Have you ever witnessed the claw marks on your couch? Are you worried about scratches on furniture? Youâre not alone because many cat owners are worried about this problem. Since I am a cat sitter in Fort Worth, Texas, this is a problem that some of my clients discuss with me. In this article, weâll discuss how to stop your cat from scratching on the furniture.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Itâs essential to know the reasons why do cats scratch? Cats scratch couch and other furniture because they feel that itâs an exercise. Scratching also cleans the exterior sheath and sharpens their claws. Furthermore, cats also scratch to mark their territory. When you understand the cause, move towards the solution.
How to Stop Your Cats from Damaging Furniture?
Follow these 5 tips and prevent your expensive furniture from scratches.
1. Purchase a scratching post
Itâs the best solution to the scratching problem, but it will not be easy to encourage your cats to use it. Check for post size when purchasing one for your cat. Moreover, scratching posts and boards comes in different sizes and shapes, so ensure that you choose the right one. Some cats prefer to scratch horizontal surfaces and some like flat surfaces. So, whatever option you choose, ensure that itâs rough and coarse. You can also spray the post with catnip spray so they will be attracted to it.
2. Locate scratching posts at different places
Identify furniture on which your cat has clawed more. Place your scratching apparatus near that furniture. If your cat does this in different locations, try to buy more than one scratching post and place them in places where your cat has done more damage.
3. Train your cat to use that scratching post
Encourage your cat to use a scratching post for scratching. Wait for your cat to respond to this post. Spray catnip oil on the post to get the catâs attention; whenever your cat uses it, reward and praise her.
You can even tell your cat how to scratch this post. For example, when you came back from work, go to that post and start scratching with your nails and ask your cat to do the same.
4. Adjust the position of the scratching post-
Change the position and location of the post if your cat isnât responding to it; it will bring good results. Moreover, use surfaces that your cats prefer. It may be cardboard, carpeting, sisal rope, or drapery fabric. When you follow your catâs preferences, it will be much easier to take your cat to the new scratching post.
5. Correct bad scratching behaviors
Whenever your cat goes near the furniture for clawing, say a sharp âNo.â Donât sound angry. Otherwise, it can be worse. You can also purchase a travel-size spray bottle and squirt them with waterâŚ.Which they hate! I have one at my house and now all I have to do is pick it up and they will stop and run away immediately!
You can only teach them to use these posts by showing positive reinforcement. When you get angry with your cat or shout, it will leave produce negative effects. Sometimes you can stop the behavior by diverting their attention. Offer them a toy or treat to redirect their attention.
Final Words
Catâs claw on furniture as a fun and exercise, and it provides them many benefits. So, you have to understand their instincts and act politely. Buy any scratching post and prevent your expensive furniture from scratching.
