How to stop your cat from scratching your furniture

As any cat owner knows, our furry friends can be quite destructive at times. It's important to remember that domestic cats have evolved from wild animals, so they sometimes still have instincts to destroy things. However, there are ways to help your cat channel their energy in a more positive way. 

We’re here to teach you why cats scratch your furniture, and what you can do to make them stop (or at least not do it as often!).

Why does my cat scratch my couch?

If you've ever been scratched by a cat, you know that their claws are sharp! But have you ever wondered why cats scratch in the first place? 

There are actually several reasons why cats like to scratch. For one, it helps them to keep their claws healthy and sharp. When cats scratch, they remove the outer husk of the claw, revealing a new, sharp surface underneath. Scratching also exercises the muscles of the forelimbs and spine - keeping the cat in top hunting condition. Cats also scratch to mark their territory. When they scratch surfaces, they leave behind scent glands from their paws - letting other animals know that this area is claimed by a certain feline!

How to stop your cat from scratching your furniture

A scratching post is a great way to keep your cat from scratching furniture and other household items. Cats love to scratch, and a scratching post gives them a place to do it without damaging your things. Scratching posts come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your cat's needs and your home's décor. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a scratching post for your cat:

• Material: Most scratching posts are made from carpet, sisal, or rope. Some cats prefer one material over another, so it's important to let your cat choose the right post for them

• Size: A good rule of thumb is that the scratching post should be at least as tall as your cat. This way, they can stretch their whole body while they scratch

• Stability: A scratching post that wobbles or tips over is not going to be used as much as a stable one. Make sure the post you choose is sturdy enough to stand up to your cat's zeal

If your cat enjoys scratching the couch, place the scratching post next to the couch. If your cat enjoys scratching the wall by your front door when you come home, place the scratching post near your front door. Location matters! By placing the scratching post in a spot that your cat already frequents, you're more likely to encourage them to use it. Plus, they'll appreciate not having to go far to scratch their itch!

How to introduce your cat to their new scratching post

Introducing your cat to the scratching post is easy. Just play with them around the post, using one of their favourite toys. You can also rub catnip on the post for the first few days. Doing this will help your cat get used to the post and spend more time around it.

If your cat is still scratching furniture, you can deter them by covering the furniture with a tight-fitting sheet. This will make it less appealing to scratch than the post or pad. With time and patience, your cat will learn to use the scratching post or pad instead of your furniture. 

For smaller items, you can try to cover them with double-sided sticky tape or any other material that will make the surface sticky, smooth, or slick. Your cat will not enjoy trying to dig their claws into any of these surfaces and will hopefully start using the scratching post more consistently. Once your cat is using the post/pad consistently, you can remove the covering from the previously scratched objects.

Soon enough your cat will be clawing away at its new favourite spot in the house! (Hopefully that's the post, and not the couch!) 

Get everything you need for your cat

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