By doing so, the outer layers of the claws come off revealing a new sharp surface underneath. Although some people think they are sharpening the claws, it is slightly different. Why Do Cats Scratch On SurfacesĪlso known as stropping, the scratching action in cats is a way of grooming. But be sure to regulate the portions of food to prevent obesity. For cats that eat during the night, purchase an automatic timed feeder. The cat will probably knock out after the big meal and not stay awake scratching. This saves both your sleep and your floor! Feeding the cat a main meal minutes before bedtime also helps. The two cats will play throughout the day and sleep peacefully at night. I’m sure it could be a lot but some cats such as the British Shorthair make very great companions. Another effective solution is to get a second cat. When it is time for bed, the cat will only desire to rest and not scratch the floor all night. Playing until your cat seems tired releases all the excess energy. □ READ ALSO: Can Cats Eat Apples Safely? (Would Cat Digest Any Human Food?) Play fetch using softballs, Ping-Pong balls, and furry toys. Incorporate moving, talking, wiggling, and dangling toys that mimic cats, as well as preys such as birds and mice. Schedule interactive play sessions with them during the evening. To have cats calm and sleepy at night, they have to be either exhausted or with a full stomach. I came to realise that my cat would scratch the floor at night because she was not ready for sleep. All these methods act as a deterrent to discourage your cat from scratching the floor at night. Another option is to infuse the area with a feline pheromone spray to fool the cat that the territory has been marked by another cat. If possible, place something like a piece of furniture or a thin mat on the cat’s favourite scratching spot. For example aluminium foil, two-sided sticky tape, menthol, citrus odour, cologne, and muscle rub. Find out your cat’s preferences then cover the off-limit sports with materials that are unappealing to her paws. Now, all that comes to your mind is protecting the floor by all means. The more they scratch on a particular spot marking it with gland secretions, the more they will keep coming back. Once cats realise that your floor is appealing on their paws, it gets difficult to drive them away from it. □ READ ALSO: Cats With Down Syndrome - Can Cats Have Down Syndrome? Down Syndrome In Cats Explained Once your cats begin using them, they will stop damaging your floor at night. Ensure the scratching posts are sturdy enough. Ideally, provide a vertical scratching post, an inclined scratcher, and a scratching mat to cover all patterns. Scratching patterns are different in cats but they range between horizontal and vertical scratching. Also include other materials such as sisal, carpet, and corrugated cardboard materials. If your cat likes scratching on your hardwood floor, you need to focus on wooden posts. You can actually make them at home if you are feeling industrious. ![]() There are so many types of scratching posts in the pet market to choose from. Read Also: How long does cat urine odour last? Get multiple posts and place them strategically where your cat likes clawing onto. Provide alternatives for scratching such as scratching posts. Cats have to relieve their need to sharpen their claws. Therefore, the best way to solve this is to encourage the act on something else rather than your floor or even furniture. Negative Reinforcement Is Not the Answer How do I Stop My Cat from Scratching the Floor at NightĪs I mentioned earlier, clawing is beneficial in cats so you should not eliminate the act. If you are among the cat parents dealing with a similar situation, you came to the right place. ![]() I know you can reduce the effect by trimming the cat’s claws but how can you prevent it? The bottom line is to avoid the effects not minimise them. It is annoying to find your floor scratched all over and having sleepless nights all at once. Simply provide alternative scratching options, make the cat exhausted and full to encourage a good night sleep, or rather cover and furnish your floor if the cat is just destructive. ![]() To stop your cat(s) from scratching the floor at night, you need to know why they do so in the first place. How then can you stop this behaviour? Or do you have to persevere with your feline friend? Cats are quite known for spending so many hours sleeping, but when they are not they can become very active. Many are times I find my British Shorthair digging her front claws onto nubby surfaces with her back arched.Īlthough this is beneficial to their health and well-being, it can be frustrating when they choose your carpet or floor. They mostly prefer scratching onto surfaces where they can sink their claws into. Scratching is an inborn instinct in cats.
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