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All breeds of loveable feline friends are adored for the memories and companionship that they give their humans. But this sometimes comes with unwanted damage to caregivers’ precious upholstery and furniture. So, do Exotic Shorthairs scratch furniture?
Yes, Exotic Shorthair cats can scratch furniture. Exotic Shorthair cats may scratch furniture if they are not trained from a young age, do not have scratching posts, or are anxious or bored. This breed is generally mellow and identifying the cause of scratching is vital for finding a solution.
While dealing with destruction in the home is undoubtedly frustrating for any cat owner, it is essential to understand that cat’s scratching is a natural and necessary part of feline well-being, as it promotes health in various ways.
Cat Product Note: I will talk about and recommend some cat products in this article, which will hopefully provide your cat with a more enriching life. These are Amazon affiliate links, so I receive a commission from Amazon, with no added cost to you. These are my honest recommendations, so if you are interested in checking them out, please click below!
- This cat stroller on Amazon I recommend for Exotic Shorthair Cats since it can go pretty much anywhere you need it to while being versatile (Affiliate Link): Click Here.
- This is the cat backpack on Amazon I recommend for Exotic Shorthair Cats since it has excellent airflow and will give your cat a great view (Affiliate Link): Click Here.
- The cat condo/cat tree on Amazon that I recommend for Exotic Shorthair Cats – I own this for my cat, and she loves it! (Affiliate Link): Click Here
- The cat bed on Amazon that I recommend for Exotic Shorthair cats – Has a place for the cat to sleep inside of it and on top of it (Affiliate Link) – Click Here.
Stick around to find out why an Exotic Shorthair may scratch furniture, and how to go about establishing a constructive environment for you and your adorable companion.
Do Exotic Shorthair Cats Scratch Furniture? Are They Destructive?
The Exotic Shorthair is generally quite timid and passive in the way they behave, as they are gentle and calm instead of being destructive. However, they still have the innate urge to scratch for various reasons, much like every cat breed would, and they may scratch furniture or have other destructive behavior as a result.
Is This Breed of Cat Known to Scratch Furniture?
Exotic Shorthair cast are not overly destructive but may scratch furniture if they feel that the material is suitable for their scratching needs. Exotic Shorthairs are reasonably polite in seeking attention from caregivers or communicating their thoughts and feelings.
It’s essential to be attentive to this to identify any reasons why they may be scratching objects throughout the home.
Allowing your feline on furniture in the first place is a decision that cat owners need to make for themselves. We talk more about this in our article: Click Here.
How Do I Stop My Cat from Scratching the Couch?
It’s not advised to physically stop your Exotic Shorthair from scratching or conduct harsh punishments, as this may result in the prohibition of a natural activity that is healthy for cats and cause resentment, fear, or anxiety towards owners or towards scratching as a whole.
There are passive approaches which may be useful for discouraging your cat to scratch the couch, and the sofa can be temporarily modified to make it unpleasant for scratching.
This can be done through the special tape, non-toxic sprays or odor repellents, alarms, and entirely covering the area while you’re away. Owners can also take a DIY approach, such as stacking plastic cups or plates set to topple over if the site is tampered with.
To get your Exotic Shorthair to stop scratching the furniture, a suitable scratching post coupled with a stable routine must be in place in conjunction with any of these methods.
I have a cat condo / cat tree next to my couch, and my cat scratches on the scratching posts on the cat condo all the time – which is precisely where I want her to scratch. To make sure she realized that I wanted her focus on the scratch posts, I sprayed them generously with catnip spray. If you do not know already, catnip spray is a great way to let a cat know that anything it is sprayed on is for her.
We talk more about if cats will scratch faux leather furniture, particularly in our article on the subject: Click Here.
Why Do Cats Scratch Things?
There are various reasons why cats are inclined to scratch certain materials, and it’s a healthy part of their overall care. Foremost, scratching acts as a sort of manicure, as it shortens, sharpens, and conditions the claws topped with a full-body stretch.
Cats may also scratch out of anxiety, boredom, as a means to mark territory, or to establish dominance, which is common if there have been changes in routine or the induction of a new pet. Fortunately, the Exotic Shorthair is friendly, pleasant, and adjusts to new routines well.
Why Do Scratching Posts Work?
Scratching posts serve the primary purpose of scratching by allowing felines to condition their claws at will and provide freedom of scratching for different situations that cause the urge.
Scratching Posts also allow for full-body stretching and exertion as they are tall, yet sturdy. Some scratching posts have taut woven material for durability (such as sisal fibers), and some are fitted with loose woven fabrics that enable tears.
Which option would be best would depend on your cat’s preference? Some felines enjoy satisfying the tactile sense, while others seek a visual representation of their activity. Scratching Posts need to be methodically placed around the home to be most effective, and many cats favor posts that have corners for scratching two sides at once. Spraying pheromones or catnip spray (my preference) on the scratching post will attract your cat to the area.
My opinion is that scratching posts are superb. I have found that my cat uses scratching posts with sisal fiber (which are also conveniently the type found on many cat condos / cat trees) and that she doesn’t care for scratching posts made out of other materials. I’ll include some photos to show you what I am talking about.
Cat Condos / Cat Trees are fantastic and not just because of the scratching posts. To learn more about if cats like cat condos: Click Here.
Exotic Shorthair Behavior Issues
The Exotic Shorthair is very polite, attentive, social, and docile. While they may climb and perch, they also enjoy being on caregivers’ laps, and males are rumored to be more outgoing than females.
Jumping on furniture
This breed is not huge on jumping and climbing to extremely high points in the home but is a fan of comfy spots and plush resting areas. They may jump onto furniture to recline or curl up next to caregivers on couches to spend time with them.
Jumping on counters
While they are quite obedient and courteous, the Exotic Shorthair may jump on counters, but all cats will jump on things if they desire being on top of it – this includes furniture. However, this would generally be for simply perching in an observational spot in the home, or to participate in activities in the area.
Scratching
The Exotic Shorthair is not very territorial and does well with changes in routine, thus they are less likely to scratch out of anxiety. This breed commonly scratches for primary claw care and natural urges instead of destructive behavior, and they should be trained with scratching posts from a young age.
Do Exotic Shorthair Cats Need Too Much Attention?
This breed does not demand constant attention from caregivers, but will graciously seek attention when wanted or climb onto caregivers’ laps when affection is needed.
Can Exotic Shorthair Cats Be Left Alone?
The Exotic Shorthair generally does fine when left alone unless there are specific reasons why they may be anxious or fearful on their own.
Will They Destroy Anything While an Owner Is Away? Will They Have Separation Anxiety?
Exotic Shorthair cats aren’t known for becoming distraught when left alone, but will undoubtedly long for the return of their human, and may scratch out of anxiety or boredom. Investing in toys or another feline friend may assist in keeping them distracted while owners are away.
If you do adopt another cat, I recommend a Domestic Shorthair cat like my cat, Charlotte. There are almost always plenty of Domestic Shorthair cats ready for adoption and they make fantastic pets.
We discuss what happens when you leave cats alone and miss their owners in our article: Click Here.
How to Make an Exotic Shorthair Cat Happy?
This breed is happier in more tranquil and serene areas, as they appreciate quieter surroundings and are quite sensitive overall. However, they are not overly fussy and get along reasonably well with others.
What Can We Do to Make This Cat Breed Happy?
The Exotic Shorthair will benefit from a balance between fun, interactive play, moderate affection, and relaxation. Toys and activities will increase the quality of life, and exercise should be encouraged by caregivers.
Affection with your Exotic Shorthair Cat
While the Exotic Shorthair isn’t clingy, they enjoy laying on loved ones’ laps, stretching out next to caregivers, and perching on shoulders occasionally. They are also fun-loving and thrive off of the interactive play.
Places to Rest and Hide
This breed loves comfy areas, and commonly enjoys sleeping in caregivers’ beds. Thus, it’s essential to ensure that the Exotic Shorthair has a comfortable place to recline and lounge.
Cat Condos / Cat Trees
These allow ample space and plush furnishings for cats to relax, sleep, and wander. Many cat condos or cat trees come with fitted scratching posts and dangling toys like knotted ropes for additional entertainment.
- The cat condo/cat tree on Amazon that I recommend for Exotic Shorthair Cats – I own this for my cat, and she loves it! (Affiliate Link): Click Here
Cat Beds
Cat beds provide cats with their special soft place to sleep in. They are designed to suit the various lounging positions and overall physique of cats for optimal comfort. They are created with fabrics that are durable and more resistant to scratching, which allows them to knead when they like.
- The cat bed on Amazon that I recommend for Exotic Shorthair cats – Has a place for the cat to sleep inside of it and on top of it (Affiliate Link) – Click Here.
Taking an Exotic Shorthair Cat Outside
There are plenty of benefits for taking this breed outside in moderation, as they will benefit from exercise and outdoor exposure. Besides, plenty more scratching opportunities can be found outside, including healthy trees and stumps. The Exotic Shorthair is quite mellow and will need encouragement for physical exercise.
Taking them outside acts as entertainment for your feline friend, and they will appreciate spending time with their loved ones. Time outside also contributes to resolving intangible causes for scratching, such as lack of attention or boredom.
Cat Harness and Leashes: Cat harnesses and leashes are undoubtedly beneficial in terms of allowing physical activity, quality exercise, exploration, as well as overall freedom of movement. Walking your cat will allow your cat to engage with the outside world within the boundaries set by caregivers, and ensure that your Exotic Shorthair gets the amount of exercise necessary for staying in good shape.
Cat Backpacks: Cat backpacks provide the opportunity for witnessing outdoor life without engaging in physical activity or being exposed to external conditions. Cat backpacks may be a good option for this calm and timid feline, and they may appreciate merely being a part of their human journey.
- This is the cat backpack on Amazon I recommend for Exotic Shorthair Cats since it has excellent airflow and will give your cat a great view (Affiliate Link): Click Here.
Cat Strollers: Cat strollers allow cats to experience the outside world without engaging in physical activity. Walking your cat with a cat stroller would reward your cat with more freedom and entertainment, as they are not entirely cooped up.
- This cat stroller on Amazon I recommend for Exotic Shorthair Cats since it can go pretty much anywhere you need it to while being versatile (Affiliate Link): Click Here.
Conclusion
The Exotic Shorthair is relatively tame and is not overly destructive without a relevant cause. They don’t demand attention all of the time and are relatively passive in seeking attention. For this breed, scratching will commonly come down to primal instinct and urges, as well as casual claw care.
It’s crucial to ensure that your feline has the appropriate amenities to scratch within its boundaries. Training from a young age will be most beneficial for providing non-destructive behavior throughout its life.
If you enjoyed this article, check out a couple of other articles on Exotic Shorthair cats:
- Exotic Shorthair vs Scottish Fold: Click Here.
- Can Exotic Shorthair Cats Go Outside: Click Here.
