These cat scratching solutions will have your furry pal behaving in no time!
We all know that scratching in cats is ingrained in their feline DNA. But when that instinct starts to wreak havoc on your favorite furniture, it might be time to redirect your kitten’s attention toward a better option. Wouldn’t you say so?
But how exactly do you convince a cat to use something else as a scratching post rather than your precious sofa? After all, we also know that most cats could care less about our opinions! Well, Cute Animal Planet has come to the rescue!
From understanding the reasons behind their actions to developing an enticing scratching environment, we have 8 cat scratching solutions that will keep your cat’s claws happily occupied while sparing the furniture in your home.
With a little bit of empathy, patience, and these genius tips, you’ll make the scratching post your cat’s go-to spot for those captivating clawing sessions. Now, let’s get scratching!… In the right way, of course!
But first… Why do felines scratch so much?
Scratching is a natural instinct for them. Felines scratch as a way of looking after their claws. They also do it as a way of marking their territory, a sign of confidence. In the wilderness, cats leave marks on trees to let other animals know that another cat is in the area.
The cat claws also leave their scent on trees. Even tigers do this and leave evident wounds that let others know this is tiger territory. Your cat does the same thing. Only it happens to be inside your home.
Leaving scratch marks on furniture is a visual way to let anyone coming into the house know there’s a cat around. A scratching post that shows signs of scratching will help your cat fulfill this instinctual hunger to mark territory.
Cat scratching solution: Remove the cat when they start scratching the furniture
This may sound like a simple cat scratching solution, but bear with me… If you find your cat in a position to start scratching furniture, pick them up and remove them from the area. Placing them on a scratching post or in another place where they can scratch instead is a great idea.
You can also restrict cats from accessing their favorite parts to scratch on, cover the furniture with aluminum foil or plastic, or spray the furniture with deodorant.
The smell might deter your cat. Scratching has a scent-marking component, making cats more likely to re-scratch areas they’ve been using. So you can use an odor-remover to eliminate these attractive scents.
Cat scratching solution: Keep their claws trimmed
One of the best ways to keep your furniture safe is by trimming the nails regularly. When a kitten’s nails are trimmed, the ends are dulled and can’t do as much damage when your furball chooses to scratch. You can learn to trim your cat’s nails at home with trimmers you can buy online or in-store.
If you’re uncomfortable doing the job yourself, you can also have them trimmed by a pro. Your vet can trim your cat’s claws, and many groomers also offer nail trims as a service. Having your cat’s nails professionally trimmed is an added cost, but it usually doesn’t cost too much.
And trimming your cat’s nails at home can be challenging. With the help of suitable tools, you can learn to easily and quickly trim your cat’s nails at home. Nail sets usually include two pairs of stainless steel clippers, a built-in nail file, safety guards and locking mechanisms, and a convenient pouch.
Cat scratching solution: If you don’t have one, invest in a scratching post
One of the best things you can do to prevent your cat from scratching up all your furniture is to provide them with a high-quality scratching post or pad. These are products specifically designed to be scratched, and once your cat gets the hang of it, they’ll often prefer to scratch the post rather than your furniture.
In fact, cats can be trained to exhibit certain behaviors, and redirecting them from the furniture to its scratching post is something your cats can learn as time goes on. Now, remember that they might not attach themselves to the post immediately if they’ve gotten attached to your couch.
But they’ll eventually get the hang of things if you redirect them to the post repeatedly. Products like treats and catnip can attract your cat to the scratching pad or post, making them more likely to use it. Just make sure you get a good scratching post that will hold up over time.
You don’t want to get a low-quality product that your cat will get through in a couple of days. Investing a little upfront for a product you know will last longer instead of one that falls apart in a few days is a better idea. That way, your cat won’t return to scratching your furniture.
Then again, a cat scratcher might be the way to go for your adorable fur baby. The MECOOL 34”, for example, is the perfect alternative to a regular scratching post or cat tower and can double as a fun and exciting way for them to keep the length of their nails at bay.
Cat scratching solution: Invest in a large cat tree
Cat trees are pretty much bigger pieces of furniture that offer your cat room to play and sleep. We recommend getting a cat tree that has designated scratching surfaces as well, or maybe even versions that have different enticing textures.
Ensure that the tree is stable and big enough and you just may get a piece of furniture that doubles as your cat’s favorite new scratching post.
Cat scratching solution: Try to train your cat
Another effective way to keep your kitten from scratching up all your furniture is by deterring them. This doesn’t mean you have to yell at them or rough handle them because the truth is that this will only scare them.
Punishments, like loud noises and spray bottles, don’t teach cats but rather train them to fear you. So instead, reward your cat with treats whenever they use the scratching post. You can speak to a professional trainer or a vet if you feel as though you need guidance on training them.
Cat scratching solution: Spray your furniture with repellent
There are two things you need to keep in mind about this one: First, you MUST opt for a pet-safe product. Try to avoid homemade solutions like essential oils because even though they’re safe for people, they’re also toxic to cats.
Not all felines react to scent-based deterrents. Test to see how your reacts, and then try a different brand if it doesn’t work on your fluffball.
Cat scratching solution: Cover the furniture with double-sided tape
Rather than reprimanding Miss Kitty, try blocking access to her favorite scratching areas entirely. The most effective and easiest way to do this is by covering these places with some double-sided sticky tape.
Felines don’t like touching a sticky surface so your cat is likely to turn away once it finds out the couch isn’t exciting to scratch anymore. If you’ve also provided them with enough quality scratching posts which they’re already using, it shouldn’t take long before they forget about your couch.
At that point, you’ll be able to take the tape off. Just remember to test the effect of the tape on the fabric in a more hidden area first.
Cat scratching solution: Consider claw caps
If all else fails, you could try covering your cat’s claws with special plastic caps. Depending on the temperament your kitty has, you may or may not be able to get the caps fitted properly on their claws.
So if you have difficulty, ask your vet to help out. Just remember that you’ll have to reapply the caps every couple of weeks. So this could end up being an expensive alternative.
We hope you found these cat scratching solutions useful. Let us know if you have any of your own you’d like to share with our readers.
And if you liked this post, we also recommend reading: 12 Pet Products Vets Would Never Buy
