How to Stop Cats Scratching on Furniture

Solutions for cat owners. How do you exactly get your cats to stop scratching and clawing the furniture? It's a problem many cat owners dealt with. Every cat scratch and claw because its in their nature. Cat owners need to realise that cats just has to it.

Cats scratching on furniture is a natural behavior. This can be frustrating for a pet owner when you find the tattered corner of your lovely sofa or the shredded drapes. Firstly you ca't make a cat to do some thing she doesn't want to do. And to stop her from doing something she enjoys can be difficult. You need to think smart.

There are few reasons for the cat to scratch. One of them is to mark their territory and establish their turf. Cats have glands between their toes. When they scratch It leaves behind a scent mark that only cats can smell, Its an important communication tool for them.

They also scratch to remove and trim the outer cover on the claws time to time. Scratching is a form of exercise for cats. So they do it to stretch their muscles. Its their kitty yoga.

Take a clue from where the cat has been scratching. Cats have preferences with different types of locations and substrates. So they might want to scratch on a vertical surface or horizontal surface. They might want to scratch something that rough to the scratch or something that feels smooth and soft.

Scratching Posts and Trees as an Alternative

So take a clue from what they have already scratched. Try to match the scratching post that you offer to that type of preference. And also the location of it, as cats like to scratch on prominent places because its like a sign post them. So don't hide the scratching post in some room or a corner. Put it in the spot where your cat likes scratching.

You can control where they scratch but you can't stop it. Because this is their natural need. Best way to do this is to offer them an alternative. So that they don't scratch your furniture. Cats love to scratch after they eat or sleep. Make sure they have something to scratch near these paces. Scratching post are great alternatives that you can provide for your kitty. They can scratch, stretch and exercise. Choose the ones with rough surface like rope, carpet and burlap. If you want to provide your cat with not only something to scratch but also where they can climb, perch and sleep you should consider a cat tree.

For example if your cat scratching one particular chair, you can put the scratching post next to the chair and encourage your cat to use it. And discourage them from using the chair by covering the chair with aluminium foil or use sticky tape.

You can also use a rug piece. Don't for get that you need to encourage your cat to use the new scratching post. To encourage your cat don't forget to put some cat nip on the new area you want your cat to scratch. This will get the little moggy interested. Don't change the scratching post with the new one, even if its looks messy and tatty. Your cat won't like it.

Using Scent to Repel

There are scent to repel your cat from the surfaces that you don't want them scratching. Cats don't like the scent citrus. By putting some citrus oil or spray on the surface of the paces, you canto keep the cat away from the furniture. You can also try placing an orange peel around the location.

Other Materials Cats Don't Like

Covering furniture with material that your cat dislikes can work as well. Cats don't like aluminum foil. Try if this works. You can also try attaching double stick tape on the furniture as cats don't like this sticky surface.

Don't declaw your cat to stop them from scratching your furniture. This is cruel and inhumane. There are physical and psychological damages. Declawed cat can't walk and balance properly. And they will start biting. You need to train your cat to use the scratching post. You can trim your cats claws. You can do this yourself at home with special clippers. Declawing is outlawed and many vets refuse to do it.

Don't punish your cat. Because cats don't understand physical punishment. It doesn't work. When you catch your cat scratching on your furniture, gently pick her up and put her near the scratching post. Also spraying your cat with water, using a spray bottle when you catch her. This will discourage her.

• Catnip, catnip oil
• Cat scratching posts
• Cat scratching tree
• Double sided tape
• Spray bottle
• Cat toys

• Scratching posts and boards come in different shape and size. Flat ones on the floor or raised, some made of hemp. Some cats don't like scratching on vertical posts. Trying different ones and having one upstairs one downstairs might be a good idea. Having too many is better than not having enough.
• Cat Scratching trees that have high resting platforms and small dens can be more attractive to your cat.
• If you get a scratching tree, secure it to the floor and wall so that your kitty wont fall and injure herself.
• Have patience with your cat. You love your cat and cats know when you care and they will do their best to please their human. Your cat just wants to get along. Talk to your cat and showing them that you love them is very important when training a cat. They will meow and talk back and do anything you want. Gesture and even demonstrate while you talking to them. They will pick up from body language when speaking.