How to Prevent Cat Scratching Furniture

Why do cats scratch furniture? In the cat's point of view, the furniture, table, chair, desk, and the carpet are all great scratching surfaces because they're high, solid, and have all the correct material for nail digging. Unfortunately, cats are inclined to scratch furniture if they don't have sufficient scratching alternatives, rough surfaces, and unsuitable substrates that don't meet their needs. If your furniture is scratched, or if it's gotten so worn that your cat is preferring to scratch on other things instead of on your furniture, there are a few things you can do. To begin, you will need a scratch post and a scratching pad, something that's soft and squishy.

When cats scratch, they usually do it on the surface of the object they're feeling especially stimulated to, so you should have several scratch posts available. You want to keep them somewhere in the room or house accessible to your cat. But also make sure they're in good repair. Many people buy cheap, broken scratching posts. This can lead to cat scratching furniture issues.

One way to solve this problem is by buying several new scratching posts or making your own. You should also provide multiple scratching surfaces in different locations throughout the home. If possible, give your cat multiple scratching surfaces - one in her bedroom, another in her bathroom, a third in her dining room. Providing different scratching surfaces means that she gets used to them and can explore them all simultaneously. But don't stop with just one or two scratching posts; continue adding to your cat's scratching selections.

In addition to providing additional scratching posts, you may want to offer a treat table. Purchase a small cardboard box about two feet wide and long, which can be covered with plastic liners. Cut a series of 3-inch-tall squares, place a few paper towels in the square, then cover the entire box with the plastic liner. When you see your cat scratching furniture, approach her and offer a toy or treat in exchange for her claws on the table.

If she scratches a lot on your furniture, you may need to trim her nails, as well. Trimming her nails can prevent damage done to the scratching posts, as well as reduce the risk of her claws being scratched or damaged. It can also help your cat feel more secure, increasing her desire to scratch where she needs to.

Once you've trimmed your cat's nails, apply a protective coat of leather cleaner or spray. This will help the cleaner or spray stick to the post better, reducing the possibility of damage done to the post. Let your cat to use the scratching post for a while, then remove it and clean it thoroughly with another leather cleaner. Apply new coating and trim the claws again.