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Everyone loves cats. Their little triangular noses, delicate whiskers and berries make them irresistible, but their tendency to scratch your furniture is much less endearing. And while scratching is a natural cat behavior, you shouldn’t discourage it with harsh scolding or declawingyou don’t have to resign yourself to the fate of ripped upholstery.
Here are some ways to redirect your cat from scratching your furniture and an explanation of why it does so in the first place.
Why is your cat scratching the furniture?
Veterinarians and pet health experts say cats tend to curl their claws for several reasons (not just to shred your couch!). Here’s why your cat might be scratching the furniture:
- It is a form of exercise and stretching. It just feels good!
- Mentally stimulating and can reduce stress.
- It keeps her nails sharp.
- It marks her territory, thanks to the scent glands in her paws.
How to stop cats from scratching furniture
Cover your furniture
Edwin Tan
If your cat has a love affair with a particular ottoman that borders on the offensive, an easy way to keep her paws away is to simply cover the area with an old blanket or towel. That way, if it gets scratched, the cover takes the brunt of it.
If you can’t use a blanket, try wrapping foil or masking tape over the surface you’re trying to protect.
Use a deterrent spray
The Spruce Pets / Lucy Silberman
No, don’t spray your cat. Mist your furniture well with cat deterrent spray – which gives off an odor your cat won’t like – and see if it deters your cat.
Provide plenty of places to scratch
Place a cat scratcher (or two) next to her favorite scratching spot. She should have more space at home to stretch and sharpen her claws. Sprinkle it on catnip on her scratching posts and cat trees so she’ll be encouraged to scratch on them – not on your latest furniture purchase.
It may take some experimentation to see what your cat likes to scratch. Scrapers can be horizontal, vertical or slanted and made of many different materials. You can even make your own!
Keep your cat busy
Since she may be itching for mental stimulation, saving your furniture can be as simple as giving her toys. Interactive cat toys will keep her busy and entertained, and daily play with her favorite human (that’s you!) will help her even more.
Trim your cat’s nails
While teaching her what no scratch, keeping the nails trimmed a short one will reduce any damage to the decor. If you’ve never trimmed your cat’s claws before, don’t worry. Practice makes perfect!
Stay Pawsitive
Always use positive reinforcement with your cat and never shout or splash water. It is not healthy for our cats to fear us and positive reinforcement training can go a long way in curbing unwanted behavior.
