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As much as we love our feline friends, we also want to keep our décor nice. The good news? After researching expert advice, we found 10 easy methods to stop your cat from scratching furniture.
If you feel frustrated, just know that you aren’t alone. My wife and I went through “the scratching phase” with Maggie. Thankfully, it only took a combination of two methods to make her lose interest in scratching our couch and chairs. Today, only one technique is needed to maintain success. Yes, really! Now first, let’s talk about why cats scratch things.
Why Do Cats Scratch Things?
Scratching is a natural act for a cat, and is completely necessary for their well-being. According to Jackson Galaxy, cat behaviorist, and Dr. Jean Hofve, holistic veterinarian, here are the reasons your cat scratches:
- To keep claws healthy. It helps removes the dead outer nail husk, keeping the nail healthy and sharp.
- To stretch. It allows the cat to stretch, which is necessary to strengthen their upper body. Stretching also allows them to exercise their muscles.
- To mark. It lets cats mark their territory visually. Their paws contain scent glands which release odors when he or she scratches things, which causes the cat’s “signature” to be left behind.
It’s also worth nothing a bonus reason: - To feel good. Not only does scratching feel great to cats, but it also relieves stress. This means that when a cat scratches things, there is a lesser chance they will develop other unwanted behaviors.
Now that you know why cats need to scratch, it’s important to learn what not to do before trying any methods.
Things You Should NEVER Do to Prevent Scratching
Contrary to popular belief, cats are not spiteful animals. This means that if a cat scratches your chair, they aren’t “out to get you.” Instead, the cat is simply scratching for the reasons mentioned earlier.
I get it. In the heat of the moment, especially if your $2,000 sofa just got ruined, it can be easy to lose patience with your cat. However, punishing your cat will NOT solve the problem. Instead, punishment will lead to worse problems down the road.
NEVER Yell or Physically Punish
First, we can’t stress enough how important it is to never yell or physically punish your cat if they scratch something that’s “off-limits.” Not only is scolding or hitting completely ineffective, but doing either will also make them fear you. Yelling and smacking will also cause the cat to feel stressed and anxious, which can lead to additional unwanted behaviors. Plus, a cat would never understand the reason for these punishments anyway.
NEVER Declaw Your Cat
Second, we urge you to never declaw your cat to prevent or resolve destructive scratching. Despite the name, declawing is much more than removing a cat’s claws. In order to make sure the claws don’t grow back, the end bone of each toe must be amputated, which is 1/3 of a cat’s paws. This is equivalent to cutting a human’s fingers off at the first knuckle.
This procedure is considered very inhumane because it causes unnecessary pain and suffering. Ironically, many declawed cats develop behavioral problems that are more serious than scratching.
10 Methods to Stop Your Cat From Scratching Furniture
Now you must be thinking, “Okay so, if I can’t punish them, and declawing is inhumane, how do I save my couch from destruction?!”
The trick is to provide the cat with an alternate surface that more desirable than the surface you are trying to protect. This alternate surface must also be placed strategically. With that said, here are the methods we found:
Method 1: Scratching Posts
Shortly after we brought Maggie home, we learned she loved to scratch our living room chair. To save the chair, we placed a scratching post in front of the part she scratched the most. Instead of scratching the chair, she went to town on the scratching post like a happy girl.
This method really is a win-win because it allows your cat to fulfill their need to scratch while also saving the off-limits surface. Plus, it’s easy to implement.
Before the chair fiasco, we already had scratching posts. However, they were not strategically placed around the house. That’s why the key to this method is placing the scratching posts in front of things you want to protect.
Note that if your cat isn’t immediately interested in the scratching post like Maggie was, you can lure them over with treats. Another option is to sprinkle catnip or spray honeysuckle on it, which are both things cats love.
Types of Scratching Posts
There are different types of scratching posts that meet various feline preferences. For example, horizontal cardboard scratchers for carpet–lovers, wedge shaped cardboard ramps for cats who scratch low on furniture, and upright posts or for cats who like to stretch while scratching.
Since there are several options, it’s recommended to get a variety of different scratching posts, to find out which type your cat prefers. If you shop around, you can easily find inexpensive scratching posts.
Aside from the type of scratching post, the material that the post is made of is also important. According to Jackson Galaxy and Dr. Hofve, natural wood is a good option because it closely mimics a tree, something cats love to scratch in nature. Many cats also like the feel of a sisal rope–wound post. Others may like redwood or cedar planks.
Method 2: Citrus Sprays
Another method that helped us tremendously was using a citrus spray. Scratching posts and citrus sprays are the only two methods Maggie ever needed.
All you have to do is spray the fabric surface you want to protect. These sprays work because cats have a natural aversion to citrus odors. To maintain its effect, you simply have to reapply as needed.
Since citrus sprays are natural deterrents for cats, it’s important that you NEVER spray the product directly on the cat. These products are only meant to be sprayed on fabric surfaces.
If you are spraying a couch or chair, we recommend doing so before bedtime. This way, it will be fully dry the next time you sit on it, and no product will rub off.
Method 3: Feliway Spray
Feliway Classic Calming Spray works by giving the cat the impression that the area has already been marked, which makes them think there is no need to scratch. As an added bonus, it has a calming effect on the cats. Just like the last spray, Feliway is only meant to be sprayed on problem areas, NOT directly on the cat.
Method 4: Cover Item
Many first-time cat parents don’t think to cover the items that need protection. But this can easily be done by covering the targeted piece with a sheet. Or, another option is to buy a furniture protector that is specifically designed to protect against cat scratches. Even if you don’t want to cover that beautiful sofa long-term, it’s a great place to start if you are waiting to get supplies for one of the other methods.
Method 5: Double-Sided Tape
Another technique is to place double-sided tape on the area you want to protect. This product works because the tape has a tactile feel which cats avoid. Sticky Paws is a popular choice because it comes in different sizes and versions designed specifically for furniture or plants. It’s also easy to apply.
Method 6: Motion-Activated Spray
Like the name sounds, a motion-activated sprayer, like the one by PetSafe, works automatically. When the sprayer detects your cat entering an off-limits area, it emits a harmless and odorless spray to deter them from continuing. This is also a way to keep cats off countertops and tables. If you frequently walk past the sprayer’s spot, you could always save this method for when you’re out of the house.
Method 7: Trimming Nails
Although this might sound like an obvious one, I didn’t want to leave it out because some cat parents don’t think trimming nails will solve the problem. While trimmed nails themselves won’t stop them from scratching, they will reduce the amount of damage done to anything your cat does scratch. If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with cutting your cat’s nails, ask your vet to show you. Also, if you want us to do a video explaining how to trim a cat’s nails, let us know in the comments.
Method 8: Nail Caps
Nail caps are like a woman’s equivalent to acrylic nails. The caps cover each nail so that scratching causes little to no damage. Nail caps usually fall off after four to six weeks, at which time new ones need to be applied.
These caps are said to be a humane alternative to declawing. The material is non-toxic, and the caps still allow the full retraction and extension of claws, which means your cat won’t be stopped from stretching their muscles.
In order for nail caps to properly work, it is crucial that they are applied correctly. So if you decide to do this, make sure you follow the directions closely.
Method 9: Vinyl Carpet Runners
This method involves setting up a vinyl carpet runner with the spike side up in front of the spot where the cat loves to scratch. The prickly feeling will soon teach the cat not to go near the runner.
Although vinyl carpet runners can be effective, this is one of those methods that should be saved as a last resort. However, the option is there for extra stubborn cats.
Method 10: A Squirt Bottle
Finally, you can resort to squirting the cat with water (with a spray bottle) when they are caught scratching. As mentioned earlier, you should never scold the cat. So if you do squirt them, simply say in a firm but calm voice the word “no” while doing so.
According to the ASPCA, squirting should be saved as a last resort because the startling act can cause your cat to fear you, which is something you never want. For this reason, we urge you to try all other methods before this one.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, all cats are different, which is why it’s best to experiment to see which of these methods work best for your cat.
It’s also important to always consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your cat’s behavior. Also, if this list is unsuccessful, it’s time to call your vet A.S.A.P., because there could be something going on with your cat.
NOTE: This article has been updated since it was published.
DISCLAIMER: The Purring Journal is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions, at not cost to you, by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I only affiliate with products that I truly support, and commissions help support this blog. In addition, this is not medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before trying anything new.
Resources
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/destructive-scratching
https://www.catsupport.net/info/display?PageID=13055
https://catveteran.com/cat-nail-caps/
https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/routine-care/how-to-discipline-a-cat
https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/blog/how-to-stop-your-cats-from-scratching-furniture/
https://www.petmd.com/cat/pet-lover/declawing-cats-illegal
https://www.purrfectpost.com/train-your-cat-to-stop-scratching-your-couch-in-7-days-or-less/
Disclaimer: The Purring Journal is not in the medical field. This post is made for entertainment purposes only. Use the information presented in this article at your own risk. Always seek medical advice from licensed veterinarians.
