How do I get my cat to stop scratching my furniture?
How Do I Get My Cat to Stop Scratching My Furniture?
When cats move their claws, it’s more than likely they are scratching something. Unfortunately this can often mean your favourite sofa or armchair!
While scratching may seem like unwanted behaviour for many cat owners, it is actually quite natural for cats. Cats scratch for many reasons, one of which is to mark their territory with their scent.
Fortunately, there are ways of stopping or at least reducing the amount of scratching around your home. Here are a few ideas on how to get your cat to stop scratching your furniture:
Provide a scratching post
Cats love to scratch on rough surfaces and sisal provided by scratching posts is a perfect place for them to have a satisfying scratch. Setting up a scratching post near your furniture can often encourage cats to scratch in the right place.
Keep your cat’s nails trimmed
Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed to a suitable length will also reduce the amount of damage to your furniture. Regular trims also make scratching less comfortable for your cat, encouraging them to find an alternative spot instead.
Reward desired behaviour
Whenever you catch your cat scratching on the post reward them with affection, treats or toys. This helps reinforce the post as the desired scratching spot and will create positive associations.
Discourage unwelcome scratching behaviour
In order to discourage scratching on your furniture, it may be necessary to use a deterrent such as double-sided tape, aluminium foil or citrus scented sprays. When your cat scratches your furniture they will find the unpleasant texture or smell unpleasant and be more likely to avoid it in the future.
With the right help and patience it is possible to get your cat to stop scratching your furniture
No matter the size of your cat or the amount of scratching that is happening, with the right help and patience it is possible to get your cat to stop scratching your furniture.
There are a variety of solutions available for cats scratching. Providing a scratching post, keeping your cat’s nails trimmed, rewarding desired behaviour and discouraging unwelcome scratching behaviour are all things you can do in order to reduce and stop your cat’s scratching habits.
