Cats, with their innate curiosity and playful instincts, often find themselves drawn to your furniture. While scratching is a natural behavior, it can quickly become a frustrating issue for cat owners. If you don’t want your furniture to look like it’s ready to be hauled away with the trash, consider these strategies to curb your cat’s scratching habits.
Provide a Scratching Post
Cats scratch for several reasons, including to mark their territory and maintain their claws. Providing them with a designated spot to do so can prevent them from using your furniture instead. Choose a sturdy scratching post that is tall enough for your cat to fully stretch out on and covered in an appealing material such as sisal rope or cardboard. Remember to put the scratching posts in the right places can also help stop your cat from scratching the door at night.
Invest In A Large Cat Tree
Cats love to climb and perch in high places. A tall, multi-level cat tree can not only provide your cat with a place to play and rest but also serve as an alternative scratching surface. Many cat trees come equipped with sisal covered poles or platforms for scratching, giving your feline friend multiple options.
Spray The Furniture With Repellent
There are several types of cat repellents available on the market that can be safely sprayed onto your furniture to discourage scratching. These products emit an odor that cats dislike, and over time, they will learn to avoid the treated areas.
Use Double-Sided Tape
Cats also dislike sticky surfaces, so placing double-sided tape on the edges of your furniture can deter them from scratching. Make sure to replace the tape regularly as it will lose its stickiness over time.
Cover the Sofa with Blankets or Plastic Sheets.
If your cat has already developed a habit of scratching your sofa or couch, try covering it with blankets or plastic sheets. This will not only protect your furniture from further damage but also create an unappealing surface for your cat to scratch on.
Trim Your Cat’s Nails Regularly
Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed can significantly reduce the damage they do when scratching. Invest in a good pair of pet nail clippers and make it a part of your regular grooming routine.
Consider Soft Paws
Soft Paws are vinyl caps that can be glued onto your cat’s nails, covering the sharp tips. These caps should be replaced every 4-6 weeks but provide a temporary solution for keeping your furniture safe from scratches.
Train Your Cat to Behave
Whenever you see your cat scratching furniture, clapping your hands, or making a hissing sound to interrupt the behavior. Over time, your cat may start to link the unpleasant noise with scratching the wrong surfaces. It’s time-consuming but can be an effective method of training.
Play with Your Cat
Cats are natural hunters and need mental and physical stimulation. Playing with your cat regularly can help them release their energy, reducing the likelihood of scratching furniture out of boredom or frustration.
Soothe Your Cat’s Anxiety
If your cat’s scratching is excessive, it could be due to anxiety. Calming supplements, like Purina and Pro Plan, can help, as can medications like Prozac or Zoloft. Be sure to get a veterinary prescription for these medications—never use human versions on your cat.