How to Stop a Cat From Sharpening Claws on Furniture

Cats scratch to exercise, to mark territory, and just for fun.

Cats scratch to mark their territory, to exercise and simply because the feeling is pleasurable to them. While it is a natural activity, scratching can destroy your furniture. Though teaching a cat not to scratch your furniture takes time, it is entirely possible to prevent a cat from scratching your furniture.

Things You'll Need

• Pet odor remover
• Scratching post

Instructions

1. Apply pet odor remover to the place where the cat has been scratching. When a cat can detect its scent on a particular piece of furniture, it will return there.

2. Place a scratching post in front of the area where the scratching has been occurring. The scratching post should be at least as tall as the cat can reach sitting up on its hind legs, and it should be very stable. If the cat knocks the scratching post over even once, it can keep the cat from returning.

3. Stroke the cat when it first awakes from a nap and place it in front of the scratching post. Cats often want to scratch just as they rise.

4. Praise the cat when it uses the scratching post.

Tips & Warnings

• Start training your cat not to scratch as soon as you bring it home. The younger a cat is when you train it to use a scratching post, the easier the process will be.

• A scratching post covered with sisal rope will allow your cat to shred the rope and to exercise its muscles. Do not remove the post when it is getting shredded, as this is when your cat will most like to use it.

• Do not startle your cat with loud noises or physical punishment when you catch it scratching. This will only make the cat nervous or upset. Instead, just remove the cat from the area.

References

• Lisa Violet's Cathouse: How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Still Maintain Your Furniture and Sanity Intact
• Cats of Australia: Stop Cat Scratching the Furniture