How To Stop My Cats From Scratching Furniture?

Did you know that scratching is a natural and necessary behavior of cats? They scratch to mark territory, tense muscles, and sharpen claws. However, when cats scratch your furniture, it can be frustrating.

In fact, cats' scratching behavior is in their DNA, and there are reasons why they love to tear up all sorts of objects and materials — including your furniture. Which brings us to the question: How do cats stop scratching?

Some cats scratch furniture when they are stressed or anxious. If your cat is scratching furniture more than usual, it may be a sign that something is bothering him or her. It's important to determine why your cat is scratching in the first place so you can figure out the best course of action on helping your cat stop.

A cat tends to scratch things for a variety of reasons, including:

Mark their territory
All animals can be territorial, and cats love to bark by scratching and leaving their scent. This is especially the case in households with many cats.

Claw maintenance
We should understand that scratching the right material will help it peel off the outer layer of the nail, it's time to remove the old nail and keep the nail in top condition by scratching. Scratching will also help remove debris under the claws, which helps prevent infection in the feet. If your cat is mostly sedentary, you should try to trim her nails regularly.

To expel energy
If a cat is excited, or frustrated, they tend to let its claws do the talking. Being able to scratch it out really helps them hone their feelings.

Try these seven tips to keep your cat from scratching your furniture:

Trim your cat's claws every two to three weeks. It is best to start this activity when your pet is still a kitten. But if you're the parent of an older cat, you can still help them accept nail clipping. You just need to slow down and use junk food to reinforce positive behavior. Try catching him while he's napping and make sure to only cut his head off with a sharp trimmer.

Provide scratching posts. You can find vertical and horizontal scratching tools made of various materials such as sisal, rope, cardboard, and carpet. Place it near their favorite sleeping spot or in a location where they like to scratch. Observe your cat to see what she gravitates toward, which can help you determine the style she might prefer.

If your cat enjoys scratching the couch, place the scratching post next to the couch. If your cat enjoys scratching the wall by your front door when you come home, place the scratching post near your front door. Location matters!

Use cat toys or catnip to redirect your kitty to her scratching post. Cat treats can also be used to reinforce positive behavior, or sprinkle some catnip on the scratching post to attract your cat to it. Dangle the toys over the scratching post to encourage your cat to investigate the post or rub the catnip directly onto the post to lure her.

Create a spray that safely repels your cat. Mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to the spots your cat is damaging. Cats also abhor citrus-based scents. You can stir lemon juice in a liter of water, add orange essential oil and eucalyptus oil, and pour it into a spray bottle. Before any application, be sure to test a small area first to ensure the fabric isn’t harmed. Keep all bottles of essential oils firmly closed and locked away from curious kitty paws.

Cover your cat’s favorite places to scratch with double-sided sticky tape. Cover the furniture with double-sided tape or aluminum foil to discourage scratching. Cats find sticky surfaces annoying and will usually avoid those areas.

Remove the pleasurable aspect in those areas your cat frequents. Use foil to cover the spot or non-sticky, clear plastic protectors, or you could place a vinyl carpet runner with the spike side up in front of the spot, all of which work to create surfaces that your cat despises. These temporary fixes will condition your kitty to avoid those areas.

Admonish gently, and praise positive behavior. When your cat scratches in spots that are deemed off-limits, refrain from shouting at or admonishing using your kitty’s name. Instead, correct the cat with a sound like “ah” or with hissing. Then, carry the cat to the scratching post and affirm the desired behavior with praise and a treat. You may have to perform this ritual for a few weeks on a daily basis in order for it to stick with your cat.

It's important to create a comforting space for your cat where they can feel safe and secure. When your cat feels safe, he or she is much less likely to scratch up the furniture.

Give Your Cat Plenty of Attention

Cats are social creatures and need interaction with their humans to stay happy and healthy. Spend time petting and playing with your cat every day. This will help keep your cat feeling stimulated and loved, which can reduce anxiety and stress that can cause furniture scratching.

What works for one cat may not work for another. You'll need to experiment with different approaches to figure out what works best for your cat. Some cats may stop scratching after using a spray, while others may need more intensive training, including behavioral modification.

By following these tips, you can help reduce stress in your cat's life and prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviors.

And remember, it takes time and patience to train a cat not to scratch furniture. But if you're consistent and keep at it, eventually, you will see results.