How To Stop Cats From Scratching Furniture

If you’re a cat owner, you know that cats love to scratch furniture. In fact, they seem to take great pleasure in destroying couches, chairs, and anything else they can sink their claws into.

While it’s natural for cats to scratch, it can be annoying when they do it all over your furniture.

Luckily, there are ways how to stop cats from scratching furniture. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most effective methods, plus the dangers of declawing your cat.

So, keep reading for all our tips on how to keep your furniture looking new!

But first…

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Before we get into how to stop cats from scratching furniture, it’s important to understand why they do it in the first place.

Cats scratch for several reasons:

To mark their territory: When a cat scratches objects in their environment, they’re leaving behind tiny scent glands located in their paws. This is their way of marking their territory and making you aware that this is their home.

To stretch: Stretching is important for cats because it helps them stay flexible and avoid injury. When they scratch, they’re able to stretch their bodies in a way that feels good.

To remove the outer layer of their claws: Just like our fingernails, cats’ claws need to be trimmed regularly. Scratching helps them remove the outer layer of their nails so they can continue to grow healthy and strong.

Ways to Keep Cats From Scratching Furniture

There are several ways to keep cats from scratching furniture.

Here are 5 of the most popular methods:

1. Provide Scratching Posts

One of the most popular ways to keep cats from scratching furniture is to provide them with a scratching post. Most pet stores sell cat scratching posts made from different materials including rope, carpet, sisal, and even wood.

They come in all different shapes and sizes, so you should be able to find one that your cat will love.

2. Use Cat Scratch Tape

Another popular way to keep cats from scratching furniture is to use cat scratch tape. These products contain a sticky substance that will deter your cat from scratching the furniture.

There are several brands of cat scratch tape and spray available on the market, so be sure to read the labels carefully to find one that is safe to use around your home.

The tape works by making the surface of the furniture less appealing to your cat and is usually applied to the legs or arms of chairs and couches.

3. Try Socks or Nail Caps

If you are looking for a temporary solution to keep your cat from scratching furniture, you can try socks or nail caps. Socks can be placed over the legs of chairs and couches to deter them from scratching.

Nail caps are small plastic caps that are applied to your cat’s nails to prevent them from causing damage. These products are available at most pet stores.

However, most cats will eventually figure out how to remove the socks or nail caps, so they are not a long-term solution.

4. Protect Furniture with Vinyl Guards

If you are looking for a long-term solution to keep your cat from scratching furniture, you can try using vinyl guards. These products are applied to the legs or arms of chairs and couches and create a barrier between your cat’s nails and the furniture.

Most vinyl guards are transparent and barely noticeable, so they will not ruin the look of your furniture. They are effective for several months and can be reapplied as needed.

5. Spray To Keep Cats off Furniture

There are several commercial sprays available that will keep your cat from scratching furniture. These products usually contain citronella, lemon, or eucalyptus and work by deterring your cat with a strong scent.

Be sure to read the labels carefully to find a flea spray for furniture that is safe to use around your home and does not contain any harmful chemicals.

These are just a few of the most popular methods for keeping cats from scratching furniture. You may need to experiment with different products and techniques to find one that works for your cat.

Can I Declaw My Cat?

No. Declawing is an inhumane and painful procedure that involves removing a cat’s claws and toe pads. It can cause lifelong physical and psychological problems for your cat.

There are humane alternatives to declawing, such as trimming your cat’s nails regularly and providing them with scratch posts or other surfaces they can scratch. With a little patience and training, you can teach your cat to scratch where you want them to.

Indeed, many veterinarians refuse to perform declawing surgery, and it is banned in several countries.

Dangers of Declawing Your Cat

While declawing may seem like a quick and easy solution to keep your cat from scratching furniture, it can actually cause a whole host of problems.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists the following risks associated with declawing:

Pain: Declawing is a major surgery that involves cutting through bone, tendons, and nerves. It is very painful and can cause long-term problems with your cat’s paws.

Infection: Any time you have surgery, there is a risk of infection. This is especially true for declawing because it involves cutting through bones and tendons. Infections can be very serious and even life-threatening.

Lameness: Because declawing involves cutting through tendons, it can cause your cat to walk awkwardly and experience lameness. This is a common problem after declawing and can be debilitating for your cat.

Behavior problems: Declawed cats may experience behavior problems because they are in pain or because they can no longer scratch to mark their territory. These cats may become biting or aggressive.

So, as you can see, there are many risks associated with declawing your cat. It is an inhumane and painful procedure that can cause lifelong problems for your cat.

Our Readers Favorite Questions

Can You Train a Cat Not To Scratch Furniture?

Yes, cats can be trained not to scratch furniture. There are several ways to do this, including using positive reinforcement, providing your cat with acceptable alternatives to scratching, and teaching them to scratch in appropriate places.

Using positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to train your cat not to scratch furniture.

What Smells Deter Cats From Scratching?

Cats dislike the smell of citrus, so you can try spraying your furniture with a lemon or orange-scented cleaner. You can also try using double-sided tape or plastic sheeting to cover up areas that you don’t want your cat to scratch.

How Do I Stop My Cat From Scratching My Furniture at Night?

If your cat is scratching furniture at night, it may be because they’re bored or have too much energy. Try providing them with toys and plenty of exercise during the day to tire them out. You can also try using a noise deterrent like an ultrasonic device to keep them from scratching at night.

What Causes Cats To Scratch Furniture?

There are a number of reasons why cats scratch furniture, including boredom, stress, and instinct. Cats also scratch to stretch their muscles and to mark their territory. If your cat is scratching furniture excessively, it may be indicative of a bigger problem such as anxiety or feline leukemia.

Conclusion

As you can see there are different ways to stop cats from scratching furniture. Some people choose to declaw their cats, but this is an inhumane and painful procedure that can cause lifelong problems for your cat.

There are other, more humane alternatives, such as trimming your cat’s nails regularly and providing them with scratch posts or other surfaces they can scratch.

With a little patience and training, you can teach your cat not to scratch furniture and keep your home looking great.

How do you stop your cat from scratching furniture? Share your tips in the comments below!