Prevent Your Ragdoll Cat From Scratching

Because Ragdolls are so laidback and easygoing, there is a Ragdoll Misconception that they don’t scratch. While Ragdolls may be less destructive than other cat breeds, scratching is a normal behavior for all felines, and Ragdolls are no exception. Scratching plays an integral role in every cat’s health and well-being. That said, when your Ragdoll’s scratching negatively affects your family’s couch or favorite fabric chair, it can become an unwanted issue. The bright side is that unwanted Ragdoll scratching can be corrected or reduced with proper knowledge and the correct approach.

Understanding Why Ragdolls Scratch

To prevent your Ragdoll cat from scratching, it’s important to first understand the reasons behind this action. Scratching serves many benefits for cats and is a completely natural behavior.

• Instinctual Needs: There is an instinctive need in cats to scratch their claws. Some of the reasons behind this includes claw maintenance, stretching, territory marking and stress relief, which we detail below.

• Claw Maintenance: Scratching helps cats shed the outer layer of their nails. It also helps them keep their claws sharp and ready for climbing, hunting and defending themselves.

• Stretching: When cats scratch, they typically stretch out their entire bodies at the same time. This promotes flexibility, especially in their backs, necks and shoulders, and prevents body stiffness.

• Territory Marking: Another reason why cats have an instinctual need to scratch is to mark their territory. Cats possess scent glands on their paws and they leave behind their smell after scratching. This is a way for them to communicate with other cats.

• Stress Relief: Scratching can often be a self-soothing behavior in cats. It is a physical outlet for them to release pent-up tension and energy.

Provide Scratching Posts

To protect your furniture and keep your cat happy, it’s essential to provide enough scratching posts throughout your home. There are several factors to consider regarding the scratching posts you choose and where you place them.

• Types of Scratching Posts: Scratching posts come in many different styles and shapes. You can try out different types to determine your Ragdoll’s preferences. A great Ragdoll Enrichment Idea is to offer a variety of different scratching posts to prevent boredom.

• Material Matters: Scratchers come in a variety of unique materials as well. It’s best to choose one that has a rough texture, which attracts cats. Sisal, carpet and cardboard are all great options that cats typically enjoy.

• Location is Key: Where you choose to place your cat’s scratching posts is crucial. Ragdolls love to scratch after waking up from a nap, so placing their scratchers near their favorite sleeping areas is a great idea. It’s also smart to place them in front of any furniture they might aim for.

• Attract Your Ragdoll: You can help attract your Ragdoll to their scratchers by sprinkling them with catnip. You can also incorporate their scratchers into playtime, waving their favorite cat teaser wands in front of them.

Ragdoll with Tall Sisal Scratching Post

Ragdoll with Sisal Scratching Post that Doubles as Bed

Keep Your Ragdoll’s Nails Trimmed

It’s essential to maintain your Ragdoll’s nails to prevent overgrowth and injury to you or other pets. Ragdolls are also not able to cause as much damage to furniture with their nails if they are kept short.

• Use the Right Nail Clippers: The right tool can make a big difference when it comes to clipping your Ragdoll’s nails. It’s recommended to use a guillotine-style clipper designed especially for cats and to avoid human nail clippers since they can crush the nails.

• Trim Consistently: It’s important to trim your Ragdoll’s nails regularly to prevent them from getting too long. It’s best to aim for nail trims every 2-3 weeks, depending on how quickly your cat’s claws grow.

• Learn How to Trim Correctly:  It’s also essential to know how to properly trim your Ragdoll’s nails using pet nail clippers. Be careful not to cut too close to the areas that contains blood vessels and nerves. If you are unsure, you can watch a video tutorial or ask your vet to demonstrate in person.

Protect Your Furniture

In addition to providing your Ragdoll with an array of scratching posts and keeping their nails trimmed, it’s also a good idea to preventatively protect your furniture. This way, if your Ragdoll ever does decide to try out their nails on your furniture, it’s already protected.

• Plastic Furniture Protectors: Clear plastic furniture protectors with adhesive on the back are a great option for protecting furniture, especially the corners of couches which can be a popular spot for cat scratching. These protecters are virtually undetectable so don’t interfere with the aesthetic appearance of your furniture.

• Furniture Covers: Another way to protect your furniture is to lay furniture covers on your couches or chairs. Consider using covers made from scratch-resistant materials that can regularly be washed or replaced.

Plastic Furniture Protectors

Furniture Covers

Use Positive Reinforcement to Train Your Ragdoll

Ragdolls, as with all cats, respond very well to positive reinforcement. It’s an excellent idea to use this to your advantage when teaching them where to (and where not to) scratch.

• Treats and Affection: When your Ragdoll uses their designated scratching post, you can utilize positive reinforcement through treats and affection. This will help them associate their correct scratching areas with positivity, making them more likely to continue scratching in that same place.

• Redirection: If your Ragdoll ever scratches somewhere they shouldn’t, gently distract them using a favorite toy and instead redirect them to the correct spot. You can them reward them once they do use the designated post.

• Consistency is Key: To reinforce where you want your Ragdoll to scratch, you will want to consistently reward their correct scratching behavior. Positive repetition will help strengthen their training and turn their desirable behavior into habit.

Incorporate Scratching into the Daily Routine

You can continue to use positive reinforcement strategies and integrate daily scratching sessions into your Ragdoll’s routine. This will continue to reinforce desired scratching actions in your Ragdoll and prevent unwanted behaviors.

• Cats Love Routine: Felines thrive on consistency and routine. By making scratching sessions a habitual part of your Ragdoll’s daily schedule, they will quickly learn when and where they should be scratching.

• Set a Specific Scratching Time: Designating a particular time every day for scratching will provide your Ragdoll with a predictable schedule. You can aim for these sessions immediately after your cat’s meal or nap time, when they’re more likely to naturally be in the mood for scratching.

A Scratching Success

While scratching is an essential part of your Ragdoll’s life, it doesn’t have to be a source of stress or irritation. By providing an assortment of fun scratchers, utilizing positive reinforcement training tactics and keeping your Ragdoll’s nails trimmed short, your Ragdoll’s scratching habits can be effectively managed. In turn, you’ll be helping your Ragdoll’s health - and your furniture!