How to prevent cats from scratching your furniture
We will post here some advice for pet owners who need help in a tricky but very normal situation.
If you have some advice, too, let us know!
A scratching post that cats love! (Photo Chris Humby, St. Lunaire-Griquet)
This is what we found on the internet about cats and scratching:
– Scratching is not only sharpening the claws, it is about putting the cat`s scent on the furniture, it makes them feel safe, if it smells like them, it becomes their possession.
To change a cat`s behaviour, it is very different from a dog. Punishment makes the cat just scared, and above all: she does not understand it.
– When the cat approaches the couch, say loud and firm, but non-threatening NO. And then you take the cat and carry her to a scratching post or climbing tree and there you compliment her and stroke her and give her a treat.
– A good tool is a water pistol when she wants to jump on the couch. Just a fast squirt with water. Then you carry her to the scratching post and reward her with compliments and caresses and treats.
It is important to react to the cat`s behaviour immediately so that she knows what it is all about.
– It is very important to be steady and consequent. Always the same behaviour on your part. It might take up to 3 weeks to change the cat`s behaviour.
– It is recommended to have various scratching posts in the house, where the cat walks through. It is important to have one in the living room and in high traffic areas and where the cat`s path is to the food and to her litter box.
Sisal mats (door mats made of a plant fibre, like a rough string) are good too, but maybe somebody can build a ceiling high scratching post for you.
Cats don`t like Lavender Oil, and anything with Citrus in it. You could spray the couch with it.
– Reward good behaviour. When the cat uses the scratching post or a sisal mat, reward her with compliments and a small treat.
– Don`t leave the cat alone in the living room because then you cannot watch over its behaviour. Don`t scold her, say just NO and carry her to the scratching post. The more “legal” scratching possibilities for her, the better.
Your cat has to learn, the couch is a No-Go-Zone. There should be a climbing tree near the couch where she can go and be with you at the same time.
Give it a try and see what happens. But more scratching posts and climbing trees around the house would be good. Just carry the cat there everytime the cat tries to scratch.
Here is more advice from the SPCA in Gander:
“Cats primarily scratch furniture in order to realease their scent and establish territorial boundaries.
Purchase a scratching post before your bring your cat home. Keep it in an area that is easily accessible to your cat. If your cat has already started scratching inappropriately, place the scratching post in the area it occurs most often.
– Trim your cat`s nails weekly.
Show your cat what the post is for by gently taking its paws and rubbing them on the post (do not extract its claws). Praise the cat and let it be. Each time the cat goes near, especially if it uses the post, praise it (i.e. “good kittie” followed by a pet).
Keep a watchful eye on your cat so that if you see it preparing to scratch your couch or carpet, say “phooey” and gently show him the scratching post. If your cat runs from you, do not chase it!
If your cat does not use the post, move the post to a different location. You may tray scattering catnip (around the base only) to attract your cat.
Ensure that the post is a minimum of 2 feet tall to allow for full stretching. It is very important that the post be secured to the wall or ceiling as an unstable post that falls with a thud or even on top of your cat can scare your cat enough to result in your cat not longer wanting to use it.”
