How To Keep A Cat From Scratching Furniture

Cats are often drawn to scratching furniture because it provides them with a way to stretch their muscles, remove dead skin from their claws, and mark their territory. While scratching is a natural behavior for cats, it can be destructive to your furniture. There are a few things you can do to keep your cat from scratching your furniture, including providing them with an appropriate scratching post, deterring them from scratching your furniture, and training them to use the scratching post.

Providing An Appropriate Scratching Post

The best way to keep your cat from scratching your furniture is to provide them with an appropriate scratching post. Cats are more likely to scratch a scratching post that is tall, sturdy, and covered in a material that they like to scratch, such as sisal or carpet. The scratching post should also be placed in a location that your cat frequents, such as near their bed or favorite napping spot.

Deterring Them From Scratching Your Furniture

There are a few things you can do to deter your cat from scratching your furniture. One is to make the furniture less appealing to scratch. You can do this by covering the furniture with a material that your cat doesn't like to scratch, such as plastic or aluminum foil. You can also try spraying the furniture with a deterrent spray, such as citrus or apple cider vinegar.

Another way to deter your cat from scratching your furniture is to make the scratching post more appealing. You can do this by rubbing catnip on the scratching post or by placing treats near the scratching post. You can also try playing with your cat near the scratching post so that they associate the scratching post with positive experiences.

Training Them To Use The Scratching Post

Once you have provided your cat with an appropriate scratching post and deterred them from scratching your furniture, you can start training them to use the scratching post. One way to do this is to redirect your cat to the scratching post when they start to scratch your furniture. You can do this by picking them up and placing them near the scratching post, or by clapping your hands and saying "no" when they start to scratch your furniture.

You can also reward your cat when they use the scratching post. You can do this by giving them treats or praise. With patience and consistency, you can train your cat to use the scratching post and leave your furniture alone.