How to Keep Your Cat From Scratching Your Furniture

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

There's nothing like having your cat cuddle up with you on the couch, but we know that it can be terribly frustrating when that same cute kitty starts to scratch at that couch. However, as a cat owner, you must realize that scratching is part of their natural instinct, and in fact, they scratch for many reasons - some of these reasons include to mark their territory, to stretch, to remove the dead layer of their claws, and to flex their feet and claws.

Don't worry, though, we do have some good news for you - there are several things you can do to keep your cat from scratching your expensive furniture! Here are a few techniques to try:

Use deterrents.
A possible reason for your cat scratching your furniture is that they like the texture, so you'll need to do something to make it unappealing. For example, you can cover off-limit spots with textures that cats don't like, such as aluminum foil and double-sided sticky tape. Cats are also sensitive to smell and they usually don't like citrus or menthol scents, so you can try to use certain odors to keep them away as well.

Provide alternatives.
Since scratching is a natural behavior for cats, you'll need to present them with a place where scratching is acceptable - a scratching post is likely your best bet. These come in all different shapes, sizes and materials, and some will even have toys attached to make them even more appealing. When you notice your cat using their scratching post, remember to praise them so that they start to associate it with being a safe place to scratch.

Interrupt them in the act.
It's extremely important to remember that you should never scold your cat for scratching if you haven't caught them in the act - this will just make them confused and could lead to them developing a sense of fear towards you. Instead, you'll need to stay on top of your cat for a while and interrupt them the moment you see them start to scratch off-limits objects - for example, you can clap your hands or shake a can of coins. Once they're interrupted, you should then bring them over to an acceptable scratching spot (such as their scratching post) so that they can continue. 

Although it can be frustrating to watch your cat rip your furniture to shreds, always remember that they aren't doing it to upset you - scratching is just in their nature, which is why it's up to YOU to teach them acceptable scratching spots!

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital has been caring for pets since 1976, and offers veterinary care services such as vaccines, surgical procedures, dog and cat spays and neuters, animal dentistry, microchips and more. For more information, please call (908) 464-0023.