How to stop cats from scratching furniture

Cats love to scratch. It’s a natural thing they do to stretch their muscles, mark their territory, and keep their claws healthy. However, as much as scratching is important for cats, it can cause a lot of damage to furniture, carpets, and other things in your home. If you are having problems with your cat scratching your furniture, don’t worry. There are ways to stop it. In this article, we will give you simple tips to help you protect your furniture while still keeping your cat happy.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Before we talk about how to stop your cat from scratching, it’s good to understand why they do it. Cats scratch for several reasons:

1. To mark their territory, Cats have special scent glands in their paws. When they scratch, they leave their scent behind to say, “This is my space!”

2. To keep their claws healthy, Scratching helps cats shed the old, dead layers of their claws. This keeps them sharp and healthy.

3. To stretch their muscles: Scratching helps cats stretch their paws, legs, and back.

4. To feel comfortable: Sometimes, cats scratch simply because it feels good to them. It’s a way to relax and release energy.

How to Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

There are many ways to stop your cat from scratching your furniture. Here are some simple ideas:

1. Provide Scratching Posts

One of the best ways to stop your cat from scratching furniture is to give them something else to scratch. A scratching post is a great choice. Scratching posts come in many shapes and sizes. Some are tall, some are short, and some are covered in carpet or sisal.

How to use it:

• Place the scratching post near the area your cat likes to scratch, like next to the couch or on the rug.

• Make sure the post is tall enough for your cat to stretch fully. Cats like to stretch when they scratch.

• Encourage your cat to use the post by gently rubbing it with your cat’s paws.

2. Use Cat Scratch Deterrent Spray

Another way to stop your cat from scratching furniture is to use a scratch deterrent spray. These sprays are made to make the furniture smell bad to your cat. The scent is safe for humans but unpleasant for cats. When your cat smells it, they will be less likely to scratch the area.

How to use it:

• Buy a spray that is designed to keep cats from scratching. You can find these at pet stores or online.

• Spray it on the areas where your cat usually scratches.

• Reapply the spray as needed.

3. Trim Your Cat’s Claws

Trimming your cat’s claws will help reduce the damage they do when they scratch. This doesn’t stop them from scratching, but it can make the scratches less damaging.

How to trim your cat’s claws:

• Use special cat nail clippers, which are designed for trimming cat claws.

• Be very careful not to cut too close to the quick (the pink part inside the claw), as this can hurt your cat.

• If you’re not sure how to trim your cat’s claws, ask a vet or a professional groomer to show you how.

4. Cover Your Furniture

If your cat is already scratching your furniture, try to cover the areas with something protective. There are many different ways to do this:

• Furniture covers: You can buy special furniture covers that are designed to protect from cat scratches.

• Double-sided tape: Cats don’t like sticky surfaces. You can use double-sided tape on the areas your cat likes to scratch. When they scratch, the tape will stick to their paws, and they’ll learn to avoid that spot.

• Plastic or fabric covers: You can also use plastic or fabric covers on your furniture to protect it. These covers can be removed when not needed.

5. Provide Alternatives

Sometimes, cats scratch because they are bored or don’t have enough toys or activities to do. If your cat has a lot of energy, they may scratch furniture to release it.

Provide alternatives to keep your cat busy:

• Give your cat more toys, like balls, feathers, or even cardboard boxes.

• Play with your cat every day. Spend time with them to keep them active and happy.

• Offer puzzle toys that make your cat work for food or treats. This keeps their mind busy.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement

Cats respond well to rewards. If your cat uses the scratching post instead of the furniture, give them a reward. This can be a treat, extra playtime, or praise. When your cat learns that scratching the post brings rewards, they will be more likely to keep using it.

How to use positive reinforcement:

• When your cat scratches the post, give them a treat or play with them right away.

• Be consistent. Reward your cat every time they use the scratching post instead of the furniture.

7. Use Soft Claws or Nail Caps

If your cat continues to scratch and you want to stop the damage, you can use soft claws or nail caps. These are small covers that fit over your cat’s claws. They help prevent scratches but do not hurt your cat.

How to use soft claws:

• Soft claws come with instructions on how to put them on your cat’s claws. You can buy them from pet stores or online.

• If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, ask a vet or groomer for help.

8. Create a Comfortable Environment

A stressed or unhappy cat may scratch more. Cats scratch when they are feeling anxious or nervous. Try to create a calm, comfortable space for your cat to relax.

How to create a comfortable space:

• Provide quiet places where your cat can rest without being disturbed.

• Keep your cat’s litter box clean.

• Offer cozy bedding or blankets where your cat can sleep.

9. Avoid Punishing Your Cat

It’s important to remember that scratching is a natural behavior for cats. They don’t do it to upset you. Punishing your cat will not teach them to stop scratching. In fact, it may cause stress or fear, which can make the problem worse.

Instead of punishment:

• Focus on redirecting the behavior.

• Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior.

• Be patient. It may take some time for your cat to learn.

10. Consult a Vet or Behaviorist

If your cat’s scratching continues or gets worse, you may need help from a professional. A vet or animal behaviorist can help you understand your cat’s behavior and give you more specific advice.

When to consult a professional:

• If your cat is scratching more than usual.

• If your cat is scratching in places other than furniture (such as walls or curtains).

• If you notice other signs of stress or anxiety.

Conclusion

Cats need to scratch, but it doesn’t have to mean your furniture is destroyed. By giving your cat alternatives to scratch, using deterrents, and providing lots of playtime and attention, you can stop your cat from scratching furniture while keeping them happy. Patience and consistency are key. With time, you and your cat will find the right solution to the scratching problem.