Cats are wonderful companions, but it can be infuriating to come home and find your favourite sofa or armchair in tatters.
You may wonder why your cat is doing this and how to stop it. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this behavior and provide some tips on how to prevent it.
Why do cats scratch furniture?
Scratching is a natural and instinctive behavior for cats. They scratch to stretch their muscles, mark their territory, and sharpen their claws. In the wild, cats scratch trees or other rough surfaces to remove the outer layer of their claws and keep them healthy. Indoor cats may not have access to suitable scratching surfaces, so they may resort to furniture, carpets, or curtains instead.
How to stop your cat from scratching furniture
There are several ways to prevent your cat from scratching furniture. Here are some tips to try:
1. Provide suitable scratching posts
Invest in a few scratching posts that are tall enough for your cat to stretch out and sturdy enough to withstand vigorous scratching. (We recommend Big & Strong cat climbing posts.) Place them in areas where your cat spends most of their time, and encourage them to use them by sprinkling catnip or treats on them.
2. Trim your cat’s claws
Regularly trimming your cat’s claws can help reduce the damage they can do to furniture. It is best to start this when they are kittens so they can get used to it. We trim our cats’ claws every three weeks. If you’re unsure how to do it, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer for advice.
3. Deter your cat from scratching furniture
There are several ways to deter your cat from scratching furniture, including:
- Applying double-sided tape or aluminium foil to the areas they scratch. Some cats don’t like the texture or sound of these materials and will avoid them.
- Using a citrus-scented spray or a spray that contains a bittering agent, which will discourage your cat from scratching.
- Placing a scratching post in front of the furniture they usually scratch.
4. Provide outdoor activities for your cat
Although some cats seem perfectly happy indoors, others will constantly remind their owners that they prefer the outdoor life.
Outdoor activities can be a great way to keep cats active and stimulated, which can help reduce their desire to scratch furniture. Consider installing a cat fence system to keep your cat safe and secure while they explore the outdoors.
Conclusion
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, but it can be destructive to furniture. Providing your cat with appropriate scratching posts, trimming their claws, and using deterrents can help prevent this behavior. Additionally, providing outdoor activities for your cat can help reduce their desire to scratch furniture. With patience and persistence, you can train your cat to scratch appropriate surfaces only, and you’ll enjoy a harmonious relationship with your furry friend.
Image by Александр Смирнов from Pixabay