How To Keep Cats From Scratching Furniture

Every person who owns a cat knows the struggle of keeping it. Especially indoors. One major problem cat owners always deal with, is cats scratching any furniture in their sight. This guide should help you figure out how to keep cats from scratching furniture the right way.

Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?

Scratching is a normal habit for any cat. And they have so many different reasons for why they do it. Firstly, scratching carpets or furniture is also known to be their way of expressing emotion. It could be any kind, like stress, or excitement.

Moreover, cats actually have scent glands in their paws, allowing them to mark objects with their scent which is a very interesting fact that not many people know about. Scratching could also be because they need to remove the dead part of their nails. However, it is usually only because they are in desperate need of a good stretch.

Do All Cats Scratch Furniture?

Most cats scratch furniture, no doubt. But, there are also cats that do not scratch furniture, and if they do, it is not as often as most cats. For example, Persian cats often tend to not scratch what they aren’t supposed to, but on the other hand, if they get too playful and excited, they will go as far as scratching furniture that they might come across. Furthermore, cats do not scratch furniture on purpose as they are not aware of right and wrong doings, they simply focus on fulfilling their needs.

Why You Shouldn’t Declaw Your Cat

Many cat owners across the world are so eager to get their cats declawed, and it is understandable why they might want to do such a thing. But what they don’t realize is that there are so many disadvantages for the cats if you get them declawed. If you’re worried about getting an infection from their scratch, it is significant to keep in mind that the risk of infection from cat scratches is less likely as compared to their bites or their litter.

But there are other reasons to not declaw cats. Firstly, there will be a lasting feeling of discomfort towards the cats similar to that of humans wearing uncomfortable shoes for long periods. Cats can also experience pain and tissue death, laziness, infection, and pain in their paws. There can be a risk of growth of improperly removed claws, and nerve damage, etc. So, the question is, is it worth putting your cat through so much pain and discomfort?

How To Keep Cats From Scratching Furniture

There are so many different ways to keep your cat from scratching any furniture in your home. They are simple and effective ways to do it. Some methods can even allow your cat to continue scratching things but not furniture or carpets, and yet still reach the point of satisfaction. Or you could just simply use these methods to keep your cat away from furniture/prevent them from scratching it.

Keep Scratching Posts

Scratching posts are super beneficial for you and your cat in your home. They allow your cat to scratch whenever they want on it, as much as they want. A small tip is that you should place the scratching posts in places where your cat likes to relax and have fun. Mostly away from the furniture.

Use Nail Caps

Just in case your cat loves to scratch furniture over their posts, you could always purchase nail caps. Mostly plastic nail caps. After that, you will place the nail caps onto their paws. Make sure that your cat does not experience any discomfort or irritation. After that they are free to scratch any furniture as the nail caps will prevent them from doing any damage to the furniture in your home.

Keep Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are another way to make sure your furniture does not go through damage from your cat. There are many ways you can use toys. Firstly, just grab your cat’s favorite toys and place them onto the scratching post/ hang them onto the post, and allow your cat to play with them, and spend more time on that rather than any time near your furniture.

Secondly, you could add to the fun and distraction by providing catnip to spice things up! And you could simply just hand them their toys and make sure that they are distracted enough. As long as using toys will become a strong habit for your cat, you have no reason to worry about any damage to the furniture in your house.

Cover Your Furniture

Here’s another efficient remedy to keep cats away from your furniture, enough for it to not suffer damage. You could make use of plastic and cover your furniture with them. It could be a temporary solution as you could do this while your cat gets used to scratching its scratching post only. Moreover, sometimes just simply covering your furniture in plastic will make it less appealing to your cat, making them not so interested in scratching it. Did you know throwing a blanket over your furniture works wonders too? Get a custom pet blanket to make it even more special!

Use Cat Scratching Spray

Many people prefer to make their own cat scratching spray but you can simply find one online or in specific stores as well. Once you get a hold of the spray, apply it daily onto your furniture, while your cat adapts to the habit of using the scratching post. Once they do, you can reduce the amount and number of times you apply the spray, and slowly you can even stop using it completely.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

First things first, mix an equal amount of water with apple cider vinegar and spray it on your furniture using a spray bottle. Using it is a great way of keeping your cat away from your furniture. And just like for cat scratching spray, you can reduce the amount of apple cider vinegar you spray, while your cat gets used to the scratching post.

Let’s be real. Your cat could scratch away all your furniture and you’d still love them to bits. Get a custom pet painting to signify just how much they mean to you.