Why my cat scratches me for no reason, what to do so that he stops scratch me all the time ? Many people ask themselves these questions because it is common for cats to scratch their owners.
But before understanding how to stop these acts, it is useful to understand why your cat is scratching you. It may be for no apparent reason to you, but certainly not for no reason!
Does a cat scratch for no reason?
Although it may seem difficult to manage and sometimes even unbearable, the problem of a cat scratching can be easily solved as soon as we identify the reason that prompts the cat to scratch. And even if you think that nothing justifies such behavior, there are still reasons which explain why your cat attacks you.
Find out the main reasons why cats scratch their teeth below.
Why is my cat scratching me?
Health problem
A cat is never aggressive towards its owner for no reason. Indeed, such acts can be linked to a health problem (dysfunction of the nervous system, hyperthyroidism, etc.).
If your cat is scratching you for no reason when she's on your lap, petting or handling her, it may be pain that is causing her to scratch you. Indeed, it can suffer from localized pain and by touching it, you trigger a normal reaction of a cat who wants to protect itself.
If your cat (who wasn't scratching) suddenly starts scratching you for no reason, I recommend talking to their vet to see if this new aggressive behavior is related to a medical issue.
Badly weaned kitten
If your cat has always scratched you more or less for no reason, it may have been badly weaned and separated from its mother too soon. Indeed, the withdrawal period must be long enough to allow the kitten to switch to solid food but also to socialize andlearn not to bite and not to scratch. A kitten weaned too early will have behavioral problems.
Cat scratching because of his instinct
If your cat attacks you for no reason, that he scratches your legs, feet, face, it is because of his predatory instinct. Indeed, a cat in the wild is supposed to hunt for food. Suddenly, even a domestic cat keeps the reflexes to attack, bite or scratch your hands or feet as if they were prey.
I recommend that you install scratching posts and a cat tree on which he can let off steam and scratch as much as he wants!
Cat clawing to say no!
Have you taken your cat on your knees to stroke it and you get a scratch on your hand? Well, it's just because your cat doesn't want to be picked up and petted. Your cat scratches you to make you understand that he wants to be quiet and that he does not or no longer want your caresses.
Cat scratching because he's bored
Un bored cat, who does not have enough toys, who does not let off steam, will try to interact with you. Your cat will sneak past you, scratch you, or even jump on you.
In fact, your cat is trying to get your attention to play with you, for you to take him out or take care of him.
In this case, take the time to play with your cat or give him interactive toys that he can play with on his own even during your absence:
My cat scratches me for no reason - What to do?
If your cat is scratching you for no reason, don't yell at him or scold him! Indeed, your cat will not understand your gesture and may be afraid of you. However, if he is afraid of you, he risks scratching you even more!
On the other hand, if your cat scratches you for no reason, I advise you:
- to cut its claws regularly (see how do i cut my cat's claws?);
- to arm you with patience and educate him to stop scratching (see my method below).
How to prevent a cat from scratching?
Here are some tips to stop your cat from scratching:
- Dissuade your cat from scratching you: When your cat is scratching you, say "NO" to him and move him away from you. When he starts again, you have to say "NO" again and push him back again. And so on each time your cat goes to scratch you.
- Keep your cat busy so that he doesn't get bored: Spend time playing with your cat and take him outside (see how do you get a cat used to going out and coming back?).
- Entertain your cat in your absence: Make room for its environment to keep it occupied physically and mentally (cat tree, empty boxes, perches, ropes, interactive toys, etc.).
- When playing games, never use your hands as toys and react by shouting if they scratch you. Indeed, this way your cat will understand that scratches are not part of the game and that they make you suffer.
But if despite all this, your cat continues to scratch you for no reason, try to dissuade him with a water spray. You just need to throw him a few jets on the muzzle each time he is going to scratch you or that he scratches you. By repeating this gesture, your cat will dissuade himself from starting to scratch you again.
This method was effective on my Licorice cat. He quickly realized that he had to stop scratching me for no reason. Now, just taking the diffuser for almost months has its deterrent effect on my Licorice!
And I use the same punishment when my cat bites me or don't listen to me. See : How to make a cat obey?