No More Nice Furniture: Keeping Kitty Claws Away
So, you finally decided to get a cat. Congratulations! Now you’ve discovered your new feline friend has a penchant for using your furniture like their own personal scratching post. Those cute kitty claws that were so adorable when you first brought them home have now become weapons of mass destruction against your nice sofa, carpet and chairs. You try gently scolding them when they scratch the furniture, but they just give you that head tilt and meow as if to say “Why are you bothering me, human?”
There are several strategies you can try to save your furniture from becoming shredded wheat while also keeping your cat happy. The key is finding solutions that address the underlying reasons why they feel the need to scratch in the first place. Don't worry, with some patience and the right techniques, you can have both nice furniture and a contented cat. Read on to learn how to nip this scratching problem in the bud once and for all!
Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture? Understanding Your Cat's Natural Instincts
Your cat scratches the furniture for a few reasons. First, it's in their nature. Scratching is a natural instinct for felines to mark their territory and keep their nails trimmed. Second, your cat may not have appropriate scratching posts. Without alternatives, the couch seems like the perfect scratching spot.
Providing scratching posts, pads, and cat trees in areas where your cat usually scratches the furniture can help redirect the behavior. Place them near entryways or in rooms where your cat spends a lot of time. Scratching posts also need to be tall, sturdy, and vertical so your cat can fully stretch out. Rough, unfinished wood and sisal rope are materials cats tend to prefer.
You should also trim your cat's nails regularly to minimize damage from scratching. Use nail clippers made for cats and be very careful not to cut the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves. If their nails are clipped, the scratching may be less destructive.
Sometimes double-sided tape, aluminum foil, motion-activated devices or soft plastic covers can be used as deterrents on the actual furniture. You need to make the area less appealing and the scratching posts more enticing. Play with your cat around the posts to keep them engaged.
With time and consistency, you can train your feline friend to stop scratching the furniture. Understand their instincts, provide alternatives, use deterrents, keep their nails trimmed, and reward/play with them when they use appropriate scratching spots. A few simple changes can save your sofa and keep kitty content. Isn't that a win-win?
Providing Appropriate Scratching Surfaces - Cat Trees, Scratching Posts, and Scratch Pads
Giving your cat appropriate scratching surfaces is key to saving your furniture. Scratching is normal behavior for cats, so you need to provide alternatives to redirect those claws!
Cat trees and scratching posts
Cat trees, scratching posts, and pads give your cat a place to scratch, climb, perch, and play. Look for posts at least 3 feet high, sturdy, and with sisal rope or carpet that your cat enjoys scratching. Place them near areas where your cat usually scratches the furniture.
- Tall cat trees let your cat survey their territory from up high and also give them space to climb, perch and nap.
- Scratching posts and pads on multiple levels of your home ensure there's always an approved scratching spot within pouncing distance.
Keep those claws trimmed
Have your cat's nails trimmed regularly by a vet or groomer to minimize damage from scratching. You can also trim your cat's nails at home if you're comfortable doing it yourself. Just be very careful not to cut the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves.
Double-sided tape or aluminum foil
Apply double-sided tape or aluminum foil to the areas of the furniture your cat is scratching. The sticky or unpleasant texture will deter scratching. You may need to reapply periodically until your cat learns to leave that spot alone.
Providing your cat with appropriate outlets for scratching, keeping those claws trimmed, and using deterrents on the furniture are some of the kindest ways to curb your cat's scratching behavior while also keeping your furniture intact. With time and consistency, your cat should come around and the scratching should subside.
Using Cat Pheromones to Redirect Scratching
One of the most effective ways to redirect your cat's scratching behavior is through the use of synthetic pheromones. Feline facial pheromones, such as Feliway, can help calm your cat and reduce undesirable behaviors like scratching furniture.
Using Feliway Diffusers
Feliway diffusers release calming pheromones into the air that only cats can detect. Place several diffusers around the house, especially near areas where your cat tends to scratch the most. The pheromones create an environment that helps your cat feel more relaxed and less inclined to scratch. You'll likely notice a reduction in scratching behavior within a week or so of using the diffusers.
Apply Feliway Spray Directly
You can also apply Feliway spray directly to areas where your cat is scratching. Spray it on couches, chairs, scratching posts, and anywhere else your cat tends to scratch. The pheromones in the spray will make those areas less appealing to scratch, while also having a calming effect on your cat. Reapply the spray once a week or so to keep it effective.
Consider Feliway Collars
For some cats, wearing a collar impregnated with Feliway pheromones can help reduce anxiety and scratching behavior. The pheromones are slowly released from the collar, creating a calming effect for the cat that lasts up to a month before needing replacement. Feliway collars may be a good option if diffusers and sprays alone are not completely solving the scratching problem.
Using feline pheromone products, especially in combination, can be very effective for redirecting inappropriate scratching in cats. Be consistent and patient through the process, as it can take several weeks of use to fully change your cat's behavior and habits. But by providing an environment saturated with calming pheromones and discouraging undesirable scratching areas, you'll help guide your cat toward appropriate scratching posts and pads.
Trimming Your Cat's Nails Regularly
Trimming your cat's nails regularly is one of the best ways to save your furniture from scratching. As a cat owner, keeping those sharp claws in check should be part of your regular grooming routine.
Supplies You'll Need
You'll want to have some essential supplies on hand for trimming kitty's nails:
- Nail clippers or nail trimmers made for cats
- Styptic powder in case of cutting the quick
- Treats to keep your cat calm
- A helper to give treats and gently restrain the cat
Find the Quick
The quick contains blood vessels and nerves, so you want to avoid cutting it. In light-colored nails, the quick is pink and contains blood vessels. Press on the nail to see the quick retract. Only cut off the sharp tip of the nail.
Set the Mood
Make nail trimming a positive experience. Give your cat treats, praise and belly rubs during trimming to help them associate it with rewards. Play with your cat's paws when they're relaxed so they get used to having their feet handled.
Have a Helper
Have someone give treats and speak in a calm, soothing tone to help keep your cat still during trimming. Gently restrain the cat or place them on a table. Offer lots of praise and treats to keep them relaxed.
Take it Slow
Don't rush the trimming. Do one or two nails at a time, especially when your cat is first getting used to it. Check the quick after each snip to avoid cutting it. If you do cut it, have the styptic powder ready to help stop any bleeding quickly.
With regular trimming every couple of weeks, your cat should get accustomed to having their nails clipped. It may never be their favorite activity, but with patience and positive reinforcement, nail trims can be a quick and painless part of your cat's routine grooming. And your furniture will thank you!
Other Deterrents - Double-Sided Tape, Tin Foil, Citrus Scents
Other effective deterrents involve making the furniture less appealing to scratch. Double-sided tape, aluminum foil, and citrus scents are some of the most popular options.
Double-Sided Tape
Place double-sided tape on the areas where your cat usually scratches. The sticky sensation will deter them from scratching that spot. You can find double-sided tape made specifically for training cats at most pet stores. Regular double-sided tape can work too, but may damage the furniture finish. Replace the tape every few days until your cat learns.
Aluminum Foil
Covering the furniture with aluminum foil is an easy deterrent. The foil feels unpleasant on their paws and the crinkling sound startles them. Secure the foil in place with tape and leave on for at least a week. You can then try removing small sections of the foil at a time to see if your cat has learned. Replace as needed.
Citrus Scents
Cats dislike citrus smells. You can make your own natural citrus spray by combining lemon or orange essential oils with water in a spray bottle. Or purchase commercial anti-scratching sprays that contain citrus oils. Spray the scent on areas your cat usually scratches. The strong smell will deter them from scratching while the scent remains. You may need to reapply the spray every few days until the behavior is under control.
Using multiple deterrents together, especially when first training your cat, will increase your success. Once your cat has learned not to scratch the furniture for a few weeks, slowly remove the deterrents one by one while supervising them closely. Provide your cat with acceptable scratching posts and pads to redirect the behavior to appropriate items. With consistency and time, you can win the battle over your nice furniture!
Conclusion
So there you have it, a few simple tips to help save your furniture from kitty claws. Try trimming those nails regularly, give your cat appropriate scratching posts, spray some deterrent on problem areas, cover up especially tempting pieces, and be consistent with training. It may take some time and patience, but with the right approach you can have a happy cat and a home free of unwanted scratches. Who knows, you might even get so good at it that guests will be shocked when they find out you even have a cat! Stay committed to the cause and before you know it, the only marks on your nice furniture will be from the memories you make gathered around them. Sweet success!
