Heres How To Keep A Cat From Scratching The Furniture

Cats: The clumsy, pouty, gentle little people we love. No matter how cute (or maybe mean) they are, the behavior of most cats is beyond our power. Why do cats knead? Does the cat know his name? And why does he like to scrub our sofas and armchairs? If you're wondering what are the best cat scratching posts and how to stop cats from scratching your furniture, you've come to the right place.

Why does my cat scratch furniture?

Cat body language can be confusing, but scratching is a normal part of cat behavior. In the wild, cats scratch their claws to remove the dead layer of claws (think of a cat manicure), which helps keep their claws sharp while hunting. They may also use scratches to mark their territory. They have scent glands between their paws, and the scratch itself is a visual sign to other cats that the space has been occupied. Combing and stretching also help them keep their bodies in good shape.

Can cats be taught not to scratch furniture?

Good news: yes! While experts don't think you can teach cats not to scratch at all, they can certainly be taught not to scratch your furniture . As mentioned above, scratching is a basic instinct that helps cats in the wild, so your house cat is just a cat. But don't worry, there are ways to redirect their instincts.

How do I get my cat to stop scratching my furniture?

Isn't it cute when your feline friend decides to leave their business cards on your furniture, curtains or rugs. Luckily, here are a few tips to help keep cats from scratching your furniture:

Do not declare your cat

It is not recommended to declare your cat. This is a surgical procedure in which the last bone of each of your cat's toes is removed to prevent the claws from growing back. Many experts believe that this is inhumane treatment and can cause behavioral problems such as biting, refusal to use the litter box, and even anxiety in the cat.

Provide a scratching post

Kittens start scratching at around 8 weeks of age, so start training your cat while she is little by providing a scratching post or support. Your cat can continue to enjoy their natural behavior without destroying your furniture.

Use cat scratch spray

Using a scratching spray will make your cat think she has marked her territory, preventing her from scratching where you don't want her to. You can purchase sprays to keep cats from scratching your furniture, but it's also easy to make a homemade cat spray using vinegar, citrus essential oil, or even garlic and mint. ! Next, here's how to keep your cat away from the counter.

Use cat tape

If you're wondering how to stop cats from scratching your leather furniture, cat scratch tape is the answer. It also works well on fabrics, carpets and hard surfaces like walls and doors. Supplied in sheets or rolls like regular tape, this double-sided tape can be placed where needed and easily removed later. Cats hate the feeling of being grabbed by their claws, which prevents them from scratching.

Try on socks, boots, or nail pads.

Socks or cat boots (or gloves) to prevent scratches are an alternative to decluttering. These boots work well for some cats, but if you get frustrated and keep trying to get them off, try soft claw covers that stick to your cat's paws. This limits the damage if your cat decides to scratch where it shouldn't. And in case you're wondering, this is exactly what catnip does to cats.

Protect it with a vinyl protector

Another option is to put clear vinyl sheets on furniture that cats want to scratch. These panels are available in a variety of sizes and come with screw studs that make it easy to assemble the panels. Kitty's claws can't pierce durable vinyl, so this cover provides stylish, invisible protection for your cat's favorite sofa or chair.

While it's impossible to completely prevent cats from scratching furniture, these tips can reduce the risk of damage to your home. Then check out our most popular cat toys and find out why cats hiss.

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The article "How to Stop Cats from Scratching Your Furniture" first appeared in Reader's Digest.