How to stop your cat from scratching furniture
How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Furniture
If you have a cat, you probably know that they like to scratch things. Unfortunately, one of the things they often scratch is furniture, which can be expensive and frustrating. However, there are ways to prevent or redirect your cat's scratching behavior, without harming them or your relationship. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective and humane methods for keeping your cat's claws away from your couch and chairs.
Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?
Before we dive into the solutions, let's first understand why cats scratch in the first place. Contrary to popular belief, cats do not scratch to annoy their owners or destruct furniture on purpose. Rather, scratching is a natural and instinctive behavior for cats that serves multiple purposes:
- Scratching helps cats shed dead outer layers of their claws, revealing sharp and healthy nails underneath.
- Scratching allows cats to stretch their muscles, spine, and shoulders, which helps them feel comfortable and relieved.
- Scratching leaves visual and olfactory marks on the scratched surface, signaling to other cats (or humans) that this is their territory or favorite spot.
Therefore, it is important to not punish your cat for scratching, as it is part of their normal repertoire of behaviors. Instead, we need to provide them with appropriate outlets for their scratching urges, while protecting our furniture from harm.
How to Prevent Your Cat from Scratching Furniture
The best way to deal with cat scratching is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some preventive measures you can take:
1. Buy scratching posts or pads: Cats need a designated and attractive surface where they can scratch to their heart's content. Providing them with a variety of scratching posts or pads in different shapes, sizes, materials, and orientations can help them find their preferred spot. Place the posts or pads near the furniture that your cat likes to scratch, or in a visible and accessible area of the house. You can also sprinkle some catnip or play with toys near the posts or pads to entice your cat to use them. Avoid using posts or pads that are unstable, flimsy, or covered in carpet (which can confuse cats and make them scratch carpeted furniture instead).
2. Cover furniture with non-scratch materials: If you have a particular piece of furniture that your cat keeps scratching, you can temporarily cover it with materials that cats dislike or cannot scratch. Examples of such materials include double-sided tape, aluminum foil, sandpaper, or plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can use special furniture covers or slipcovers made of sturdy fabrics like microfiber or canvas that are resistant to cat claws. Be sure to remove the covers once your cat gets used to their scratching posts or pads.
3. Trim your cat's nails regularly: Regular nail trimming can prevent cats from damaging furniture as well as injuring themselves or other pets/people. Use specially designed cat nail clippers or scissors, and be careful not to cut the quick (the pink part) of the nail, which contains blood vessels and nerves. If your cat is not used to nail trimming, start slowly and reward them with treats or play after each session. You can also ask a veterinarian or a professional groomer to show you the proper technique or do the trimming for you.
4. Create alternative scratching surfaces: Along with scratching posts or pads, you can offer your cat other surfaces that mimic tree bark, like logs, branches, or tree stumps (make sure they are safe and clean). You can also repurpose old carpet pieces, cardboard boxes, or sisal rope into scratching surfaces that your cat can have fun with. Just make sure that the surfaces are stable, comfortable, and safe for your cat to use.
Redirecting Your Cat's Scratching
If your cat has already scratched your furniture and you want to redirect their behavior, here are some techniques you can try:
1. Use positive reinforcement: Cats respond well to praise, attention, and rewards when they do something right. Whenever you catch your cat using their scratching post or pad (or any other acceptable surface), give them verbal compliments, petting, or treats. If you see your cat approaching the furniture to scratch, quickly guide them to the proper surface and reward them for using it instead. Remember to be consistent, patient, and generous with your positive reinforcement.
2. Deter with negative reinforcement: While positive reinforcement is preferable, you can also use negative reinforcement to discourage your cat from scratching furniture. This does not mean physically punishing or yelling at your cat, which can backfire and damage your relationship. Instead, use harmless and aversive methods such as:
- Making a loud noise or hissing sound when your cat scratches the furniture
- Spraying a gentle mist or puff of air from a water bottle or air canister near your cat when they start scratching
- Using a motion-activated deterrent device like SSSCAT or StayAway that emits an unpleasant odor or sound when triggered by a cat's movement
These methods are meant to startle and distract your cat, not hurt them. They are best used as a temporary measure until your cat learns to use their scratching posts or pads instinctively.
3. Limit access to furniture: If your cat still insists on scratching a particular piece of furniture despite your efforts, you can limit their access to it by using barriers or covers. For example, you can use baby gates, furniture gates, or screens to block off the room where the furniture is located. Alternatively, you can use a plastic carpet runner or an upside-down vinyl carpet runner (with the nubs facing up) to cover the scratched surface, which cats usually dislike and avoid.
4. Trimmed Soft Paws: Trimmed Soft Paws is a recommended cat claw cover that fits over your cat’s nails giving their claws a smooth, dulled tip that will not scratch surfaces or people.
Conclusion
Having a cat scratch your furniture can be annoying and costly, but it is not an unsolvable problem. By understanding why cats scratch, providing them with proper scratching surfaces, and redirecting their behavior with positive and/or negative reinforcement, you can teach your cat to be a happy and well-behaved member of your household. Remember to be patient, creative, and consistent with your training, and your cat (and your furniture) will thank you!