Tips To Counter Cat Scratching Furniture

If you’re a cat owner, you know how much your feline friend loves to scratch. Unfortunately, that often means that they end up scratching your furniture. But don’t worry, there are ways to keep your cat from damaging your beloved couch or chair.

1. Provide a Scratching Post Cats need to scratch to keep their claws healthy and to mark their territory. Giving your cat a designated scratching post will redirect their scratching behavior away from your furniture. Look for a post that’s tall enough for your cat to stretch out and sturdy enough to support their weight.
2. Encourage Use of the Scratching Post Place the scratching post in a central location in your home, and make sure it’s easily accessible. Encourage your cat to use the post by scratching it yourself, placing catnip on it, or using toys to lure them over to it. Reward your cat with treats or praise when they use the scratching post.
3. Deter Scratching of Furniture To keep your cat from scratching your furniture, you can use a deterrent spray. There are many sprays available that are safe for cats and won’t damage your furniture. These sprays have a scent that cats don’t like and will discourage them from scratching in that area.
4. Cover Furniture If your cat still insists on scratching your furniture, try covering it with a protective cover. There are many types of covers available, from plastic to fabric, that will protect your furniture from damage. You can also try placing aluminum foil or double-sided tape on the furniture to deter scratching.
5. Trim Claws Keeping your cat’s claws trimmed can also help prevent damage to your furniture. If you’re not comfortable trimming your cat’s claws yourself, take them to a groomer or veterinarian to have it done.

In conclusion, it’s important to remember that scratching is a natural behavior for cats, so it’s important to provide them with a designated scratching post. Encourage your cat to use the post and use deterrents or protective covers to keep them from scratching your furniture. With a little patience and effort, you can keep your furniture scratch-free and your cat happy.