Keep Cats From Scratching On Furniture

Cats are natural scratchers, and it's an important part of their behavior. Scratching helps them to mark their territory, remove dead claws, and stretch their muscles. However, when cats scratch on furniture, it can be frustrating and damaging. There are a few things you can do to keep your cat from scratching on furniture and redirect their scratching behavior to more appropriate surfaces.

Provide your cat with plenty of scratching posts. Scratching posts are the best way to deter your cat from scratching on furniture. Choose a scratching post that is tall and sturdy, and make sure it is covered in a material that your cat likes to scratch. You may need to experiment with different materials to find one that your cat prefers. Place the scratching post in a location where your cat spends a lot of time, and make sure it is easily accessible.

Make scratching posts more appealing than furniture. You can make scratching posts more appealing to your cat by adding catnip or treats to the surface. You can also try rubbing the scratching post with your cat's favorite toy.

Trim your cat's nails regularly. Trimming your cat's nails will help to reduce the damage they can do to furniture. Trim your cat's nails every 1-2 weeks, using a sharp pair of nail clippers.

Redirect your cat's scratching behavior. If you catch your cat scratching on furniture, redirect them to a scratching post. You can do this by clapping your hands or saying "no" in a firm voice. Then, pick up your cat and place them on the scratching post. Be patient, and keep redirecting your cat to the scratching post every time they scratch on furniture.

If you have tried all of these methods and your cat is still scratching on furniture, you may need to consult with a veterinarian or a professional animal behaviorist. They can help you to determine if there is an underlying medical or behavioral issue that is causing your cat to scratch on furniture.