Protect Your Furniture By Understanding Why Cats Scratch And How To Redirect This Frustrating Behavior
Felines are beloved companions for their playful yet independent natures. But if there’s one behavior that leaves cat owners feeling frustrated, it’s scratching.
Have you ever turned your back for a second and found your sofa or favorite dining room chair has become a shredded mess?
While this tendency may just seem like a nuisance, it’s actually completely natural for cats. So, the key to protecting your household items is understanding why cats claw in the first place, as well as how to redirect them.
Why Cats Scratch
Scratching is not a random act of destruction or rebellion by your pet. Rather, it’s an important part of feline life for four main reasons.
Primarily, it helps cats mark their territory, as they have scent glands in their paws. That’s why, when they scratch an object, they’re not only leaving a physical mark but also a scent marker.
The act of scratching also allows cats to stretch out their muscles, especially those in their legs, shoulders, and back. Plus, the habit helps cats maintain their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy.
Finally, feline friends can get stressed, just like us humans do. Scratching is one method they use to release pent-up energy or anxiety.
Now that you understand why cats scratch, you can learn how to save your furniture from damage. Here are some tried-and-true tips for redirecting your pet away from your couch and onto more appropriate surfaces.
Amerigo_images – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual cat
Invest In Scratching Posts And Pads
It’s kitty nature to scratch, so providing designated places – along with a variety of options – is key.
You can look for tall, sturdy scratching posts that enable your cat to get a full stretch. Just keep in mind that some cats prefer vertical surfaces, while others enjoy horizontal ones.
Having a mix of posts and scratch pads is a good idea, and you can even sprinkle a bit of catnip on the posts to make them more enticing.
Use Furniture Covers
If you’ve noticed your feline has a favorite spot that they can’t resist scratching, consider covering it with protective materials.
Some pet owners like furniture covers and others turn to double-sided tape or plastic shields for the arms of chairs or couches.
This works because cats don’t like sticky surfaces, and the tape can act as a deterrent. However, this should only be a temporary solution until your cat learns to use their scratching post.
Keep Your Cat’s Nails Trimmed
Regularly trimming your kitty’s claws is another way to reduce damage caused by scratching. You don’t have to clip them down to nothing, either.
Just cut enough to dull the sharp tips, and if you’re not sure how to safely do this, you can always consult your veterinarian.
Try Pheromone Sprays
Additionally, cats respond to pheromones, which are chemicals they release when they feel safe or comfortable. There are pheromone sprays or diffusers on the market that can create a calming environment and reduce stress-related scratching.
All you need to do is spray pheromones on areas where your cat tends to scratch to discourage them from returning.
Deter Scratching In The Wrong Places
If your pet continues clawing up your furniture, work on training them using positive reinforcement.
When your cat uses their scratching post, you can offer up treats and praise. On the flip side, if they go for your furniture, try distracting them with a toy or gently relocating them to their scratching post.
Consider Soft Nail Caps
Now, as a final resort, some owners opt for soft nail caps. These are small rubber coverings that actually adhere to your cat’s claws and prevent damage from scratching without harming your cat.
The caps need to be reapplied every few weeks but can serve as a temporary fix while you work on redirecting your feline’s behavior.
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