How to prevent my cat from scratching furniture?

You adore your cat and do everything in your power to make them the happiest feline on Earth. However, there’s one particular behavior that can drive you crazy and seems unavoidable: your beloved cat scratching anything within their sight, especially your cherished sofa.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this. Approximately 15% of cat behavior complaints are related to furniture scratching. It’s an instinctual behavior in cats that can be challenging to eliminate entirely, but there are some tips to help prevent them from doing it to your furniture.

First, it’s important to understand why cats scratch. Cats scratch for various reasons:

1. To mark their territory with pheromones from the glands on their interdigital spaces (between their toes).
2. To get rid of the leftover nail sheaths.
3. To stretch their muscles.

If you’ve recently brought a kitten into your home, it’s much easier to provide them with a designated object to scratch, which will help prevent damage to your furniture. The problem arises when your cat has already chosen an object to scratch, especially if it’s your sofa, carpet, or any other piece of furniture.

If your situation falls into the latter category, you should know that as long as you don’t provide an appropriate alternative, your cat will continue to scratch in the same place, no matter how many corrective actions you take.

To redirect the scratching behavior to a designated object:

1. Protect the desired object: First, find a way to prevent your cat from accessing the object you don’t want them to scratch, or cover it with materials that are unpleasant to the touch for your cat, such as plastic, aluminum foil, or adhesive paper. You can also apply bitter-smelling substances to deter them.
2. Introduce a suitable scratching post: Place a new scratching post right next to your cat’s area of interest. Ensure that the new scratching post has specific characteristics: stability, sufficient height (between 30 cm and 90 cm), and a preferably vertical scratching surface. If you know your cat has experience outdoors, they might prefer a wooden scratching post or a log, as it resembles scratching on trees. Horizontal surfaces, like sisal rugs, carpets, or cardboard, can also be viable options.
3. Reward good behavior: Never forget to reward your cat for using the designated scratching post instead of your furniture. Treats can be a great way to motivate them.
4. Play and keep your cat entertained: Cats, like other species, can engage in destructive behavior, especially when they’re bored. Make an effort to play with your cat and provide them with distractions to keep them entertained.
5. Nail maintenance: Remember to keep your cat’s nails in good condition by trimming them regularly. This not only protects your furniture but also prevents your cat from hurting themselves while using the scratching post.

By following these guidelines and showing patience and consistency, you can help your cat develop more appropriate scratching habits and keep your furniture in perfect condition. Your cat will be happy, and you’ll be pleased to maintain a home that’s clean and free of unwanted scratches.