Cats are wonderful companions, bringing joy, affection, and entertainment into our homes. However, one common challenge that many cat owners face is how to stop their cats from scratching furniture. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, but when it’s directed at your favorite couch or chair, it can be frustrating.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into why cats scratch, and more importantly, how you can stop your cat from scratching your furniture without punishing or scolding them. With the right approach, you can protect your home while keeping your cat happy and healthy.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Before we jump into solutions, it’s essential to understand why cats scratch. Scratching isn’t something they do out of spite or bad behavior—it’s a natural and necessary part of being a cat. Here are the main reasons cats scratch:
- Sharpening their claws: Scratching helps cats keep their claws sharp and healthy by removing the outer layer of dead claw sheaths.
- Marking their territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws, so when they scratch, they’re also leaving a scent mark that signals to other animals that this area is “theirs.”
- Stretching and exercising: Scratching helps cats stretch their muscles, especially those in their shoulders and paws. It’s a way for them to stay limber and feel good physically.
- Relieving stress: Scratching is also a way for cats to release pent-up energy or stress. It can be a form of self-soothing behavior.
Because scratching is such an instinctive behavior, it’s unrealistic to expect your cat to stop scratching altogether. Instead, the goal is to redirect their scratching to appropriate surfaces, like scratching posts, while protecting your furniture.
1. Provide Scratching Alternatives
One of the most effective ways to stop your cat from scratching furniture is to provide them with an appropriate alternative—a scratching post or pad. The key is to make these alternatives more appealing to your cat than your furniture.
a. Choose the Right Scratching Post
Not all scratching posts are created equal. Cats have individual preferences, so it’s important to find the type of post that your cat will actually use.
- Material: Cats love to scratch surfaces that feel satisfying to their claws. Posts covered in sisal rope or natural wood are usually a big hit. Avoid carpet-covered posts because they can be confusing to cats, especially if your home has carpet floors.
- Height: Cats like to stretch out fully when they scratch, so make sure the post is tall enough for them to extend their body. A post that is at least 32 inches high is usually ideal for most cats.
- Sturdiness: Cats won’t use a post that wobbles or falls over when they scratch it. Make sure the scratching post is stable and sturdy enough to withstand their weight and vigorous scratching.
b. Place the Scratching Post in the Right Location
The placement of the scratching post is just as important as the post itself. If you want to stop your cat from scratching your couch, place the scratching post near the furniture they’re currently scratching. Cats often scratch near areas where they relax or nap, so positioning the post next to these spots will make it more likely they’ll use it.
Once your cat starts using the scratching post consistently, you can gradually move it to a more convenient location if needed.
c. Encourage Your Cat to Use the Scratching Post
Some cats might immediately take to a new scratching post, while others might need some encouragement. Here’s how you can entice your cat to use the post:
- Use catnip: Sprinkle or rub a bit of catnip on the scratching post to attract your cat to it.
- Play near the post: Engage your cat in playtime around the post using their favorite toys. This will naturally encourage them to scratch it as part of their play.
- Reward them: Every time you see your cat using the scratching post, reward them with treats or affection. Positive reinforcement will help them associate the post with good things.
2. Protect Your Furniture
While you’re working on redirecting your cat’s scratching to appropriate places, you’ll also need to protect your furniture to prevent further damage. There are several methods you can use to make your furniture less appealing to your cat.
a. Use Furniture Covers or Tape
Cats dislike certain textures, and you can use this to your advantage. Cover the areas of your furniture that your cat likes to scratch with materials that feel unpleasant to them.
- Double-sided tape: Cats don’t like sticky surfaces. Placing double-sided tape on your furniture will discourage them from scratching that area. You can buy special tape designed for this purpose, such as Sticky Paws, which is safe for both cats and furniture.
- Aluminum foil or plastic: Temporarily covering your furniture with aluminum foil or plastic wrap can make the surface less appealing to your cat. Cats usually dislike the feel of these materials on their paws.
b. Use Furniture Guards
Another option is to invest in furniture guards or scratch shields. These are clear plastic or vinyl protectors that can be placed over the areas your cat tends to scratch. They provide a barrier between your cat’s claws and the fabric of your furniture without being too visually obtrusive.
c. Apply Cat Deterrent Sprays
Cat deterrent sprays can also be helpful. These sprays contain scents that are unpleasant to cats (like citrus or eucalyptus) but are not harmful. Spraying these products on the areas your cat scratches can help deter them from returning to that spot.
Keep in mind that these sprays need to be reapplied regularly for them to remain effective.
3. Nail Trimming and Soft Paws
Keeping your cat’s claws trimmed is another important step in reducing the damage caused by scratching. Regular nail trims prevent your cat’s claws from getting too long and sharp, which can help minimize the harm to your furniture.
a. How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails
Many cats aren’t thrilled with having their nails trimmed, but with patience and practice, most cats can learn to tolerate it. Here are some tips for trimming your cat’s nails:
- Start slowly: If your cat is new to nail trimming, start by getting them used to having their paws handled. Gently touch their paws and give them treats to create a positive association.
- Use proper tools: Invest in a pair of cat nail clippers, which are designed specifically for a cat’s small, delicate nails. Human nail clippers are not ideal for this task.
- Trim the tips: Only trim the sharp tip of the nail, avoiding the pink area (called the quick) where blood vessels and nerves are located. Cutting the quick can cause pain and bleeding.
If you’re not comfortable trimming your cat’s nails, ask your vet or a professional groomer for help.
b. Consider Soft Paws (Nail Caps)
If trimming your cat’s nails isn’t enough, you can also try using Soft Paws, which are soft rubber caps that fit over your cat’s claws. These caps prevent your cat from being able to damage your furniture when they scratch. They’re non-toxic, easy to apply, and last for about 4-6 weeks before they fall off naturally.
Soft Paws are a great solution for cats that scratch excessively, but they don’t stop the cat’s desire to scratch. You’ll still need to provide appropriate scratching outlets.
4. Be Patient and Persistent
Stopping your cat from scratching furniture doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and consistency. Here are some final tips to help you stay on track:
- Don’t punish your cat: Cats don’t respond well to punishment, and scolding or hitting them can damage the trust between you and your pet. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement when they use appropriate scratching surfaces.
- Stay consistent: Make sure everyone in the household is on board with the training plan. Consistency is key to reinforcing good behavior.
- Redirect when needed: If you catch your cat scratching the furniture, gently redirect them to the scratching post. You can also pick them up and place them near the post when you see them gearing up to scratch.
5. Consult a Professional if Needed
If you’ve tried everything and your cat is still scratching furniture excessively, consider consulting a professional animal behaviorist or your vet. They can help you identify any underlying issues (like anxiety or boredom) and develop a more personalized plan to address the behavior.
Final Thoughts
Stopping your cat from scratching furniture is all about understanding their natural instincts and providing them with appropriate outlets for those behaviors. By offering scratching alternatives, protecting your furniture, and using positive reinforcement, you can keep both your cat and your furniture happy.
Remember that patience and consistency are key. Over time, your cat will learn where it’s okay to scratch, and you’ll be able to enjoy a scratch-free home without sacrificing your cat’s well-being or happiness.