How to Keep a Cat From Scratching the Screen Door

Cats need to sharpen their claws. Although providing a cat with scratching posts and trimming its nails every few weeks is a part of cat ownership, some cats still prefer to scratch at furniture, upholstery and screen doors. The best way to stop a cat̵7;s unwanted behavior is to train it to stay away. There are a few methods of deterring and repelling cats that works with screen doors.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray bottle
  • Vinegar
  • Essential citrus oils
  • Double-sided tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shout at the cat and clap your hands loudly when you notice the cat scratching the screen door. The loud noises startle the cat and distract it. If you continue to do this consistently over time, the cat learns not to scratch the screen door.

    • 2

      Fill a spray bottle with tap water and leave it in the area of the screen door. Spray the cat with the water bottle each time it scratches the screen. Shouting ̶0;no̶1; as you spray water also reinforces the idea that scratching the door is unacceptable behavior.

    • 3

      Dab a small amount of essential oil on the screen with a cotton ball. Cats are very sensitive to smells, especially citrus scents. Using lemon balm oil or lemongrass oil on the screen door is a cat repellent because cats find the smell offensive. Reapply the oil once the scent dissipates.

    • 4

      Fill a spray bottle with vinegar. Spray the screen door with the vinegar, which is another scent that cats don't like. Reapply the vinegar when the substance evaporates.

    • 5

      Apply double-side tape to the screen door. Place the tape in the areas where the cat normally scratches. Cats don̵7;t like sticky substances on their paws. After awhile the cat will associate the screen door with stickiness and will avoid scratching it.