How to Stop a Cat From Scratching Furniture

By eHow Pets Editor

Rate: (31 Ratings)

Cats scratch to mark their territory, sharpen their claws and stretch their muscles. Here's how to help your cat curb the urge (or at least redirect it away from the sofa).

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Scratching Posts
Cat Foods
Cat Scratchers
Cat Toys
Cat Treats
Catnip

Step1

Provide scratching posts and place them in locations where your cat likes to linger - by a sunny window, for instance.

Step2

Experiment with different types of posts to find the best ones for your cat.

Step3

Keep in mind that different cats like different surface textures (cardboard, wood or rugs) and post orientations (horizontal or vertical).

Step4

Encourage kittens to use posts, and reward them with food and praise.

Step5

Consider giving your cat extra attention when he stirs from a nap, and then placing him near the scratching post, since many cats scratch when waking up.

Step6

Avoid punishing your cat if she scratches an inappropriate area - punishment teaches the cat to not scratch in your presence, but it won't deter a cat from scratching when you're not around.

Step7

Avoid letting your cat scratch an old couch, even if you plan to get rid of it soon - this will only encourage your cat to scratch the new couch.

Step8

Consult your veterinarian about alternative treatment options before you give up. Destructive behavior is a leading reason why people surrender their cats to animal shelters.

Tips & Warnings

Aversive-tasting substances will not help, since scratching does not involve the taste buds.
Yelling and loud noises may cause anxiety and encourage destructive behavior.
Scratching is a natural behavior, so blocking the cat's access to one area will simply encourage him to scratch elsewhere.

Comments

daelin914 said

Flag This Comment

on 9/1/2008 My cat used to do that and yelling at him works once in a while. He's been using scratching posts since he was a kitten. When he goes to scratch the furniture, I go and scratch his scratching posts. He gets annoyed that I'm touching his things and goes over and starts scratches the post to reclaim his territory. Keep in mind that this is a male cat, so your mileage may vary with a female cat.

KLP4902 said

Flag This Comment

on 6/26/2008 I agree on the declawing being the last if not a completely unacceptable resort when it comes to stopping a cat from scratching.. I have a cat that insist on scratching my (new) furniture.. I have worked with her since she was a kitten.. I have tried everything from Soft Paws(awesome product-if your cat isn't mine! Many friends use them and they work wonderfully! ).. The double sided tape-I came home to find my cat playing with a ball of the tape that she had pulled off the couch.. The spray-all natural.. Multiple scratching posts and such.. I've tried a water bottle when she was caught in the act.. Ahhh!

I have finally moved furniture so that she doesn't have access to all the corners and do just as DjKing suggest.. by leaving a throw on the corners...

She isn't as bad as before... But still hasn't stopped!... Any other suggestions???

djking said

Flag This Comment

on 6/8/2008 The comments from people who support declawing have not educated themselves on the painful mutilation that this procedure is. If your cats are now okay, I feel they are fortunate. But I assure you they were in pain for quite awhile and many cats suffer problems for a lifetime. Realize that there is a reason it is illegal in England. Pets require effort and sacrifice.

djking said

Flag This Comment

on 6/8/2008 You can also buy wide strips of double-face tape. This works really well on sides of furniture because you can't see it (good alternative to the aluminum foil).
Also, when you see them scratching the furniture, gently pick them up and set them by the scratch post. Pick up their paws and imitate scratching, but don't force. You can scratch with your fingers to make the sound.
When you go to bed, throw a blanket over the area where the problem is. It's quick if you usually keep a throw there anyway.