Cats are beloved and delightful human companions frequently adored and kept as pets in most households. Despite being a source of pleasure and happiness, cat pets sometimes pose certain problems and cause damage to household items like furniture and floors. Cat scratching is one of the most frequent and troublesome natural behaviors, which helps cats mark their territory, keep their claws trimmed, and provide a source of physical exercise. Therefore, it is detrimental to stop the cats from scratching your furniture by providing alternatives, training, and environmental changes. There is always a solution to a problem you can remove the smell from the furniture with the 9 effective ways to remove the smell from furniture. Similarly, there are several effective strategies to stop cats from scratching your beloved furnishings.
Why Cats Scratch?
Before going into the methods to stop cats from scratching your furniture, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind this scratching behavior. There are various reasons for cats scratch:
Mark their Territory
Cats use their paws as smell glands, so when they scratch, they leave behind a visual and chemical mark on their territory.
Trimmed Claws
Scratching keeps their claws healthy and sharp by removing the outer sheath.
Physical and Mental Exercise
Scratching allows cats to stretch their muscles and relieve stress.
Stress Relief
Scratching can be a way for cats to relieve stress or frustration.
Strategies to Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture
1. Provide Appropriate Scratching Post
One of the best ways to train your cats to stop scratching your furniture is to provide appropriate scratching areas. Purchase some solid cat trees or scratching posts. Place the replacements thoughtfully throughout your house, paying particular attention to spots where your cat likes to scratch. The cat scratching post should be constructed of materials your cat likes to scratch and tall enough for them to stretch out completely. Use carpet, cardboard, or sisal posts, as cats are drawn to these materials.
2. Use Cat Scratchers
Cat scratchers are available in various forms, such as cardboard, carpeted, and sisal rope scratchers. Try different types to see which your cat likes best. Sprinkle some catnip on these scratchers, or keep your cats’ favorite toys close by to encourage them to play with them.
3. Scratching Pads and Mats
Flat cat scratchers, such as mats and pads, can be attached to furniture or left on the ground. They are ideal for cats who prefer scratching furniture horizontally. Common materials include carpet, sisal, and corrugated cardboard. Ensure the pad or mat is large enough for your cat to use comfortably. These are often lightweight and easily portable.
4. Scratching Loungers
Scratching loungers give your cat a cozy place to relax and a place to scratch. They come in a variety of sizes and forms and are usually made from corrugated cardboard. A stretching lounger must have the following features. Make sure your cat can sit and lie comfortably on the lounger. Sturdy, thick, corrugated cardboard is ideal. Pick a style that goes well with the décor in your house.
5. Behavioral Training
Encourage your cats to use their designated scratching areas with positive reinforcement and redirection. Encourage your cat with treats, attention, or time spent playing with their favorite toys whenever you witness them using the cat scratching post or other scratching areas. This will help them associate the scratching post with positive experiences. When your cat uses their scratching post, show them love and affection. This encourages them to repeat the behavior. If you catch your cat scratching furniture, gently redirect them to the scratching post. Consistency is critical to reinforcing this behavior.
6. Environmental Enrichment
Cats with access to interactive toys, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders are less likely to become bored and scratch your furniture since they keep their minds and bodies engaged to prevent cats scratching behavior. Various cat toys can keep your cat occupied and distracted. To keep your cat entertained and prevent boredom, which can result in destructive scratching, provide them with abundant toys and activities. Provide your cat with vertical space to explore and scratch by installing cat trees or shelves.
7. Regular Nail Trimming
Keeping your cat’s claws trimmed can minimize the harm of clawing. Regular nail trimming should be part of your cat’s grooming routine. Take your cat to a professional groomer or ask your veterinarian to show you how to trim their nails if you need help with how to do it yourself.
8. Using Nail Caps
You can attach tiny, rubber-like caps called “soft claws” to your cat’s natural claws. By blunting the claws, they reduce the harm caused by scratching. They allow your cats to continue their natural scratching behavior while efficiently keeping them from causing damage to furniture. As your cat’s claws grow, you must change the nail caps every four to six weeks. However, these nail caps require proper application and periodic replacements for maximum effectiveness.
9. Invest in Cat Trees
Cat trees are excellent multifunctional furniture. They offer places to scratch, places to climb, and comfortable places to relax. A tall cat tree in your home can satisfy your cat’s need to scratch, climb, and explore, which can help stop cats from scratching your furniture.
10. Use Deterrents
Using deterrents, training, and other alternatives can help prevent your cat from scratching your furniture. To prevent cats from scratching on the sides of your furniture, you can use furniture guards, which are transparent plastic sheets. They are discreet and can be very effective in preventing damage.
- Cover furniture surfaces with double-sided tape. Cats dislike the sticky texture and will avoid scratching there.
- Use protection or covers for your furniture made of plastic or vinyl that cats don’t like to scratch.
- Apply safe-for-pets sprays to places where cats tend to scratch. Cats find the odors in these sprays to be repulsive.
Tips to Discourage Cats from Scratching Furniture
It is essential to teach your pet how to scratch properly and to prevent cats from scratching furniture. There are several ways to do this.
Cover Furniture
Use aluminum foil, plastic, or double-sided tape to cover your furniture temporarily. Cats will not scratch these surfaces because they don’t like the texture.
Furniture Guards
Use slipcovers or furniture guards to prevent scratches on your furniture.
Sprays and Deterrents
Use pet-safe sprays that deter cats from scratching certain areas. Usually, cats don’t like the fragrance of these sprays. Explore the 6 best products to keep cats from scratching furniture.
Conclusion
There are various reasons for cats’ scratching behavior. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind cat scratching. Still, using the right strategies can only stop cats from scratching your furniture if you employ the declawing technique. Provide your cat with the appropriate scratching areas, such as cat scratching posts and cat trees, and encourage your cats to use them with positive reinforcement. Regular nail trimming and nail caps can also help reduce damage. Also, by investing in scratching posts, cat scratchers, and cat trees and using deterrents and positive reinforcement, you can create a harmonious living space for you and your feline friend.