil to cover the area your cat is scratching. Cats don’t like the feeling of these textures on their paws and will be less likely to scratch in that area.
In conclusion, if your cat is scratching your walls for attention, there are several things you can do to redirect their behavior. Provide enough entertainment and exercise, create a designated scratching area, use positive reinforcement, and use deterrents if necessary. With a little patience and effort, you can train your cat to scratch in the appropriate areas and preserve the integrity of your walls.
