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If you’re a cat parent, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of finding your favorite chair or couch turned into a scratching post. But before you get too upset, it’s important to understand why your cat scratches furniture in the first place—and, more importantly, how you can redirect that behavior in a way that keeps both you and your cat happy.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

First things first: scratching is completely natural for cats. They’re not doing it to be naughty or to destroy your things. Cats scratch for several reasons:

Marking Territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws, so when they scratch, they’re marking their territory both visually and with scent. This is especially important for them in a household with other pets.

Keeping Claws Healthy: Scratching helps remove the outer layer of a cat’s claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. It’s like a manicure, but for cats.

Exercise and Stretching: Scratching provides a great way for cats to stretch their muscles and flex their feet and claws. It’s a bit like a cat yoga session!

Stress Relief: Scratching can also be a way for cats to relieve stress or frustration. If your cat is feeling anxious, they might scratch more often.

Understanding these natural instincts is the first step toward finding a solution that works for both you and your cat.

How to Stop the Scratching

Now that we know why cats scratch, how do we get them to stop ruining the furniture? Here are some effective strategies:

Provide Alternative Scratching Options

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The best way to prevent your cat from scratching furniture is to offer them something better to scratch. Invest in a variety of scratching posts or pads. Cats have individual preferences, so you might need to try different types, such as vertical posts, horizontal pads, or inclined scratchers. Make sure the scratching post is sturdy and tall enough for your cat to fully stretch out.

Use Deterrents

To make your furniture less appealing, you can use cat-safe deterrents. Double-sided tape, aluminum foil, or special sprays with scents cats dislike can be applied to the areas they tend to scratch. These methods make the surface unpleasant for your cat to scratch, encouraging them to look elsewhere.

Place Scratchers Strategically

Location is key! Place scratching posts near your cat’s favorite scratching spots, like the arm of the couch or the corner of the bed. If your cat often scratches after waking up, place a scratcher near their sleeping area. Once they start using the scratcher instead of the furniture, you can slowly move it to a more convenient location.

Make Scratching Posts More Attractive

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You can make the scratching post more appealing by rubbing it with a little catnip or hanging toys from it. Positive reinforcement is also crucial—whenever you see your cat using the scratcher, reward them with treats, praise, or a little playtime.

Regular Claw Maintenance

Keep your cat’s claws trimmed to reduce the damage caused by scratching. Regular trimming can also make scratching less satisfying, which may encourage your cat to use the scratcher instead of the furniture. If you’re not comfortable trimming your cat’s claws, your vet or a professional groomer can help.

Avoid Punishment

It can be tempting to scold your cat when you catch them scratching the furniture, but punishment usually doesn’t work and can actually make the problem worse. Cats don’t understand punishment in the way humans do, and it may just make them more anxious or fearful.

Consider Soft Claw Covers

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For some cats, soft claw covers can be a temporary solution. These are small caps that are glued onto your cat’s claws to prevent them from causing damage. They need to be replaced every few weeks, but they can be a helpful part of a broader strategy to protect your furniture while you work on redirecting the behavior.

Putting It All Together

Scratching is a natural and important behavior for cats, but that doesn’t mean your furniture has to suffer. By understanding why cats scratch and providing appropriate alternatives, you can keep your cat happy and your home intact. With a bit of patience and the right tools, you’ll be able to redirect your cat’s scratching habit and enjoy a scratch-free home.

Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2013). Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Basic Books.

Herron, M. E., & Buffington, C. A. (2015). Decoding Your Cat: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Cat Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Sands, R. (2009). The Cat Behavior Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You’ll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You’ll Ever Ask. Storey Publishing.