How can I keep my cat from scratching my furniture?

How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Your Furniture

Having a pet can be lots of fun, but when they aren’t trained properly they can be destructive. One of the most common problems is cats scratching up furniture. To spare your furniture, here are some tips to prevent your cat from scratching it.

Provide Appropriate Scratching Options

The first step in keeping your cat from scratching your furniture is to offer acceptable scratching options. Cats love to scratch, so it’s important to provide them with appropriate places in the home. Consider getting a tall cat scratching post that is covered with sisal or other rough material. You can also get cat scratching mats, which are designed to lay flat on the ground or attach to the wall. Place the scratching post or mats near the furniture you want to protect, and make sure it’s within easy reach.

Trim Your Cats’ Nails Regularly

Regularly trimming your cat’s nails can help prevent them from scratching your furniture. Trimming their nails should be done every few weeks. It’s important to be careful, so make sure you have a pair of cat nail clippers.

Redirect Scratching Behaviour

In addition to providing appropriate scratching options, you should also try to redirect your cat’s behavior when they start scratching the furniture. When you catch them scratching, simply distract them by shaking a toy or making a loud noise. When they stop scratching, reward them with a treat.

Discourage Your Cat from Scratching

Encourage your cat not to scratch the furniture by spraying it with water or covering it with double sided tape to create an uncomfortable feeling for them. Cover the area with something that won’t damage the furniture, like a blanket or throw pillow.

Conclusion

Keeping your cat from scratching your furniture can be challenging, but it can be done. By providing appropriate scratching options, regularly trimming their nails, redirecting their behavior, and discouraging them from scratching, you can protect your furniture and keep your cat safe.