Train Your Cat to Stop Scratching You: 5 Tips for Keeping Yourself Safe
Cats are beloved pets, but they can be a source of danger. Scratches may occur when cats play or feel threatened. This article will provide five tips on how to train cats not to scratch you by providing positive reinforcement, discouraging bad behaviours, and giving them appropriate outlets for scratching. Read on for advice on protecting yourself while training cats not to scratch you!
Introduction
Cats are adorable, cuddly, and loving but can also be mischievous. One of the most common mischief cats get up to is scratching their owners. Whether it’s a sign of affection or pure annoyance, cats can easily cause painful wounds if they scratch their owners. Fortunately, there are several tips that you can use to make sure your cat never harms you this way again.
Tip #1: Trim Your Cat’s Claws Regularly
One of the easiest ways to prevent scratches is by regularly trimming your cat’s claws. Clipping your cat’s claws every two to three weeks should be enough to keep them short enough not to break the skin when they swipe at you. Be sure only to clip the tip of each claw and avoid using scissors, as this may cause more harm than good.
Tip #2: Provide Scratching Posts
Another important tip for training your cat not to scratch you is providing them with an ample amount of scratching posts around the house. These posts should be tall enough for your cat to stretch out their back legs and sturdy enough so that they won’t topple over when your cat uses them. If possible, put these posts in areas where your cat loves spending time so they will use them often. Additionally, you can sprinkle a bit of catnip on these posts to encourage further use.
Tip #3: Distract Your Cat When They Start To Scratch You
If your cat starts scratching you before you take any other preventative measures, try distracting them with toys or treats instead of punishing them for their behaviour. This will teach them that scratching people isn’t a behaviour that is rewarded or encouraged and will hopefully stop them from doing it in the future.
Tip #4: Use Compression Wraps
Compression wraps are fabric worn around the chest area by cats that apply gentle pressure when they become agitated or start scratching someone aggressively. This type of wrap helps reduce feral behaviours in cats as it provides comfort and reassurance without negatively affecting your pet’s well-being or temperament, as other methods might have.
Tip #5: Talk To A Professional Animal Behaviorist
No matter what steps you take at home, sometimes it’s best to reach out and talk with a professional animal behaviourist if none of these tips works for you and your furry friend. A professional animal behaviourist can provide additional advice based on their experience working with animals and help create an individualised plan tailored specifically for your pet’s needs so they do not scratch anyone anymore.
Benefits Of Training Your Cat Not To Scratch
There are many benefits associated with teaching your feline friend not to scratch humans anymore, including:
- Preventing infection caused by open wounds due to aggressive scratching;
- Avoiding potential lawsuits resulting from scratches caused by cats;
- Eliminating scratches which could lead to scarring;
- Ensuring safety between both children and adults living in households with cats;
- Reducing stress levels between both pets and pet owners;
- Creating a stronger bond between pet parents and their furry companions since punishment is no longer necessary;
- Keeping furniture intact since cats won’t think twice about sharpening their claws on it;
- Making sure everyone in the family feels safe and comfortable being around the family pet!
Conclusion
Training cats not to scratch humans anymore isn’t something that happens overnight but rather takes patience, understanding, knowledge, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement along the way! Thankfully, by following all these tips, anyone can successfully train their feline friend so that both parties remain safe and happy!
If you’re looking for a way to protect yourself and your furry family member from any potential financial damages associated with scratches or other injuries, consider investing in pet insurance from Furrr.co.uk today! Not only will you be able to rest easy knowing that the cost of any medical treatment your cat may need is taken care of, but you are also covered in case of any accidental damage caused by your pet. Trust us. It’s always better to be safe than sorry about our beloved four-legged friends! So what are you waiting for? Get insured with Furrr.co.uk now and have peace of mind about owning cats!
