How to train a cat not to scratch you is a great concern for the pet lovers like you. Cats are called felines and by nature, they tend to scratch and bite things. Cats are curious and nuzzle from time to time. You will find cats to purr, chase, and scratch. All these depend on nature, breed, temperament, behavior, and the training the cat has. In this article, I am going to talk about how to train a cat not to scratch you.
Why do cats scratch
It turns very risky as well as bothering when the cat suddenly scratches your skin. At the extreme level, the cat also scratches the kids, guests, furniture, or anything. It is true that some cats do this out of aggressiveness, but in most cases, the cat scratches during play or fun. In this article, I am going to discuss how to train a cat not to scratch you.
Kittens learn to scratch naturally as a part of their biological development and growth. They can be tamed by appropriate training and with people training g the kitten gradually knows how to use their nails and teeth appropriately.
In the case of the cat, the biting and scratching tendencies mostly depend on the attitude and reaction of the owner. When the owners don’t provide appropriate training and show mixed attitudes at different times for scratch, the cat gets confused and continues its malpractices.
Your body parts are not a toy
Cats get the first misconception that the human body parts, especially legs, fingers, hands, and skin are playful things and a part of their toys. This understanding happens mostly when we allow them to play with the finger or hand. It is the basis of the training to clarify to your cat that body parts are not their toys.
In the case of the kitten, growing this belief is easier as you every time show your agony or pretended agony when the kitten plays with its hands. Encourage the kitten or the cat not to play with your fingers or hands, rather, divert their attention to other playful things.
Give the cat a treat every time for not playing or scratching with the hands. Appreciation will encourage it to gradually establish a prohibition upon playing with the hands.
Don’t make them angry
Cat scratches out of their fury, aggression, or anger for any reason. As a good companion, you have to know the trigger(s) that make the cat aggressive. After finding out, try to avoid the triggers that cause anger in the cat. Invent ways how your cat stops this trigger.
Health issues
Your cat might be aggressive because of any health concerns, such as undetected wounds, mites or fleas, hormonal imbalance such as hyperthyroidism, allergy, etc. Take a recommendation from your vet to cure the cat as soon as possible.
Avoid external triggers
The cat may be aggressive by seeing another cat, dog, any irritating thing, or prey outside the home. Keep eyes on the body language of the cat and if you see anything unusual inside the cat, take the cat away from the terrace, or window so that the cat doesn’t see the outside upsetting issues. Don’t give the cat a forced hug or try to stop it from going from one place to another by your hand or foot. These instances could force the cat to scratch unintentionally, out of aggression.
Playtimes and playthings
Provide as many toys for the cat as you can to keep it busy as much as you can. Pass some playful time with the cat regularly. Don’t involve your cat with your finger or hands to play with.
Show your disgust and gestures
Whenever the cat scratches you or shows any attempt, show your dissatisfaction or gesture that you don’t want this to happen next time. Say No whenever the cat is about to scratch. Be consistent with this corrective tone.
Since you will do this every time the cat is about to scratch or has scratched you, show the same attitude or body language to defer the cat. Gradually the cat or kitten will understand its limitations. Reward the cat every time when it abides by your set rules.
Trim the nails and claws
It is basic grooming to trim the claws and nails on a regular basis. Without sharp claws, the cat will not be able to scratch you anymore. However, it is not a good idea to declaw the cat entirely, just to keep these trimmed as much as possible.
Hold by neck
You can change the position of an aggressive cat by holding its neck or by the scruff of the neck in case you are afraid of the cat for some reason. Holding my neck instead of taking this on the lap may minimize the level of scratching.
Distract the cat
Whenever you feel the cat is going to scratch you or is scratching from time to time, change the play. Distract your cat with any other attention-grabbing issue in order to make it oblivion about scratching. Make it every time it goes for using its claws.
Examine the cat
Explain the cat from the toe to the head every day intensively. It will let the cat know about your touches as well as your signals and alert when it goes to scratch you.
Positive reinforcement
A harsh tone or scold may not be effective every time. Or, this may be negative upon the dog too. Rather, positive reinforcement, reward, and treatment are good ways to retreat from the cat or kitten. It is a rewarding and permanent way to get rid of scratching bad habits. Make the reward immediate and different every time the cat complies with the procedure.
Lively Environment
Instead of providing a boring and monotonous lifestyle and atmosphere, provide an entertaining environment for the cat to live in and play with. Climbing tres, puzzles, colorful toys, warm bedding, soft cushion, and fragrance in order to keep the cat or kitten busy, spellbound, and positive.
Claw cover
In the market, you will find claw covers for the kitten or cat, which may be useful to meet up your purpose. This sock-like cover defers the cat from a scratching attitude. Don’t put this cover on all the time of the day, rather, some the particular times the cat is prone to scratching.
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