Does anyone remember the song Cat Scratch Fever, by Ted Nugent? It was released in 1977 and in 2009, VH1 named it the 32nd best rock song of all time. But, we digress. No matter how much you love your cat(s), if they are tearing up your furniture, it’s time to find a solution. We’re here to help. Show Do All Cats Scratch Furniture?Scratching is a normal aspect of cat behavior. In the wild, cats scratch their claws to remove the dead layer of claw (think of it like a cat manicure), which helps to keep their claws sharp for hunting. Scratching also lets them mark their territory. They have scent glands between their claws and the scratch marks themselves are a visual sign to other cats that this area is occupied. Scratching and stretching also help them to keep their bodies in good shape. So, your much-loved cat is simply being a cat. However, it’s not fun if they decide to leave their calling card on your furniture, drapes or carpets. So here are some proven ways to keep a cat from scratching furniture. Don’t Declaw Your CatDeclawing your cat is not recommended. It’s a surgical procedure that involves removing the last bone in each of your cat’s toes to prevent the claws from regrowing. It can lead to behavior problems such as biting and refusal to use a litter box. Kittens begin to scratch at around 8 weeks old, so start training your cat when it’s young, by providing scratching posts or stands. Your cat can still indulge in its natural behavior, but without shredding your furniture. And, here’s more awesome DIY cat furniture to entertain your cat. Use Cat Scratch SprayUsing a cat scratch spray will trick your cat into thinking that it has already marked its territory, discouraging it from scratching where you don’t want it to. You can purchase a spray to stop cats from scratching furniture, but it’s easy to make your own homemade cat scratching spray using vinegar, essential citrus oils, or even garlic and peppermint! And if you’re trying to keep your cat off your kitchen countertop, here are 10 ways to do it. Buy cat deterrent spray now on Amazon. Use Cat Scratch TapeIf you’re wondering how to stop cats from scratching leather furniture, then cat scratch tape is the answer. It also works well on fabric, carpet and hard surfaces such as walls and doors. This double-sided sticky tape comes in panels or rolls like regular tape, and can be stuck where you need it and removed easily afterward. Cats hate the feeling of stickiness on their paws, so it discourages scratching. Buy cat scratch tape now on Amazon. Cat socks (aka mittens) to prevent scratching are an alternative to declawing. These socks work well for some cats, but if yours gets frustrated and keeps removing them, try soft nail caps that glue onto your cat’s claws. These will limit the damage if your cat does decide to scratch where it shouldn’t. Buy soft nail caps now on Amazon and cat socks now on Amazon. Protect with Vinyl GuardsYet another option is to install clear vinyl panels on your furniture where your cat wants to scratch. These panels are available in many sizes and they come with screw pins that make the panels very easy to install. Buy clear vinyl panels now on Amazon. So, while you might not be able to keep cat from scratching furniture altogether, these tips can reduce the likelihood of damage to your home. Can’t remember Cat Scratch Fever? You’re welcome. https://premier.shutterstock.com/image/detail-527806570/kitten-scratching-orange-fabric-sofa Originally Published: March 28, 2019
The best way to prevent cats from scratching furniture is by providing them with plenty of scratching opportunities inside the home. Outside cats will scratch trees and posts so it’s a good idea to simulate this inside with scratching posts.
If you have a cat that prefers to scratch things horizontally, your carpet may be looking a little worse for wear. The best way to stop cats scratching them is to provide scratching mats around your home and encourage your cat to use them with toys.
We know how you feel when you wake up and find a new set of claw marks made by your cat while you slept. It can be disheartening, to say the least. You probably feel that your visitors will wonder why your sofa is full of scratch marks. And now that you want to buy a new sofa, what can you do to stop your feline friend from ruining the new couch? Here’s a brief explanation of the reasons why cats scratch and some ways to keep cats from scratching your furniture. Before you attempt to train your cat to stop scratching your furniture, you need to appreciate the reasons why they do this. Cats scratch surfaces to:
What Are Some Ways to Keep Cats From Scratching Furniture?While cats may need to scratch to stay calm and healthy, you don’t want them to damage your furniture or other precious belongings anymore. If your cat is scratching your furniture, here are some ways to stop this behavior:
Can I Declaw My Cat?Though cat scratching can be a troublesome issue, declawing your cat is not a good idea. Many pet owners mistake declawing for an easy, harmless fix. In reality, declawing your cat can cause serious, long-term issues. The Humane Society of the United States opposes cat declawing, except in the rare case of a cancerous nail bed tumor. There are many reasons not to declaw cats and kittens. Cat scratching is a natural behavior, and cats rely on their claws to feel safe and secure. Declawing is not a harmless trim — it’s the amputation of each toe’s last bone. It’s the equivalent of cutting off each finger at the last knuckle. This is a serious operation offering no medical benefit for the cat. In fact, it can harm the cat in multiple ways. Declawing your cat can lead to the following issues:
In short — it’s not worth the risk. Declawing may seem like an easy way to stop scratching problems, but it causes a slew of other, more serious issues. You may have heard of tendonectomy, an alternative to traditional declawing. This procedure involves severing the tendons in each toe that control the claws. This is just as dangerous and painful for the cat as declawing, and is not recommended. Instead of giving your cat a painful, risky and detrimental medical procedure, work with your cat to stop unwanted scratching. Cats need their claws and need to be able to scratch. By encouraging your cat to use scratching posts and maintaining your cat’s claws, you can eliminate bad scratching. What Can I Do if My Cat Won’t Stop Scratching?If you have applied all of these tips and your cat doesn’t stop scratching furniture and other undesirable surfaces in your house, you should use nail caps. These are usually made of vinyl, and they protect precious surfaces from damage. Contact Us TodayFor more information on how to stop your cat from scratching furniture in your home, please give us a call at 941-355-7707, or fill out our contact form! And if you live in Sarasota, Bradenton or Lakewood Ranch, bring your cat to our AAHA-accredited facility to enjoy our compassionate vet care. Book your appointment online today! |