How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching Furniture

Cats are wonderful companions, but their natural instinct to scratch can be a challenge for pet owners. If you’re tired of seeing your furniture and couch getting shredded, don’t worry! There are effective ways to redirect your cat’s scratching behaviour. This guide will help you understand why cats scratch and provide practical solutions to protect your furniture.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Scratching is an instinctive behaviour for cats. It helps them mark their territory through scent glands in their paws, maintain their claws by shedding the outer layers, and stretch their muscles to stay flexible and healthy. Recognizing these natural behaviours is the first step in finding effective solutions to protect your furniture.

Effective Ways to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Furniture

Provide Scratching Posts and Pads

• Variety is Key: Offer different types of scratching posts and pads made from materials like sisal, cardboard, and carpet. Place them in areas where you've noticed problem scratching.

• Height and Stability: Ensure the scratching posts are tall enough for a full stretch and stable enough not to tip over.

Use Deterrents

• Double-Sided Tape: Cats dislike sticky surfaces. Apply double-sided tape to areas where your cat scratches.

• Furniture Covers: Use protective covers on your furniture to make it less appealing for scratching.

Positive Reinforcement

• Reward Good Behaviour: Give your cat treats or love as a reward when they show good behaviour by using the scratching post.

• Interactive Play: Engage your cat in interactive play near the scratching post to encourage its use.

Regular Nail Trimming

• Trim Claws: Regularly trim your cat’s claws so they cause less damage to your furniture. Use cat-specific nail clippers and be careful not to cut too close to the quick.

Use Cat Pheromones

• Pheromone Sprays: Use synthetic cat pheromone sprays to create a calming environment and reduce stress-related scratching.

Provide Alternatives

• Cat Trees and Towers: Invest in cat trees or towers that offer multiple scratching surfaces and levels for climbing and playing.

• Horizontal Scratchers: Some cats prefer horizontal surfaces. Provide flat scratchers to cater to their preference.

The Importance of Avoiding Declawing

Declawing might seem like a quick fix to stop your cat from scratching furniture, but it’s a harmful and inhumane practice. Declawing involves amputating the last bone of each toe, which is equivalent to cutting off a human finger at the last joint. This procedure can lead to long-term physical and behavioural issues for your cat¹, including:

• Chronic Pain: Many cats experience ongoing pain and discomfort after being declawed.

• Behavioural Problems: Declawed cats may develop issues such as biting or avoiding the litter box due to pain.

• Mobility Issues: Without their claws, cats can struggle with balance and mobility, affecting their overall quality of life.

Instead of declawing, focus on the humane methods mentioned above to manage your cat’s scratching behaviour. Your cat will be happier and healthier, and your furniture will be protected.

Training Tips

• Consistency: Be consistent with your training. Redirect your cat to the scratching post every time they scratch the furniture.

• Patience: Training takes time. Be patient and persistent, and never punish your cat, as it can lead to fear and anxiety.

Conclusion

Figuring out how to stop your cat from scratching your couch and furniture requires understanding their needs and providing appropriate alternatives. By offering a variety of scratching posts, using deterrents, and reinforcing positive behaviour, you can protect your furniture and keep your cat happy and healthy. Remember, patience and consistency are key to successful training.