The cat is a feline that likes to be on high surfaces. As soon as he learns to jump, we will see how he tries to spend as much time as possible on some piece of furniture, such as the sofa, a chair or our own bed.
If we don't want it to, then I'm going to tell you how to prevent my cat from climbing on furniture simply and effectively.
Why do cats climb on furniture?
Before getting into the subject, it is important to first ask why they get on furniture, since in this way we will better understand what it means to be a cat. Well, our furry ones get on the surfaces for a simple reason: because they feel safe.
In nature they have many enemies, including other larger cats, so one way to stay alive is by climbing trees. They can do it: Their bodies are designed to be agile, strong, and to balance flawlessly even in tight spaces.
At this point you may wonder why they do it at home, where they don't have (or shouldn't have) anything to fear. The answer is because it is a knee-jerk reaction. When cats get on a table for example, they do it following the survival instinct, and we can't do much to change this.
But something yes 🙂.
How to prevent cats from climbing on furniture?
If you don't want him to get on the furniture you will have to give him something in return. It is very important that you keep this in mind, otherwise nothing that I advise you from now on is going to help you.
Don't let him climb when he's a puppy
The best thing to do is never let him do it. And the best way to teach it is to start as soon as possible, since the kitten has more facility to learn than an adult cat. Therefore, every time you see that he intends to get on you have to say "NO" to him (firm but without shouting), and start playing with him on the floor.
In the event that he does not pay attention to you, grab a treat, put it in front of his snout and point it towards the ground. When he's there, give it to him and also give him some petting as a reward.
Give him a scraper (or several)
The cat needs to climb and jump and for this it is essential or buy a scraper or place shelves at different heights wrapped with raffia rope or plush fabric. You will like both one thing and the other a lot, because they will allow you to control your territory without risk of being disturbed.
In this way, your furniture will be safe and your cat will be able to do what it wants to do the most: be and behave as what it is, a feline.
Tire it out (play with it)
So that a cat, especially young-adult, does not get on the furniture so much, what you have to do is play with him every day, tire him out. Because it is normal for a tired cat to go to sleep in his bed or in a chair, not on a desk.
So do not hesitate to dedicate about three sessions or so of play with a duration of about 20-30 minutes each (or until you see that he is tired).
How to train a cat not to get on the table?
When a cat gets on the table repeatedly It is usually because either you feel safer there, or because there is food. So, in the first case, what I advise to do is find out if he feels stressed by something or someone (for example: he does not end up getting along with the other cat you have at home, there is a dog that constantly overwhelms him, or etc. ), and from there solve the problem, either with the help of a professional or without help; On the other hand, if what happens is that there is food, the ideal is to put a plate - of a cat food that he likes a lot, such as cans - for him alone on the floor.
What to do for a cat not to climb on the counter?
If your cat climbs on the counter, start feeding BEFORE you sit down, if possible cans or food that you do not usually give. As the days go by, you will see that he is losing interest in the countertop, and that he will only go to the kitchen for you to feed him.
Another option is that we said it before, to offer him a treat and direct him towards the ground, giving him a caress when he steps on the ground and letting him eat his prize calmly.
Making noises, even if they don't see you, and let alone use a water gun to dissuade them are measures that, rather than helping, what they are going to do is scare them. This way, you may be able to keep him from going anywhere, but you will live with an animal that will be afraid when it passes by.
My cat eats my food, how can I avoid it?
Change his food. Yes Yes. When a healthy cat eats human food, it is because the food we give him does not like it or does not have as much flavor as the one we eat. As simple as that.
When this happens, what you have to do is make sure that what we give it is really a complete food, without cereals, and rich in animal protein; If it is not, it will be time to change the brand. Likewise, we can improve the flavor of the feed by moistening it with meat broths that do not contain garlic, onions or peppers.
And of course, do not give a small piece of what you are eating, no matter how much I look at you with that innocent face that we all know.
Cats really like to climb on furniture, but there are times when they do not have permission to do so. If you do not just trust and want to protect your sofa even more, we invite you to read this article.