How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching Your Couch

There are a few methods to stop your cat from scratching the couch.

Cats instinctively want to sharpen their nails. This is why experts recommend that cat owners provide their pets with a scratching post. Having scratching posts around should prevent cats from scratching the furniture. However, this is not always the case because cats are finicky creatures. Some cats still prefer to scratch at upholstered furniture like the couch. Experts suggest a few remedies to keep your cat from scratching the couch.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Scratching post
• Double-sided tape
• Nail clippers
• Orange, lime or lemon pells
• Small bowl

Instructions

1. Fill a spray bottle with tap water. When you notice the cat scratching at the couch, spray it with water a few times. Cat don't like water so this can be an effective deterrent if done on a regular basis.

2. Provide a few scratching posts. Scratching posts come in a variety of materials such as carpet, sisal, and cedar. Cats have a preference for what they like to scratch so trial and error should result in a scratching post that your cat will actually use instead of the couch.

3. Apply double-sided tape to the area of the couch the cat likes to scratch. Cats don't like sticky substances due to the sensitivity of their paws. The tape should deter them after awhile.

4. Clip or trim the cat's nails on a regular basis. This is one way to cut down on damage to your couch.

5. Peel the skin off of citrus fruit. Place the rinds of the lemon, lime or orange in a small bowl and place it under or near the couch where the cat likes to scratch. Cats have sensitive noses and find the smell of citrus annoying.

References

• Drs. Foster and Smith: Cat Clawing Away at Your Patience?
• All Our Pets: 13 ways to save your furniture from cat scratching
• Home Remedy Reference Center: Cat Repellent [http://