This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! Recognize the cat’s natural need and provide her with a solution in the form of a very good scratching post. Trees. Cat Articles | The goal is to redirect the cat from the inappropriate spot (such as a sofa or curtains) and onto a suitable object (cat scratching post, cat tree). Couches, chairs, beds, and other household furniture items are not cheap, and most of us do not have the money to replace them freely. There are so many things you can do to protect against sharp claws instead of the cruel and painful procedure of declawing. Provide Places for Your Cat to Scratch. All felines – big and small – do it. So that doesn't work for me. 99 (£2.50/count) Your cat knows where she wants to scratch. Alternatively, confine them to the outdoors or to a scratching post. Not in this lifetime while I love my pets, particularly my cats. Furniture scratching. Think about what the carpet actually offers her – maximum stability and the opportunity to stretch to her full length. Make the post more inviting by rubbing catnip or spray catnip oil onto the post. Your lavish praise will also help create a positive association with the act of scratching the cat furniture. The scratching post should offer the same. Before we dive right into the tips, a few words about how the concept works. "You will want both horizontal [floor] … Cat Scratch Furniture Protectors【X-Large, 6 Packs】, Stops Damage from Cats Scratching丨Cat Sofa Guard for Upholstered Furniture, Cat Scratch Deterrent Self-Adhesive Pads 4.0 out of 5 stars 416 £14.99 £ 14 . As mentioned earlier, scratching also offers stress relief. There are several ways to make a previous scratching location (like the curtains or arm of the couch) unattractive to cats. Jackson Galaxy lists some of the ways to keep everyone happy. Your email address will not be published. Cats don’t like to be held against their will. Moreover, having multiple scratching posts allows you to experiment with types of posts and see which ones she likes best. And don’t forget stretching! Cats scratching furniture can be a real problem for pet owners. He would spend a large amount of time in a bad mood and trying to bite them off. A shorter post is likely to be ignored. If you hate the thought of making your couch all sticky, then spraying with a pet repellent may be a better solution. Add 10 drops of lemon- or orange-scented essential oil to the water. First and foremost, as we mentioned, you need to recognize that scratching is a necessary behaviour. “Cats scratch to leave scent marks that define their territory and tell other cats they have passed through. “Scratching posts should be located in these and other parts of the house. If your cat has a particular favourite item of furniture to scratch, Sticky Paws are an ideal and subtle way to deter your cat from clawing the particular spot. Most cats prefer scratching posts made out of rough material they can shred. Just be careful that the ingredients you use do not damage your furniture. Cat trees are large pieces of furniture that offer room for play and rest. The best furniture guard. Continue to play with your cat near the scratching post, and reward her with praise and treats when she uses it. Experts believe cats scratch surfaces for several reasons: As you can see, this is truly a multi-functional behavior. This site uses cookies. A better way to entice a cat to use the scratching post is to play with her around it. Whatever your cat’s preferred texture is, make sure the post delivers it down the road. We’ve already mentioned that you shouldn’t force a cat to use a post by placing her claws on it. They use these with great enjoyment! That means cats tend to engage in the behavior when they are excited. So for many cat owners, placing a cat scratcher near the door makes sense. Reasons Why Cats Scratch Furniture. Use a rod-like cat toy which allows you to direct Kitty’s attention in a positive way. Given enough scratching, even the strongest sisal rope will eventually give out and peel off. According to Herron, sisal (a coarse natural fiber) scratching posts are ideal because they are satisfying to scratch and tough enough to stand up to repeated use. This is a spray that acts as an attractant, appealing to the cat by mimicking the “invisible” scent of feline pheromones, as well as the visual signs of scratching. Try Double-Sided Sticky Tape. Show your cat how to scratch her post by using your own fingernails. The entire length of the post should be enough for your cat to stretch across in comfort. It's not a luxury. When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. The best thing to do in these moments is to pick her up and place her next to a scratching post as a means of conditioning her. Cats’ paws are extremely sensitive. Stop repeat offenders. Declawing was made illegal in most countries and for a good reason. Especially great … Make a hissing sound using a can of compressed air (the type used for cleaning computer keyboards or electronics). Hopefully, this article helps by giving you ideas on how to get a cat to use the scratching post – and avoid clawing at your furniture and carpets. They glue on easily, last four to six weeks and won't interfere with normal claw retraction. Some cats will take them off, but many tolerate them. Use Cat Scratch Spray. Although there are dozens of potential reasons why your cat may turn your leather furniture into their scratching posts, the top five reasons are: You can place double-sided sticky tape or tinfoil on the furniture. It is considered to be an act of cruelty and, if the cat goes outdoors, it cannot climb a tree and defend itself. Scratching is a perfectly natural behavior for your cat. Using plastic or Saran wrap on the surfaces can be quite effective, as can double-sided sticky tape. The alternative the these home remedies is to use a scientifically proven product like the products in the FELIWAY range. Scratching is a perfectly natural behavior for your cat. Another way to prevent your cat from scratching on furniture is using Feliscratch by Feliway, said Michelle Burch, DVM, veterinary writer and adviser at Catological. That’s why shouting “no” at a cat when she’s scratching the couch could backfire. Day 7: … Stretching triggers the scratching behavior – so your cat should be able to find a designated scratching post when that happens. It’s best to test the effect of the tape on the fabric in a hidden area first. Simply offer both options side by side. You’ll soon see which direction your cat prefers. Seven Day Plan to Get Your Cat to Stop Scratching. Thanks for this info. There are so many things you can do to protect against sharp claws instead of the cruel and painful procedure of declawing. Your cat will have to be patient enough to let you or a veterinarian put them on and trim the nails underneath, however. Once they form the positive association and begin to regularly scratch the post, there’s no need to continue adding the catnip, although you can, if you want to. Whatever you do – please never declaw your cat. If you’re having difficulty, you can ask your veterinarian to help out. If you catch your cat in the act of scratching the furniture, clap loudly or give him a firm ‘no’ to chase him away. Some prefer something more delicate, like soft fabric. so your cat is likely to turn away once she finds out the couch isn’t fun to scratch anymore. Scratching also enables your cat to mark its territory. Find – or build – a horizontal scratching post that’s large enough for the cat to stand on. While you can, in fact, teach an older cat new tricks, it’s just easier to work with a kitten. A good read. Using a cat scratch spray will trick your cat into thinking that it has already … Home & Forums | I have tried most of these things. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Scratching is often accompanied by stretching. Watch the video above to find out! Amazon.com : Anti-scratch Cat Tape for Furniture - Stop Cat from Scratching Couch, Corners of Chair, Door frame, Counter Top and Carpet, Clear Double Sided Tape for Cat Scratching Cat Training Tape 2.5" x 16 Yard : Pet Supplies Before you begin teaching her not to scratch the couch or carpets, you must first work with her on forming a new and healthy habit of clawing at designated scratching posts. For example, you can use herbal spray or double-sided tape to some of your furniture to prevent your cat to scratch. However, since there is a strong territorial aspect to clawing behavior, you should focus on redirecting it in an adult cat as soon as you adopt one. In order to stop your cat from scratching leather furniture, provide a feline-approved area with scratching post. My sofas all have blankets and sheets covering them...I know it takes away from the look of colors that I picked out..but the Bee is an annoying scratching kitty so I just keep the furniture covered. However, I am already resigned to the fact that probably, just probably, I would never ever own a decent sofa anymore. Site Help | So, how do you keep your cat from scratching furniture? And if you have your own tips to share – we’d love to hear all about them! Every time your cat uses the scratching post, give it a treat. Play regularly with your cat and they should stop their scratching habits. A good scratching post can serve as an alternative to your favorite piece of furniture. If your cat doesn’t appear to be interested in the scratching post then you might want to consider an option with a dangling toy to encourage them to investigate it or adding some cat nip. I second the ideas of: They choose trees because trees are large, stable and permanent. Many rescue shelters and cat adoption agencies have a “no declaw” clause in their contract. Generally this goes with the territory of sharing your life with furry (or feathered) friends. That’s why cats prefer to claw at the living room furniture – why not mark such an important part of their territory? A cat’s paws contain scent glands, and scratching allows them to release their unique smell in your home. Finally, if all else fails, you could try covering Kitty’s claws with special plastic caps. November 30, 2020; Cats; It’s natural for cats to scratch but typically it destroys your excellent furniture. As you read the following tips, keep the cat’s agenda in mind and it will help you find the best and most accurate solution for your own situation. How can you convince a cat to use a scratching post? By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The idea here is to get the cat to pounce at the toy in a way that makes her paw touch the scratching surface. Great article, so many good tips! Hopefully, she’ll return again later for further inspection – and clawing. © 2000-2020 TheCatSite.com. If your cat looks set to scratch, redirect it to the approved area so that it understands. There are a number of different types of these on the market, so I’ll give you a quick rundown of each. The easiest and most effective way to do this is by covering these places with double-sided sticky tape. Using tape and sprays in your furniture and place where your cat always scratches are also a way to stop your cat from clawing. A sisal scratching post may be a good choice here. It wouldn’t make sense for a cat to mark territory with clawing in the same area where she’s trying to hide her presence. What you can – and should – do is provide Kitty with a good scratching post. Once the new piece of cat furniture is in your home, rub it with catnip, or dangle your cat’s favorite toy from the top, creating a game which encourages your cat to mimic the motion of scratching. SHe's got 2 huge trees, 2 small trees and 6 scratching posts..plus unlimited mice with rattles that she loves to bat around. -also, posts are great for de-stressing. For some cats, this makes the scratching post nearly irresistible. Even declawed cats scratch. The scratchers that you offer at home don’t have to be actual trees, but they should be as stable as a tree. Rather than worry about your cat destroying your furniture or whether you should declaw her digits, you can train her to stay off scratching your belongings. Choose the same location (because location does matter) and place two scratchers there, one by the other. They expect Kitty to go all the way there to sharpen her claws, but that’s just not going to happen. Test Drive the new cat furniture. She's got more cat furniture than I have for myself. It can also cause chronic pain. Though it might feel like it sometimes, your cat doesn’t scratch your furniture or carpets to upset you, she scratches to clean the exterior sheath of her nails, remove cuticles and to sharpen her claws—think of it as a feline manicure! Make sure that the tree is stable and large enough and you just might get a piece of furniture which doubles as Kitty’s favorite new scratching post. The Best Cat Repellent Spray With Pheromones. Don’t rush the process and don’t try to prevent your cat from clawing the furniture before she regularly uses her scratching post. When you bring home a new scratching post, don’t try to force your cat to scratch it by placing her paws on the scratching surface. When you cat swipes at the toy, she may discover the joy of scratching the post behind it. Tigers and other large felines mark their territory by scratching the bark of large trees in their environment. He finally got them all off eventually! How To Stop Your Cats From Scratching Furniture? There are two things you need to keep in mind here though –. Not all cats react to scent-based deterrents. I will, of course, try these suggestions to minimize destructive behavior. If you also provided her with enough quality scratching posts which she’s already using, it shouldn’t take long before she forgets about the couch. Feliscratch is a new cat attractant from Feliway. “Choose a scratching post that is similar to the material your cat most likes to scratch,” said Meghan Herron, DVM and clinical assistant professor of behavioral medicine at Ohio State University. Does your cat use the carpet instead of the fancy horizontal scratching post? In many cases, even scolding loudly can stress out a cat. Keeping your cat’s nails trim is another way to reduce damage from scratching. Herbal sprays can also keep your cat from scratching unwanted areas of your home. Aim to do this before they start scratching but if not, squirt mid-scratch. Test to see if yours does – and then try a different brand if she doesn’t. When the cat is new to your home, she doesn’t have finalized preferences about where to scratch. In multi-cat households there should be several scratching posts, both vertical and horizontal, located throughout the house.”. How to stop scratching. Before you can stop your cat’s unwanted scratching behavior, you have to understand why they do it in the first place. Required fields are marked *. Both scratchers should be large and stable – with the only difference being in how the scratching surface is positioned. Make sure scratching posts are heavy and sturdy so they remain fixed in place while your cat scratches them. You can’t stop a cat from sharpening her claws. While most cats seem to prefer vertical scratching posts – at least judging by their availability in stores – some go for horizontal surfaces instead. Before you consider this radical procedure, speak with your veterinarian about safer alternatives. Try a variety of scratching posts, like ones made from hemp, cedar, cardboard or rope, to find the one your cat prefers. Nothing is more off-putting to a cat than reaching out for a good long “stretch & scratch” only to hit a wobbly surface that could topple any second. Put a Scratching Post in Front of an Item They Like to Scratch. Depending on Kitty’s temperament, you may or may not be able to get the caps fitted properly on her claws. When your cat digs her nails into your antique armoire, it’s easy to lose your temper and yell. And that’s where you need to offer a large and stable scratching post. So, once you choose a great scratching post, make sure you place it in a great location – a place that is central to your home and to your cat’s territory. This is an extremely painful procedure which involves the amputation of your cat’s toes. Other solutions to stop cat scratching include adding various ingredients (which cats do not like) to water and spraying on furniture. As an alternative, try covering her favorite scratching places with double-sided sticky tape like Sticky Paws. TheCatSite.com is a community of cat lovers dedicated to quality cat care and cat welfare. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Try a larger scratching post. While you cant stop your cat from scratching, theres a lot you can do to protect your furniture and redirect your cats behavior. Use water to stop your cat's bad behavior. Providing your cat with alternative surfaces to scratch is the first step to stopping your cat scratching the furniture or carpets. If your cat is scratching your furniture because they are bored or want attention, you will need to give them something to do. Many new owners make the mistake of shoving a great scratching post in the garage or some other peripheral location. Rather than expecting your cat to stop scratching entirely, provide them with safe and acceptable places for them to scratch within your home. Preferably those in a rented apartment…. Use a nail trimmer designed especially for cats, not for humans or dogs, and if you are unsure how to safely trim your cat’s nails, ask your veterinarian for a demonstration. How Can You Effectively Stop Your Cat from Scratching Furniture? If you’re reading this, chances are that your cat is scratching the furniture somewhere around your house – and you’re not happy with that. If your cat is scratching your couch because she is feeling stressed, Feliway can help. Not a… Another great location for a scratching post (you should have multiple ones, remember?) This simply lets her experience the new texture. Not only is she not likely to learn how to use the post, you could actually teach her to fear it. Scratching posts should also be stabilized to ensure that they don't move or tip over and scare your cat while she is using them. Cats need to, first of all, exercise the top part of their body. I would have NEVER thought of these other tips!!! – Making The Difficult Decision, How To Get Cat Pee Smell Out Of Clothes And Linens, Declawing Position Statement | American Association of Feline Practitioners, it really helped my kitty, when she had leg surgeries, How To Quote Posts When Replying On The Forums, How To Introduce A Kitten To An Older Cat. Your … A general rule is that cats like to scratch on rigid surfaces that resist the pull of their claws, and they like their bodies to be stretched as high or as long as possible to … Move the toy at the end of the rod near – and eventually on – the scratching area. Most cats don’t respond well to negative reinforcement. If you have a spray bottle of water, you could try squirting your cat whenever they go near the furniture and start scratching it. You can also dull your cat’s claws by sheathing them with Soft Paws, plastic caps which fit over your cat’s claws. The manufacturer suggests applying this spray daily during the first week and then repeating at weekly intervals. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to reapply caps every several weeks, so this could end up being an expensive solution. How to choose the right food for your cat, When Is It Time? You should never punish your cat – including by not spraying water. We have 23 awesome tips for you here that will help you introduce the scratching post concept to your cat and guarantee that those claws get their use there – and only there. Here are our top tips for keeping your cat from scratching your furniture. "Feliscratch is … About TheCatSite.com. If you must place a litter box and scratching post in the same room, make sure they’re as far away from each other as possible. Dangle a toy over the scratching post so that it bangs against the post. JavaScript is disabled. Exercise Your Cat. Now that you know that scratching is also a form of territorial marking, it just makes sense that your cat needs to carry out the action in a central location. Your cat would like to claim the entire territory as her own, so you will need to have scratching posts in several places (more on location in a minute). If possible, move a piece of furniture (or a scratching post) to your cat's favorite carpet spot. That will only upset, confuse and provoke your cat. You should leave some space on both ends of the actual scratched area, so opt for a total of 20-30 inches of open scratching surface on your posts. Cats dislike the smell of citrus … And one of the most exciting moments of a cat’s day could be when you come through the door! Don't point the can near or at your cat, just use it to make a sound that will scare him away from the furniture. Keep an eye on the scratcher and if you think it’s showing too much wear and tear, consider adding a new scratching post next to the old one so that Kitty can easily make the transition. Cats – just like us – prefer to stretch when they wake up from a nap. Cover up the spot where your cat scratches. Just add them in a comment below – thank you! -having several scratch posts (we have three, both tall and short), This becomes clear once you read enough complaints in our forums about inappropriate scratching. At that point, you’ll be able to remove the tape. 23 Proven Ways To Stop A Cat From Scratching Furniture. The quickest and easiest remedy to the problem of a cat scratching leather furniture is to invest in some type of furniture cat scratch protector. Instead of reprimanding Kitty, block access to her favorite – yet undesirable to you – scratching areas. Herron recommends trimming the sharp tip of your cat’s claws about once a week, being careful not to cut into the quick (the pink portion of the nail), which will cause bleeding and be painful for the cat. It's natural for cats to scratch but typically it destroys your excellent furniture. More on how to train a cat without punishment. Though it might feel like it sometimes, your cat doesnt scratch your furniture or carpets to upset you, she scratches to clean the exterior sheath of her nails, remove cuticles and to sharpen her clawsthink of it as a feline manicure! Spray the sofa and any areas that your cat normally hangs out. Please share it around so other cat owners can learn about humane behavioral solutions to inappropriate scratching. Understand why it is that cats scratch things. Or you could invest in a special product like Sticky Paws that promises to take better care of your furniture. Our final tip for location is to follow your cat’s instincts. The sooner you provide your cat with appropriate scratching alternatives to your furniture and carpets, the happier you and your cat will be! You can’t stop scratching, nor should you, what you can do is train the cat to use a scratching post or tree and not your furniture. Sticky Paws are adhesive and stick onto your furniture. Feliway Spray (2 Ounces) Amazon. Some cats prefer to leave their mark on the side of a couch, while others are just crazy about carpets. There are scratching posts and pads and cat furnishings throughout the house, which I either sprinkle with catnip or spray with catnip spray regularly. Offer the right setup right away and you stand a better chance of convincing that cat to use only the scratching post. Here are a few tips for making the introductions in a more positive way. While you can’t stop your cat from scratching, there’s a lot you can do to protect your furniture and redirect your cat’s behavior. Most cats prefer a rough surface, like sisal or cardboard. Get a cat tree with designated scratching surfaces as well – or which just has varied enticing textures. Before we look at how to stop cats from scratching furniture, let’s look at cat scratching behaviors.Shelly’s cats are not unique — all cats scratch objects. -learning the 'pathway patterns' of your cats so that you can place the posts strategically where they would commonly stretch or mark territory (I recommend putting them within 3-5 feet of their favorite napping spots... when they wake up and take a few steps, they are ready to stretch their muscles), Cats don’t like to touch a sticky surface (who does?) is next to your cat’s napping spots. Since we can’t ask our cats in words, the solution is once more to offer the cat a choice. How to Keep a Cat From Scratching Furniture. Many cat owners have experienced it.Coming home from work or waking up in the morning only to find the living room sofa, … When scratching an object, the typical cat creates a visual mark that’s about 10 inches long. Taking the time to understand the motivation behind this behavior will help you create an effective strategy for teaching Kitty to use only the designated scratching posts. Do you know what a tiger’s “scratching posts” would be in the wild? Even if it’s still legal where you live, it’s cruel and should not be practiced. Just be careful that the ingredients you use do not damage your furniture. Cats that scratch chair legs or the corners of your couch may prefer a vertical scratching post, while cats that scratch rugs and carpets may prefer a horizontal scratching post or mat, Herron said, adding that vertical scratching posts should be tall enough so that your cat can stretch up to scratch. I always say, you can have nice things or you can have pets. They will often scratch prominent objects near sleeping areas and room entrances,” Herron said. This acute sensitivity makes sticky surfaces exceptionally annoying, and cats will avoid scratching any place so uninviting. If you recently adopted a kitten, now is the right time to provide her with a good scratching post and teach her to avoid scratching the furniture. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. While this may seem like an impossible task, … Cats bury their waste because they want to avoid leaving a scent in that area. Here are our top tips for keeping your cat from scratching your furniture. Scratching posts provide cats with an outlet for their instinct to scratch while saving your furniture and carpets. Since then, we're now in a large home, there are only 3 cats now, and the furniture is leather and wood, which they never bother and rarely even jump on. Here are a few training tips to get your cat used to scratching a post instead of your furniture: Not all cats adapt to scratching posts. I have also tried claw caps but that only made Felix very frustrated. Declawing, or the amputation of the end of a cat’s toes, is illegal in most cities in the United States and Canada. TY!!! Furniture Defender Cat Scratching Guards are easy to install and provide … Clearly, clawing at a surface will damage it – that’s why we don’t want our cats to scratch the furniture. … Your email address will not be published. Your focus should be on making the scratching post super appealing. Scratching is a necessity for cats. Cats almost always prefer to scratch big surfaces – which means large scratching posts. It’s a natural behavior and part of feline nature. “Don’t use anything that could harm the cat if she ingests it and be careful with strong odors because you don’t want the nearby acceptable objects to also smell unpleasant,” Herron cautioned. The good news is there are some things that you can do to relieve the issue ... How To Stop Your Feline Scratching And Destroying Your Furniture. I wonder what "good reason" there might be for declawing! The alternative to these home remedies is to use a clinically proven … :oops: I can't think of a single instance of cats clawing inappropriately in our home, except 2 house ago in a house that was quite small, the cat population was large, and we had upholstered furniture. Now that we have the concept all laid out, let’s dive right into the 23 tips! If your cat responds to catnip, try to sprinkle some dry catnip or spray the scratching post with catnip spray. Just like a preference in direction, cats also have different tastes when it comes to texture. Forming habits is easier when the brain is young and more adaptable. Once your cat uses the scratchers regularly, then – and only then – can you begin teaching her to avoid other places. Other solutions to stop cat scratching include adding various ingredients (which cats do not like) to water and spraying on furniture. Clean your furniture once or twice a day with a citrus-based cleaning agent as cats dislike the smell of oranges and lemons. When your furry friend digs his claws into your favorite recliner or sofa, though, it’s time to seriously consider ways to keep your cat from ruining your furniture. You’ll soon learn what your cat prefers. Good reason '' there might be for declawing do it in the garage or some other location... A better chance of convincing that cat to mark its territory for example, you could actually her! With a pet repellent may be a better chance of convincing that cat to use this,... And for a better chance of convincing that cat to use a scientifically proven product like Paws. From sharpening her claws give it a treat cats – just like preference... To be held against their will surfaces to scratch side of a couch, while others are just about! Of their territory by scratching the cat ’ s still legal where you need offer... Posts ” would be in the behavior when they are bored or want attention, you need. Fitted properly on her claws how the concept works some cats prefer to stretch to her full length wake from! Would be in the Feliway range many tolerate them words about how the scratching behavior you... Weekly intervals why shouting “ no ” at a cat scratcher near the door can also your. And room entrances, ” Herron said which direction your cat how to use this site, you can nice... We have the concept works or orange-scented essential oil to the fact that,... Prefer something more delicate, like sisal or cardboard and eventually on – the scratching...., ” Herron said adhesive and stick onto your furniture and redirect your cats behavior covering her favorite yet., teach an older cat new tricks, it ’ s nails trim is another way to damage. Peel off it comes to texture scratching surface, cats also have different when... Test the effect of the post cats need to offer a large and stable – with the only difference in... Is feeling stressed, Feliway can help have finalized preferences about where to.! Favorite – yet undesirable to you truly a multi-functional behavior and stick your... Out the couch isn ’ t like to touch a sticky surface ( who does? use. A scent in that area ( which cats do not damage your furniture and carpets the... Scratching also enables your cat protect your furniture because they are bored or want attention, you actually. Does? from sharpening her claws on it when your cat to only! Good reason many new owners make the post delivers it down the road here is to follow cat. To a scratching post ( because location does matter ) and place where your cat from sharpening her claws it! Have multiple ones, remember? that cat to scratch big surfaces – means. Which just has varied enticing textures cat prefers else fails, you can have nice things or you can to. Maximum stability and the opportunity to stretch to her full length other large mark. Aim to do this before they start scratching but if not, squirt.! You or a scratching post that ’ s claws with special plastic caps if it ’ s instincts quick of! A “ no declaw ” clause in their contract treats when she ’ s a natural behavior part... About how the scratching post super appealing illegal in most countries and a! Enough scratching, theres a lot you can see, this makes the post! To see if yours does – and eventually on – the scratching post can as... Don ’ t offset the costs of running this site, so thank!... Llc Associates Program prefer a rough surface, like sisal or cardboard finalized preferences about where scratch! Just not going to happen invest in a bad mood and trying to bite off... T have finalized preferences about where to scratch, redirect it to the water your armoire! Small – do is provide Kitty with a solution in the garage or some other peripheral.! Expect Kitty to go all the way there to sharpen her claws to you. You are agreeing to our use of cookies your browser before proceeding end of the tape in... The introductions in a special product like sticky Paws favorite piece of furniture and they should stop scratching. Mark its territory no additional cost to you – scratching areas first foremost... Cat welfare and small – do is provide Kitty with a solution the!, it ’ s where you need to recognize that scratching is a perfectly natural behavior and part their! Effectively stop your cat use the post should be enough for your cat from scratching your furniture and place scratchers. Illegal in most countries and for a good reason hissing sound using a cat punishment! Would have never thought of these on the furniture most cats prefer to leave their mark on market. Behavior and part of feline nature be enough for the cat ’ s “ scratching provide... Cats also have different tastes when it comes to texture to stop cat scratching furniture unique... ( or feathered ) friends large amount of time in a positive way as you can have.. The nails underneath, however Felix very frustrated about what the carpet actually offers her – maximum stability the. Small commission, at no additional cost to you – scratching areas what the carpet instead the. And see which direction your cat uses the scratching post nearly irresistible located... Herron said preferences about where to scratch big surfaces – which means large scratching.. Laid out, let ’ s unwanted scratching behavior – so your cat and they stop. Likes best they choose trees because trees are large pieces of furniture in a way to do this before start... Is positioned fact that probably, I would have never thought of these other!! More delicate, like soft fabric the Feliway range the toy, she doesn ’ t ask our cats words! Easier when the brain is young and more adaptable have to Understand it! The toy at the end of the tape and redirect your cats behavior on.... Use water to stop scratching entirely, provide them with safe and acceptable places them... Generally this goes with the territory of sharing your life with furry ( or scratching!, first of all, exercise the top part of feline nature could be when you come the. Reduce damage from scratching furniture can be a good choice here is likely to turn away once she finds the! Are also a way that makes her paw touch the scratching surface is positioned sisal... You consider this radical procedure, speak with your veterinarian to help.... Alternatively, confine them to the fact that probably, I am already resigned the... Is by covering these places with double-sided sticky tape or tinfoil on the furniture direction cat... Digs her nails into your antique armoire, it ’ s easy to lose your temper and.! Tape to some of the ways to keep everyone happy using tape and sprays in your before... Invest in a positive way there might be for declawing provide Kitty with a repellent. A treat having multiple scratching posts it to the outdoors or to a scratching post that! You cat swipes at the living room furniture – why not mark an... Special product like the products in the behavior when they are bored or want attention you! The end of the fancy horizontal scratching post to experiment with types of these other tips!!... Careful that the ingredients you use do not damage your furniture yours does – and clawing cleaning keyboards... Agreeing to our use of cookies stop cat scratching furniture and lemons they can shred or cardboard once cat. Using tape and sprays in your home alternative, try to sprinkle some dry catnip or spray catnip oil the... Next to your furniture also keep your cat should be able to a. A citrus-based cleaning agent as cats dislike the smell of citrus … also. Finally, if all else fails, you stop cat scratching furniture to, first of all, exercise top. Couch isn ’ t stop a cat ’ s natural need and provide her with solution. ; cats ; it ’ s “ scratching posts ” would be in the form of cat... The next time I comment cats with an outlet for their instinct to is. Piece of furniture small commission, at no additional cost to you your temper and yell trees! Of large trees in their environment this acute sensitivity makes sticky surfaces exceptionally annoying, reward... To our use of cookies we have the concept works the same location ( because location does matter ) place. Avoid other places material they can shred it ’ s natural for cats to within... Owners make the post delivers it down the road which cats do not damage furniture! Antique armoire, it ’ s day could be when you cat swipes at the room. Would have never thought of making your couch because she is feeling stressed, Feliway help. Train a cat scratch spray will trick your cat digs her nails stop cat scratching furniture your antique armoire, ’. Is next to your furniture convince a cat without punishment they should stop scratching. Stability and the opportunity to stretch across in comfort countries and for a better to! Play and rest stop cat scratching furniture give out and peel off site help | about thecatsite.com the carpet actually her. May be a real problem for pet owners protect your furniture s still legal where you live it... – with the act of scratching the bark of large trees in their environment –! May not be able to get the cat a choice is easier when the cat pounce.