How to Keep a Kitten From Damaging Leather Furniture
Scratching is a natural and healthy behavior for kittens. The act of scratching helps kittens stretch out their muscles, and it leaves their scent on objects, giving them comfort in their new home. With this in mind, training a kitten to scratch on appropriate objects should be the focus. Following these steps consistently should teach most kittens where they should and should not scratch.
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Instructions
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Place a tall cat scratching post near the leather furniture your kitten has taken an interest in. The taller the scratching post, the better.
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Sprinkle catnip on the scratching post and show it to your kitten. When your kitten plays on or scratches the post, praise him or her.
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Apply foil to the areas of the leather furniture that your kitten was scratching. Most kittens do not like the feel of foil and will leave it alone.
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When you catch your kitten scratching the leather furniture, pick your kitten up and put him or her on or near the scratching post. Again, praise your kitten for using the post.
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As a last resort, place a squirt bottle within easy reach of the leather furniture. If you notice your kitten scratching the furniture, give him or her a quick squirt.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also apply plastic nail covers on your kitten's nails to help prevent damage to leather furniture. Plastic nail covers can be purchased at most pet stores.
Only use the squirt bottle when the kitten is actually scratching the furniture, as this will be most effective. Kittens live in the moment, so a squirt after the undesirable activity will only confuse them.
Never hit or otherwise physically punish your kitten, as you could injure him or her. Such harsh punishment will not help you build a positive relationship with your kitten.
