What Keeps Cats From Scratching Furniture

Cats have a natural instinct to scratch, and they will often do so on furniture. This can be a frustrating problem for cat owners, as it can damage their furniture and make their home look unkempt. There are a number of things that you can do to keep your cat from scratching your furniture, including providing them with appropriate scratching posts, deterring them from scratching on furniture, and trimming their nails.

Providing Appropriate Scratching Posts

One of the best ways to keep your cat from scratching your furniture is to provide them with appropriate scratching posts. Cats scratch to remove the old outer layer of their claws, to mark their territory, and to stretch their muscles. Providing them with a scratching post that is tall enough for them to stretch out on and that is made of a material that they enjoy scratching on will help to satisfy their need to scratch and prevent them from scratching your furniture.

There are a variety of different types of scratching posts available, so you can find one that will fit your cat's personality and needs. Some cats prefer scratching posts that are made of sisal rope, while others prefer scratching posts that are made of cardboard or carpet. You may need to try a few different types of scratching posts before you find one that your cat likes.

Once you have found a scratching post that your cat likes, place it in a location where they will be likely to use it. This may be near their favorite sleeping spot or near a window where they can watch the birds. You may also want to sprinkle some catnip on the scratching post to make it more appealing to your cat.

Deterring Your Cat From Scratching On Furniture

In addition to providing your cat with appropriate scratching posts, you can also deter them from scratching on furniture by using a variety of different methods. One method is to use a spray bottle filled with water to spray your cat whenever they start to scratch on furniture. Another method is to place double-sided tape on the areas of furniture that your cat likes to scratch. The sticky feeling of the tape will deter them from scratching on those areas.

You can also try using a deterrent spray on the areas of furniture that your cat likes to scratch. These sprays are typically made with ingredients that cats find unpleasant, such as citrus or vinegar. However, it is important to note that some cats may be attracted to the smell of these sprays, so it is important to test the spray on a small area of furniture before using it on a large area.

Trimming Your Cat's Nails

Trimming your cat's nails can also help to prevent them from scratching your furniture. When your cat's nails are too long, they can catch on the fabric of your furniture and cause it to tear. Trimming your cat's nails regularly will help to keep them short and prevent them from damaging your furniture.

You can trim your cat's nails yourself using a pair of nail clippers designed for cats. However, if you are not comfortable trimming your cat's nails yourself, you can take them to a groomer or veterinarian to have them trimmed.