Cats love scratching, and while it's a natural and healthy behaviour, it can lead to a lot of frustration when your furniture becomes their favourite target. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to protect your furniture while keeping your cat happy and healthy. Here’s how to work with your cat's instincts and redirect their scratching to more suitable outlets.
Understand Why Cats Scratch
Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why cats scratch in the first place. Scratching is an instinctual behaviour that serves several purposes:
- Marking Territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws, so scratching leaves both a visual and scent marker
- Stretching and Exercise: Scratching allows cats to stretch their muscles and keep their claws healthy and sharp
- Stress Relief: Scratching is a way for cats to release stress and pent-up energy, making it a beneficial activity for mental health
Since scratching is natural and important for their wellbeing, the goal isn’t to stop scratching but rather to redirect it to appropriate places.
Provide Scratching Alternatives
The best way to save your furniture is to offer attractive alternatives that your cat will actually want to scratch. Here’s what to consider:
- Scratching Posts: Invest in sturdy, high-quality scratching posts. Cats usually prefer posts made of sisal rope or cardboard as these materials allow them to dig in
- Different Styles: Cats have different scratching preferences—some prefer horizontal surfaces, while others go for vertical posts. Offer a variety and observe which type your cat likes best.
- Location Matters: Place the scratching posts in high-traffic areas or near the furniture they usually scratch. If your cat scratches a specific couch or chair, place a post right next to it.
Make Furniture Unappealing to Scratch
If your cat can’t resist scratching your furniture, try making these areas less appealing:
- Aristopet Cat Repellent Spray: This pet-safe spray is designed to discourage cats from scratching or marking certain areas by emitting a scent that’s unpleasant to them but safe for your furniture and surroundings. Simply spray it on furniture surfaces that your cat frequently scratches. The scent will help repel them, redirecting their attention away from your furniture. This is especially effective for high-traffic areas or specific spots your cat targets.
- Sticky Paws: Cats naturally dislike sticky textures, making Sticky Paws an effective tool for furniture protection. These clear adhesive strips can be applied directly to furniture, preventing your cat from scratching as the sticky surface is uncomfortable for their paws. Sticky Paws is transparent, so it’s less noticeable, and it won’t damage furniture surfaces. It’s ideal for use on couches, chairs, and other areas your cat tends to scratch repeatedly.
Redirect and Reward
Training your cat to scratch the right items takes patience, but it's very doable with positive reinforcement:
- Redirect with Toys or Treats: If you catch your cat scratching furniture, gently redirect them to their scratching post by using treats or toys. This helps build the habit of using their post.
- Create a Reward System: Reward your cat with treats or affection whenever they use the scratcher. Cats respond well to positive reinforcement, so they’ll learn that using the scratching post brings rewards.
Keep Them Entertained
A bored cat may scratch out of frustration, so keeping them mentally and physically stimulated with Interactive Toys and Puzzle Feeders can help reduce unwanted scratching behaviour.
- KONG Cat Play Spaces Camper: This fun and interactive play space provides an exciting environment for cats to explore and play. The KONG Camper is designed with hide-and-seek elements and multiple textures that encourage cats to engage with the space. By giving them a designated area to explore, pounce, and scratch, it helps redirect their energy from scratching furniture to more engaging, positive activities.
- Catit Senses Food Tree: This puzzle feeder challenges your cat to work for their food, tapping into their hunting instincts and keeping them entertained. The food tree offers a mental and physical workout, which can reduce boredom and prevent frustration-driven scratching. It’s especially helpful for indoor cats that need an outlet for their natural hunting behaviours.
Trim Their Claws
Regularly trimming your cat's claws can help minimise the damage they cause when they scratch. Use a special cat nail trimmer such as the Pet One Extra Small Nail Clippers, and be careful not to cut too close to the quick, which can be painful for your cat. If you’re unsure about how to trim your cat’s claws, your vet or a professional groomer can help.
Remember, scratching is a natural behaviour that’s essential for your cat’s health and happiness. By providing alternatives, making furniture less appealing, and using positive reinforcement, you can create a harmonious environment where both your cat and your furniture are safe. Patience and consistency are key, and over time, your cat will learn where it’s okay to scratch. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a scratch-free (and happy) home!
