It can be said that cats sharpen their claws as an instinct inherited from their ancestors. Claw grinding is a cat habit, so it's impossible to stop it. For a small cat, its claws are its most powerful weapons, so the aging cuticle must be worn away from time to time to make it extremely sharp. In addition, claw grinding is also to show one's strength and increase the scent. If you don’t want the floors and furniture in your home to be scratched by cats, it is very necessary for owners to teach cats to sharpen their claws.

1. Reasons why cats grind their claws

Many cats think that they are the owners of their home, so it is their unshirkable responsibility to protect their home. If your cat frequently sharpens his or her claws near a door, it may be a sign that they think potential intruders are coming through. In addition, cats' claw grinding can speed up the shedding of old nails and the growth of new nails. Cats have sweat glands between their nails, which can emit their own unique smell. As animals with a strong sense of territory, they keep the smell on their own territory by grinding their claws.

2. Train the cat to sharpen its claws in a fixed place

If a cat is not equipped with wooden posts, the owner will find that the furniture will naturally become a place for the cat to practice its claws. This can only be blamed on the cat owner himself. Cat's claws are sharp and their nails are curved and curved. They are weapons for cats to climb, catch prey and defend themselves. In the wild state, cats climb and run, and part of their nails are naturally worn away. The cats constantly scratch on the tree trunks to wear away the overgrown claws. Domestic cats living at home do not have such a large amount of exercise and do not have to worry about food. Naturally, their claw nails are too long, and sometimes they grow into the nail pads, causing inflammation of the claw nails. Domestic cats have the habit of sharpening their claws and fixing them on the same part. In order to avoid damaging the furniture, it is essential to have special wooden posts.

3. Special wooden posts for cats to sharpen their claws

Cats will not naturally sharpen their claws when they have a wooden post. This requires training. First of all, after the kitten enters the home, prepare a wooden post, about half a meter long and 10 to 15 centimeters square, and place it near the cat's nest, because the cat will stretch its waist, move its limbs, and scratch its claws after waking up. habits. If the kitten does not grind its claws on the wooden post, the owner should help the cat with his hands to sharpen its claws. When there is secretion from the cat's claws on the wooden post, it will help the cat to follow the smell and fix its claws on the wooden post for exercise. The length of the wooden posts does not necessarily make a difference, but the hardness should be chosen from solid wood. Wrapping a layer of carpet around wooden posts or boards will make it easier for cats to accept it. If the carpet is scratched, there is no need to replace it.

4. Special wooden boards for cats to sharpen their claws

If the space in your home is not convenient for tying wooden posts, you should prepare special claw sharpening tools. Although there are many types sold on the market, you can also make them yourself. Just wrap a strip of cloth around the board. If possible, prepare a few extra pieces and place them somewhere your cat likes to hang out. If your cat starts scratching its claws on the furniture, say "No!" immediately and take it to a place with a special wooden board. The owner can grab its front feet to sharpen its claws. The cat may be noisy at first, but after a few times it will patiently sharpen its claws. Praise it when it uses the claw grinder very skillfully. You can spray lemonade, essential oil, or other liquids with an unfavorable odor to cats on the areas where you don’t want it to grind its claws. However, once the smell disappears, the effect will not be obvious, so patient education is the most important.