Nothing can irk a pet owner faster than destroying furniture. Here are some helpful hints to deter your cat from scratching your favorite spot.
Trim Your Cat’s Nails
Trimming your cat’s nails can be a very effective way to stop a cat scratching furniture. Purchase nail trimmers specifically for cats and hold your cat firmly while pushing the underside of the paw to push out the cat’s nails. Be sure not to trim down below the pink line of blood. If your cat resists, you can try wrapping your cat in a towel or blanket and pulling the arm or leg out for the trim. As an alternative, there are commercial nail caps that adhere to your cat’s nails using an adhesive. They generally last 4-6 weeks.
Make “Approved” Scratching Areas More Attractive
Cats do tend to be creatures of habit. Your cat may have found a favorite scratching spot on the corner of an upholstered chair, wooden doorframes or posts or carpeted edges. The trick is to make their favorite spot unappealing while at the same time making an alternative more appealing. If your cat seems to like wood, get your cat a cat post made out of similar material. Place the approved item nearby and even douse with catnip to encourage their choice. If you cat prefers carpeted, or sisal type textures, try the cardboard scratching boxes and place nearby. If your cat prefers your upholstered furniture, get them a carpeted cat tree or cat post made of similar material. Determine whether your cat prefers horizontal scratching or vertical scratching. Make sure your “Approved” alternative is appealing to them as possible.
Make Their Favorite Spot Less Attractive
You can make your cat’s favorite scratching spot less attractive by placing double-sided tape, or unpleasant material on top of the scratching area. Cats are especially sensitive to sticky substances, so they will often stay far away. There are also spray deterrents that may turn your cat away. The sprays replace the territorial “markers” left behind after scratching with an unpleasant scent to discourage repeat scratching.
