Effective Tips to Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

Why Do Cats Love to Scratch Furniture?

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and their sharp claws are essential tools for hunting. Maintaining the sharpness of these claws is an instinctive act, and unfortunately, you can't stop your feline friend from scratching.

Cat claws are made up of layers of keratin, which grow from the inside out and continuously renew themselves. Cats need to wear down the outer layers of old keratin to keep their claws in prime condition.

While you can't entirely prevent your cat from scratching, you can guide them to do so in more appropriate places.

Marking Their Territory

Scratching isn't just about keeping claws sharp; it's also a way for cats to mark their territory. Cats have glands in their paws that produce pheromones, and the areas they scratch leave behind their scent, which provides them with a sense of security.

Attracting Attention

Cats may scratch furniture to get your attention, especially when they're seeking affection or attention. They might walk over to you, scratch the chair you're sitting on, and wait for you to pick them up or pet them, hoping for some interaction.

How to Correct a Cat's Desire to Scratch Furniture?

Educate Your Cat

Cats need to be educated on what is acceptable to scratch and what is not. They are intelligent creatures and can be taught. When you catch your cat scratching furniture, immediately interrupt the behavior. Use a firm but gentle tone to command, "No scratch," or physically intervene to stop them.

Be prompt in your response; with consistent correction, your cat will learn to avoid scratching furniture. Education is the cornerstone of correcting this unwanted behavior.

Cats Can Be Mischievous!

Some cats may sneak a glance at you while they're attempting to scratch furniture, checking if you're watching. If they sense you're not paying attention, they might try to get away with it. A single glance from you can be enough to deter them. If they persist, approach them, and they'll likely run away, understanding that scratching furniture is not a good idea.

Provide scratching Tools

Offer your cat scratching tools such as scratching posts, climbing frames, and sisal columns.

Scratching tools are essential, as scratching is an innate behavior. Cat scratching posts can significantly reduce the likelihood of your cat scratching furniture or sofas. Place scratching posts in areas where your cat frequently hangs out, especially near furniture or sofas, to discourage scratching due to proximity.

Area Repellents

Protect your furniture and sofas by applying antiscratch stickers to areas your cat is likely to scratch. You can also use repellent sprays, such as those containing peppermint oil or allyl isothiocyanate, on the furniture. These sprays are disliked by cats and can deter them from scratching for up to 23 months.

While these methods can be helpful, it's important to remember that proper education and providing a good environment for your cat are the most effective ways to address this issue.