Why Does My cat Scratch the Window?
Why Does My cat Scratch the Window?
He should sharpen his claws.
Cats scratch in order to sharpen their claws and remove their outer claws. And if you haven’t educated your cat to avoid clawing everything he can get his paws on, even the window glass.
Excess Energy
Excess energy is one of the major reasons cats claw windows at night. If your cat doesn’t get enough exercise during the day, it may become more active at night. Cats are more adapted than humans for nocturnal activities. As a consequence, a cat that has spent the day lazing about may scratch at the window to go outdoors and burn off some energy. Allowing your cat to expend energy during the day will limit their activity at night.
Stress relief
Cats are easily stressed. Even little changes in their living situation might create tension and worry. When a cat lacks an outlet for his agitation, he may turn to destructive behavior, such as clawing the glass. The same is true for a bored, unengaged cat. If your cat is bored, he will find a method to entertain himself. Keep your living environment as constant as possible and avoid making unneeded changes that may annoy your cat.
Outdoor Dangers
Allowing your cat to sit near the window is a great way to keep him entertained and engaged. Your cat, just like you, may spend hours looking out the window, watching the world go by. Birds, tiny animals, or even wild cats in the neighborhood, on the other hand, may pique your cat’s interest. A cat will claw the window since that is his only alternative.
Fighting his reflection
Cats and other wild animals, unlike humans, elephants, dolphins, and certain species of magpies, cannot identify their images in a mirror. Your cat may be clawing the pane because he believes his reflection is another cat. Cats depend greatly on their sense of smell, and when they view their reflections in a mirror or via a window, they perceive the picture as a danger.
Stretching his body
Another probable explanation for your cat’s behavior is that it is stretching. This is more probable if your cat does it in a stretching action, extending its paws and claws.
Leaving his scent mark
Cats have developed several methods to communicate with one another and with people. Felines communicate via their scent glands, as well as vocalization and body language. This process is known as scent marking. The technique of spreading odors from individuals to goods through their skin, paw pads, urine, and feces is known as scent marking. A cat successfully brands a window when he scratches it with his paw pads. He desires to stake his claim to that specific place. If you have two or more cats, you’ll notice that each has a favorite spot in the home.
How Do I Stop My Cat From Scratching my Window?
Medication
If your cat shows a number of “odd” behaviors that don’t appear to be explained, you should consult with your veterinarian. They may be able to give medicine that will make both your cat and your life more pleasurable.
Make use of Positive Reinforcement.
When they’re clawing the window, don’t give them your attention by shouting, chatting to them, or scooping them up and bringing them to hang out with you. Instead, use as little involvement as possible to halt the behavior. Demonstrate how much your attention they get when they play, scratch the scratching post, snuggle next to you, and so forth.
Make use of a Spray
You might try a spray, diffuser, or collar that emits “positive” pheromones that assist relax your cat and discourage “bad” behavior like scratching. Many individuals have found considerable success with these sorts of goods, while others have found they have no influence. But it’s worth a shot.
Block their access
This isn’t ideal, and it’s not a long-term solution, but preventing them from opening the window will put an end to this practice. After a few days/weeks, you may remove the impediment and observe whether they resume performing it.
Give Your Cat More Scratching Posts
Another option is to provide your cat with access to a scratch post and to take your cat there whenever it begins clawing the window. You should be able to get your cat to scratch the scratch post instead of the window this way.
Apply adhesive tape on the window.
Cats dislike the sensation of sticky surfaces. Put a piece of adhesive tape where they paw to eliminate the feeling and sound, which will prevent them.
Try a Catio
If you have the room, you might think about installing a catio in your backyard. Catios are similar to outdoor cat shelters. They enable indoor cats to go outdoors without fear of predators. There are several designs and sizes available.
Offer Indoor Stimulation
Increase your cat’s playtime so that they are less enthusiastic to scratch or want to go outdoors when they gaze out the window, and are not as attracted by the sight of things they can “play” with outside, such as birds.
Conclusion
Cats scratch windows and mirrors for a variety of reasons. Because cats lack self-awareness, they may be mistaking their mirror for another cat, marking their scent, honing their claws, or striving to escape outdoors. Your cat may claw at windows and mirrors for one or more of the following reasons. Scratching is a natural habit in cats. The easiest method to prevent this tendency from becoming destructive is to provide your cat with a scratch post where they can get it out without wrecking your house.
