Kittens & Cats
Scratching Furniture

Are you dealing with kittens and cats scratching furniture? It can be frustrating watching your best sofa or couch become cat scratchers. And felines can be quite stubborn when it comes to eliminating inappropriate scratching. But, to stop the behavior, one has to understand why cats scratch in the first place.

Cat scratching may be nuisance. However, it is a behavior necessary for your kitten’s mental and physical well-being. Scratching serves a number of purposes for cats. First, it facilitates shedding of the layer of claws and exposes newer, conditioned, sharper claws.

Second, scratching enables cats to stretch and get exercise. Most cats scratch the most in the morning or after naps. Third, scratching allows kittens to mark their territory and spread their natural scent to deter other cats from entering their area. Lastly, and most importantly, scratching just feels good and is entertaining for cats.

Most felines do not understand not to scratch as it is an instinctual behavior. They’ll simply scratch and mark where they please. You’ll likely have to train your kitten not to furniture. And kittens are in a great position to be trained as they are young and quite malleable.

Eliminate Established Scratching Behavior

Yes, cats scratching furniture is an annoying and destructive behavior. Yet, it can be stopped. But, know that no matter how much yelling and screaming you direct to your cat, it won’t stop scratching behavior. You must distract and redirect your kitten to use more appropriate areas to mark.

It’s best to use aluminum foil, bubble wrap, double sided tape, or citrus oils to place your furniture to deter your cat from scratching. Move or place heavy physical barriers between your cat and its old scratching spot. You can also use a spray bottle filled with water to squirt your cat when it scratches inappropriately. Say a firm,”No” to your cat when it scratches your furniture and move it a designated area to scratch.

Also, take steps to remove old scratch marks and cat scents from your furniture. Cats use their scratches as visual and scent cues to designate their territory. And they will often return to the same spot over and over again unless the area is de-scented.

It may take quite a few times to retrain your feline. Yet, cats can learn new behaviors. And you have to make the experience of learning to scratch in a new area fun for your kitten. Make it a game. Use your cat’s favorite toys as a way of coaxing them to use the new scratching area.

Prevent Cats Scratching Furniture

A bit of prevention goes a long way in preventing cat scratching. Trim your cat’s nails twice a month to lessen the damage on your furniture. Use SoftPaws or an alternate type of device to cover your cats nails to reduce their ability to scratch.

Declawing or tendonectomies are options to eliminate severe, uncorrectable scratching. However, I’m not a fan of these procedures. I feel that there are better choices available.

Types of Cat Scratching Furniture

There are many types of cat friendly scratching tools your cat can use hone its claws. One option is the standard scratching post. It can be free standing or placed upright on door handles. Scratching posts can be made from sisal, cardboard, wood bark, cork, carpet, or burlap. Most cats prefer a heavy dense carpet or a more wood-like substance.

When choosing a scratching post, keep in mind these points:

• Purchase a vertical post that is at least 2 feet in height
• Place posts in multiple areas of your home
• Spray your new post with a natural cat attractant
• Praise and positive reinforcement works with cats
• Choose a vertical post with a solid sturdy base
• Place the post next to areas your cat likes to scratch
• Try height. Cats love tall perches to climb and stretch

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