How To Stop My Cat From Scratching Furniture

Scratching is a good form of exercise for cats, as they get to stretch out their bodies, extend and retract their nails. When scratching, the movements help remove the outer nail sheaths and also leave visual and olfactory (scent) markers.

How To Stop My Cat From Scratching Furniture

Cats need to scratch, so you can\’t stop this behavior. But you can provide alternative options, to protect your furniture and redirect the scratching to appropriate places:

Train your cat to scratch where he should.

Trying to train your cat might be time-consuming. In the meantime, you have to take care of the furniture by covering them.

Cover furniture and protect your carpet.

Cats do not enjoy scratching slick surfaces, so covering furniture with a sheet could be a solution. If your cat is scratching the carpet, then you can simply move a piece of furniture to cover it.

Provide alternative scratching points.

Place a scratching post or two in every area of the home where your cat spends time. They should allow the cat to fully stretch, so some posts should be suitable height. Here are the 5 best scratching posts of 2023!

After you install these pads, you have to introduce your cat to each new scratching post. Spend some time with your cat next to the posts. Try hanging toys on and around, sprinkling the post with catnip, or even moving their paws in the scratching motion on the post.

Need help in choosing the perfect cat scratching post? Have a look in our full guide!

Use nail caps.

If scratching continues, you can use these soft caps which cover each claw. Wearing those, your cat can continue to scratch without damaging walls or furniture. It is best to have your vet apply the nail caps, which will need to be reapplied about every 5-6 weeks.

Conclusion

As we draw the curtains on our guide to \”How to Stop My Cat From Scratching Furniture,\” we hope you\’ve gained valuable insights and practical solutions to help protect your cherished furniture while maintaining a happy and healthy relationship with your feline friend.

Remember, curbing your cat\’s scratching behavior is a journey that requires patience and persistence. By implementing the strategies we\’ve discussed and tailoring them to your cat\’s unique needs, you can foster positive scratching habits and create a harmonious living space for both you and your beloved pet.

We would love to hear about your experiences and any success stories you\’ve had in preventing furniture damage or encouraging your cat to use appropriate scratching posts. Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or additional tips in the comments section below. Your insights can provide valuable support to fellow cat owners facing similar challenges.

Source: cats protection