Why do kittens sharpen their claws?
When a cat sharpens its claws, it doesn’t mean that it wants to damage or scratch something. It is an attempt to remove the dead nail layer and sharpen the tips of the nails. It is also a good way for the cat to exercise her muscles, especially when she is just waking up. At the same time, scratching things with its claws helps the cat to mark its territory, as the scratches leave a scent of secretion, which is secreted by glands in the pads of the paws.
Weaning a cat from sharpening its claws on furniture is a little more difficult than, say, teaching it to do the toilet correctly. The point is that with toilet training we are helped by the cat’s innate desire to keep clean around him, whereas with claw sharpening it is different. We are forced to fight the cat’s nature and practise grooming.
When is the best time to teach a cat to sharpen its claws?
The earlier you start to address this issue, the better. For a kitten that is a month old, it would be easiest to explainsee all the benefits of nail sharpening. At this age, kittens’ claws, although very sharp, are quite thin and fragile, so they will not be able to use them to sharpen wallpaper and leather furniture at a time when sharpening occurs at a time when it is convenient for kittens.
How to choose a sharpener?
The main requirement is that the design must be stable enough to support the weight of your cat. Sharpening stands vary according to the material from which they are made. The most commonly used materials are carpet, sesal, hemp rope and even cardboard. Observe your cat – what position and material it likes to sharpen its claws in – and choose a sharpening stand accordingly.
How to teach?
To start with, it is important to place the sharpener in a place where it is not in a position where it is not a favourite place to sharpen, so that the cat cannot return to it. If it has taken a liking to sharpening its claws against the wallpaper on the wall, this can be covered with a special scratching post fitted in the floor against the wall.
In either case In this case, it is necessary to prevent the cat from returning to its favourite sharpening points. Walls can be temporarily covered with plastic tapes and furniture can be covered with something. If it is not possible to securely cover the furniture, it is better to keep the cat out of the room when you are not present.
If the cat has a tendency to scratch its claws on the furniture, it can be gradually moved to another place that is convenient for you. It is necessary to show your displeasure if the cat starts to claw in an unwanted place. Just don’t shout at her, strong and clear Don’t! should be sufficient. In some cases, a water spray can be used as a punishment. Threaten the kitten angrily with your finger against its nose, then pick it up and take it to the sharpener, grab its front paws and gently attach them to the rope.
If the cat has not started to sharpen its claws, inject the catnip onto the stand. Cat trays can be bought in pet shops. You can also try a sharpening stand with another cat’s scent.