Cat scratches couch then scratches me
Cat scratches couch then scratches me
So here's what happened: my 1.5-year old cat was being super cuddly, and begging for pets. I move from the floor to the couch and encourage him to get on the couch to continue the pets. He gets up and things are fine, then he stretches on the couch , scratching at it - he does this often, and I have been trying to train him not to. I have been encouraging him to scratch the scratchers I bought him with positive reinforcement (I bring him to the scratcher and when he uses it I give him a treat), and he uses them, but also scratches the couch, seemingly just to stretch. I've also been loudly saying 'no!' when he does this. He usually ignores me. Today though he stopped, looked me in the eye, and then even after cuddletime he scratched my arm! So two questions: 1) what the heck? What was going through my cats mind - did he suddenly become mad at me or just wanted to scratch something immediately? and 2) how do I get him to stop scratching the couch?
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Mollycat
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Re: Cat scratches couch then scratches me
Ok one thing at a time, the couch and you. There are very different ways for a cat to scratch!
First when he does the stretch and scratch does he carry on scratching like he would on a scratch post? Or just catch his claws in the fabric while stretching his claws out fully as he's stretching everything else?
When he scratches you I presume he doesn't try to do his claws on you so is he trying to pat your arm, or does he put his ears back or hiss and deliberately strike out to hurt you?
It's very hard to change a cat's habits so you may not be able to stop him completely, but you should be able to improve things a lot if you think cat. Scratching isn't only to keep their claws in tip-top condition, it's also a marking behaviour, so scratching places need to be in strategic places around his territory. That's a lot of trial and error. He may also prefer scratching pads that lie on the floor rather than upright posts, try a variety of different types. They don't have to be expensive, an old rug or piece of carpet securely fixed inside out to a post or flat board is often appreciated. But some fabrics are just irresistible and that's a risk we take when we bring these animals into our homes.
First when he does the stretch and scratch does he carry on scratching like he would on a scratch post? Or just catch his claws in the fabric while stretching his claws out fully as he's stretching everything else?
When he scratches you I presume he doesn't try to do his claws on you so is he trying to pat your arm, or does he put his ears back or hiss and deliberately strike out to hurt you?
It's very hard to change a cat's habits so you may not be able to stop him completely, but you should be able to improve things a lot if you think cat. Scratching isn't only to keep their claws in tip-top condition, it's also a marking behaviour, so scratching places need to be in strategic places around his territory. That's a lot of trial and error. He may also prefer scratching pads that lie on the floor rather than upright posts, try a variety of different types. They don't have to be expensive, an old rug or piece of carpet securely fixed inside out to a post or flat board is often appreciated. But some fabrics are just irresistible and that's a risk we take when we bring these animals into our homes.