You’ve got a new Ragdoll friend and are looking for ways to get along without bickering on your newly bought scratched couch? Do you wonder if Ragdolls claw at furniture as much as other breeds do?
So, do they? Of course, they do. We’re no different from other cats in this vast world. But there are ways to prevent the ultimate destruction of your favorite stuff!
I, the one and only Ragdoll Kylie, will lend you a paw here. Let’s walk this through together.
Why Do Ragdolls Scratch Furniture
Scratching is an integral part of our daily routine, my dear hooman, just like napping and eating. You wake up and brush your teeth, and we Ragdolls scratch. Mostly, it has to do with taking care of our claws, to peel off worn claw layers. Outdoorsy cats use tree barks and poles for that, while indoorsy Ragdoll cats often scratch furniture in addition to scratching posts. What’s more, furniture often carries a natural aroma – wood and wool that might be enticing for your pet.
Your baby can express their emotions by clawing, be it anxiety, excitement, boredom, or stress relief. Scratching also gives your tall Ragdoll a good stretch, helping them maintain their muscle tone and flexibility. In contrast, the lack of exercise can lead to Ragdolls scratching furniture like a couch, carpet, or armchair instead of a pole.
Or maybe your Ragdoll has just grown tired of their old scratching post? Time to buy a new one!
Do Ragdolls Generally Scratch a Lot
They typically don’t; however, there are signs that indicate potential issues.
Repetitive claw sharpening outside of designated places can also mean that your kitty is marking their territory. Why would they do that? This behavior signals that your animal is feeling insecure and is trying to continually reestablish their domain at home with their scent. The issues with Ragdoll cats clawing the furniture are most common when multiple pets share a home or when there are significant changes in the cat’s surroundings, such as a recent move, renovations, or the presence of strangers.
How to Stop Ragdoll Cats From Scratching Furniture
I’ve got you!
Our breed is actually easy to train; hence it won’t be a big deal to get your Ragdoll cat to stop scratching furniture. Here are five tips from your beloved Ragdoll Kylie to help keep your home intact and the cat happy.
Manicure-Pedicure Time!
Like our hooman moms, we, Ragdolls, need consistent mani-pedi sessions. Our nails require special maintenance to be kept clean and healthy. So, take your Ragdoll, who scratches furniture a lot, for a trim.
For trimming, choose nail clippers made specifically for cats. Gently place your Ragdoll on your lap. Take a close look at their claws: you should be able to distinguish between two parts: the pink “quick” and the white or semi-transparent section. Avoid cutting the “quick” as it contains blood vessels and can cause bleeding, harming your baby. Carefully trim your cat’s nails at the white part, clipping just the tip. If your Ragdoll shows signs of distress, consider offering a tasty treat or seeking help from a professional groomer or veterinarian.
Never opt for declawing though! I know, it might seem as a great option (no claws — no scratches), but declawing is super painful and mean. It messes with our paws and can cause long-term problems. Think of it as cutting off the tip of your fingers. Wouldn’t want such a fate? We wouldn’t either. Instead, just keep our nails trimmed and give us scratching posts to play with. Which leads us to the next point.
More Safe-To-Scratch Stuff!
Your Ragdoll is like a kid; hence, distracting them from shenanigans with new toys works, too! Does your Ragdoll cat scratch furniture a lot? Time to try a scratching pole, a special toy, or an entire climbing wall!
Keep in mind that we Ragdolls are quite tall creatures; thus, a regular scratching post won’t do. Our breed isn’t a big fan of climbing high structures, like my fellow friend, a Bengal Bengie, so you won’t need to purchase super expensive and extensive climbing stuff, don’t worry. All we need is a sturdy pole, high enough for us to stretch to a full height and give a good scratch in the process. Angled scratcher is a great idea to try as well! It allows your Ragdoll cat to scratch while staying low and try new approaches, like flipping around for an upside-down scratch!
I’ve noticed that a lot of pawrents sprinkle some catnip on scratching poles to entice their cats to use them more. This can make the scratching post more appealing and encourage your Ragdoll to scratch there instead of on your furniture.
Eww, Lemons!
When life gives you lemons, make a deterrent spray! Like all cats, we Ragdolls absolutely hate citrus smells. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a generous amount of fresh lemon juice and a sprig of rosemary. Apply this mixture onto furniture or other areas where you want to your Ragdoll to stop scratching. And voilà! Just promise me not to spray any of this scented water onto your cat! It can cause irritation in their nose and eyes.
No More Temptation!
If your baby is persistent, reeeeeally loves clawing at your stuff, and ignores the spray odor, then let me introduce you to another way to get your Ragdoll cat to stop scratching furniture. This method works with both a cat and a toddler. And it’s quite simple — to remove the temptation.
But how would I move away my entire couch, you’d ask?
You don’t have too! Just simply cover your Ragdoll’s favourite scratching areas with tinfoil, thick fabric, or double-sided tape. This will take the pleasure from scratching away and oust the appeal.
Ain’t Too Many Rewards!
Last but not least, avoid punishing your Ragdoll cat for scratching your furniture. Cats thrive on positive reinforcement, so don’t hold back on praises and treats as a reward when your Ragdoll scratches their post. It can be meat paste, dry sticks, a tasty piece of chicken or salmon, you name it. When your Ragdoll cat claws at furniture, divert their attention from the deed by gently clapping your hands and firmly saying “no.” Then, offer to use a scratcher and provide a reward for it. This way, your kitty will learn good habits and won’t associate scratching with negative experiences.
Conclusion
Scratching is a part of our DNA, there’s no denying it. And whether we Ragdolls scratch your furniture or designated toys, it’s up to you. So, guide us and explain everything because we are just like hooman kids. With patience, positive reinforcement, and the right tools, you can help us channel our natural behavior in a way that keeps both us and your home happy. Remember, understanding and supporting our needs leads to a more harmonious life together.
Sending you tons of nose boops. Yours truly, Ragdoll Kylie!
