What to Do When Your Cat Won’t Stop Scratching the Furniture
Cats love to scratch—it’s part of their natural instincts! Whether it’s marking territory, stretching, or simply keeping their claws healthy, scratching is an essential behavior for cats. However, when your feline friend decides your furniture is their personal scratching post, it can be frustrating. Luckily, there are several strategies you can try to keep your furniture safe while still allowing your cat to satisfy their scratching needs.
- Provide a Scratching Post or Pad
One of the best ways to prevent your cat from scratching your furniture is to provide an attractive alternative—a scratching post or pad. Look for a scratching post that is tall enough to allow your cat to stretch fully. Cats love variety, so try a combination of vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces.
Materials Matter: Choose materials that your cat finds appealing, such as sisal or cardboard. Cats enjoy the texture of these materials because they’re satisfying to scratch.
Location is Key: Place the scratching post in areas your cat frequents, especially near the furniture they tend to scratch. Cats love to scratch after waking up, so consider placing one near their favorite sleeping spot.
- Use Catnip to Attract Your Cat to the Scratching Post
If your cat is a bit stubborn about using their scratching post, try using catnip to entice them. Sprinkle a little catnip on the scratching post or rub some on the surface. The scent of catnip can attract your cat to the post, encouraging them to scratch there instead of your furniture.
If your cat isn’t responding to catnip, you can try spraying a special “cat attractant” available at pet stores. These sprays are designed to entice cats to use scratching posts.
- Cover Furniture with Deterrents
If your cat is fixated on scratching your couch or chairs, it might be time to use some deterrents. There are a few ways to protect your furniture:
Furniture Covers: Consider investing in slipcovers or special furniture protectors designed to discourage scratching. Some covers have rough textures that cats don’t like.
Double-Sided Tape: Cats dislike the sticky feeling of tape. Place double-sided tape on the areas of your furniture your cat tends to scratch. The sensation will deter them from scratching that spot in the future.
Furniture Sprays: There are sprays available that act as a repellent for cats. These sprays have scents that cats find unpleasant, encouraging them to leave your furniture alone. Be sure to test any spray on a small area of the furniture first to make sure it doesn’t cause damage.
- Trim Your Cat’s Claws Regularly
Keeping your cat’s claws trimmed is an important part of managing scratching. Regularly trimming your cat’s claws will reduce the damage they can do when they scratch. If you’re unsure how to trim your cat’s claws, you can ask your vet to show you the proper technique.
Be Careful: Be gentle when trimming your cat’s claws, and avoid cutting too close to the quick, the pink area of the claw that contains blood vessels. If you’re nervous about trimming your cat’s claws yourself, a professional groomer or vet can do it for you.
- Encourage Positive Scratching Behavior with Praise
When your cat uses the scratching post or pad, make sure to offer positive reinforcement. This could be in the form of treats, affection, or verbal praise. Positive reinforcement helps your cat understand that scratching the right things brings rewards.
If you catch your cat scratching the furniture, gently redirect them to their scratching post and reward them when they start scratching there. Consistency is key—don’t scold your cat for scratching; instead, encourage them to scratch the right surfaces.
- Cover the Scratched Areas Temporarily
If your cat has already scratched your furniture, you might want to temporarily cover the damaged areas. Consider using:
Slipcovers: These can protect your furniture while also adding a fresh look.
Faux Fur or Fabric Tape: Wrap the scratched areas with fabric that has a texture your cat dislikes (like faux fur or other materials they find uncomfortable).
This can help prevent further damage while you work on training your cat to use their scratching post.
- Create a Stimulating Environment
Sometimes, cats scratch out of boredom or stress. Ensure your cat has plenty of stimulation through toys, climbing trees, and interactive play. Cats are natural hunters, and providing them with activities that mimic hunting (such as laser pointers, feather wands, or puzzle toys) can keep them mentally and physically engaged.
If your cat is scratching due to stress or anxiety, consider ways to reduce environmental stressors. You might also try using calming sprays or diffusers with pheromones that help soothe anxious cats.
Final Thoughts
While scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for cats, it doesn’t have to mean damage to your furniture. By providing appropriate alternatives, using deterrents, and ensuring your cat’s needs are met, you can redirect their scratching habits in a way that keeps both your cat happy and your furniture safe. Patience and consistency are key, so keep at it and enjoy the process of finding solutions that work for both you and your cat