How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Furniture—Without Declawing

Cats scratching furniture can be one of the most frustrating behaviors for cat owners. It’s a natural instinct for cats to scratch, but it’s not always easy to live with when your favorite chair, couch, or table becomes a target. The good news is that there are many ways to stop your cat from scratching your furniture without having to resort to the painful and harmful practice of declawing. This article will explore how to stop cat scratching furniture through effective deterrents, alternatives to declawing, and methods to redirect this natural behavior to more appropriate places.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Before jumping into the solutions, it’s important to first understand why cats scratch in the first place. It’s crucial to remember that scratching is a completely natural and healthy behavior for cats. Scratching serves several purposes, including:

1. Claw Maintenance: Cats naturally shed the outer layers of their claws, which is why scratching helps keep their claws sharp and healthy.
2. Stretching and Exercise: Scratching helps cats stretch their forelimbs, back muscles, and paws. It’s a physical activity that helps maintain their flexibility and agility.
3. Territorial Marking: Cats have scent glands located in their paws, and when they scratch, they are marking their territory with their scent. This is why scratching can often be observed when a cat feels threatened or when they’re trying to establish dominance in their environment.
4. Stress Relief: Scratching is often a way for cats to relieve stress or anxiety. Cats that are anxious or feel threatened may increase their scratching behavior.

Source: Drake Center for Veterinary Care. (n.d.). Environmental enrichment for indoor cats. 

Given these natural behaviors, it’s easy to see why trying to stop your cat from scratching can be a challenge. Declawing may seem like an immediate solution, but it’s important to understand the dangers of this procedure. Declawing is not just the removal of the claws; it’s the amputation of part of the cat’s toes, leading to physical pain, behavioral changes, and long-term complications. Fortunately, there are many humane ways to stop cats from scratching furniture, without causing harm to them.

1. Provide Appropriate Scratching Posts

One of the most effective ways to stop a cat from scratching furniture is to provide them with an appropriate outlet for this behavior. Scratching posts are one of the best ways to redirect your cat’s natural instincts to scratch. These posts come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, so it’s important to find one that will appeal to your cat.

Choosing the Right Scratching Post

• Material: Cats typically enjoy scratching materials like sisal rope or cardboard. Sisal is particularly appealing because it mimics the texture of tree bark, which cats would naturally scratch in the wild. Try to avoid posts made from materials like carpet, as they can often be too soft and not as satisfying for scratching.
• Height and Size: Cats tend to prefer taller scratching posts, especially if they enjoy stretching their bodies while scratching. Look for posts that are tall enough for your cat to fully extend its body. You can also find posts with multiple levels to encourage climbing, which can also provide additional exercise.
• Variety: Some cats prefer vertical scratching posts, while others prefer horizontal ones. Try providing a combination of both to see what your cat prefers. Additionally, some cats enjoy scratching along corners, so corner posts or mats may work better for some cats.

Placement of Scratching Posts

It’s important to place the scratching posts in areas where your cat already enjoys scratching. If your cat typically scratches a specific piece of furniture or a particular spot, place the scratching post near that area. Once your cat starts using the post, you can gradually move it to a more appropriate location. Don’t expect your cat to start using the scratching post immediately; it may take some time for them to adjust to the new object in their space.

To help you choose the best scratching post for your cat’s needs, check out Capnip’s guide to the top 7 cat scratchers for every type of cat. This blog offers a variety of options that cater to different scratching preferences, helping you find the perfect post to suit your feline friend.

2. Use Cat Scratch Deterrents

Sometimes, simply providing a scratching post isn’t enough to stop your cat from scratching the furniture. In these cases, using cat scratch deterrents can help protect your belongings. These deterrents are designed to make the furniture less appealing to your cat, encouraging them to use the scratching post instead.

Scratch Deterrent Sprays

There are several types of sprays available that you can use to deter your cat from scratching certain areas. These sprays usually have scents that cats find unpleasant, such as citrus, eucalyptus, or lavender. Simply spray the furniture or areas that your cat tends to scratch. The strong smell will deter them from scratching in that spot.

However, not all cats respond to sprays in the same way. Some cats may not be as affected by the scent, while others may find it very off-putting. It may take some trial and error to find the right spray for your cat.

Double-Sided Tape

Cats typically don’t like the feeling of sticky surfaces on their paws. Placing double-sided tape on the corners of your furniture can act as an effective deterrent. When your cat tries to scratch the area, the sticky tape will be uncomfortable and will discourage them from continuing the behavior.

Double-sided tape can be a temporary solution, but it’s effective in breaking the habit. Over time, your cat will begin to associate the discomfort with scratching the furniture and will avoid it.

3. Regular Claw Trimming

While providing scratching posts and using deterrents can help with the problem of scratching, regular claw trimming can also help minimize the damage caused by your cat’s scratching. Trimming your cat’s claws is a simple process that can prevent them from tearing up furniture, curtains, and carpets. Trimming the claws doesn’t stop them from scratching, but it reduces the damage they can cause.

If you’ve never trimmed a cat’s claws before, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian or a professional groomer. They can show you the proper technique and help you feel more comfortable with the process.

4. Create a Stimulating Environment

A lack of mental and physical stimulation can lead to unwanted behaviors in cats, including increased scratching. Cats are curious, intelligent animals that require plenty of enrichment to stay happy and healthy. A lack of stimulation can result in your cat scratching furniture as a way to release excess energy or alleviate boredom.

Interactive Toys

Providing interactive toys that challenge your cat’s intelligence can help keep them engaged and distracted from scratching your furniture. Consider puzzle toys, laser pointers, feather wands, and treat-dispensing toys that require problem-solving. These toys are especially useful if your cat is home alone for long periods of time.

We know how important enrichment is for your feline friend. That’s why we've put together a list of simple DIY cat toys that you can make at home using common household items. These toys will keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated while helping prevent unwanted scratching. You can check out our full guide to DIY cat toys here: DIY Cat Toys You Can Make at Home.

Cat Furniture and Climbing Structures

In addition to scratching posts, consider investing in cat furniture such as cat trees, ramps, or shelves. These structures provide opportunities for climbing, exploring, and lounging, all of which are important for a cat’s mental stimulation. Cats naturally enjoy being in high places where they feel secure, so cat trees or shelves can give them the vertical space they crave.

5. Positive Reinforcement Training

Training your cat to stop scratching furniture can take time, but it’s entirely possible with the right approach. Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective methods for training cats. The key is to reward your cat whenever they use the scratching post instead of the furniture.

How to Use Positive Reinforcement

Every time your cat scratches the scratching post, reward them with a treat, praise, or affection. The idea is to make the scratching post a more rewarding experience than scratching your furniture. Consistency is key. If you catch your cat in the act of scratching the furniture, gently redirect them to the scratching post. When they use it, reward them immediately.

You can also use a clicker to reinforce the behavior. The clicker is a sound that marks the exact moment your cat scratches the post, followed by a reward. This method is effective because it helps your cat understand exactly what behavior is being rewarded.

6. Use Furniture Protectors

If your cat is particularly stubborn and continues to scratch furniture despite your efforts, consider using furniture protectors. These protectors come in the form of clear adhesive sheets that can be placed over the areas your cat tends to scratch. They’re not only a great way to prevent damage, but they also serve as a visual deterrent, making the furniture less inviting for your cat.

These protectors are generally safe for most furniture and can be removed once your cat has learned to stop scratching those areas. You can also use a combination of protectors and other deterrents like double-sided tape or sprays for added effectiveness.

7. Consider Professional Help

If you’ve tried everything and your cat’s scratching behavior persists, it may be worth consulting a professional. A veterinarian or animal behaviorist can offer additional insight into why your cat is scratching and provide advice on how to correct the behavior. In some cases, excessive scratching may be linked to anxiety, stress, or even medical issues, and addressing the underlying problem can lead to significant improvements.

Conclusion

While scratching is a natural and important behavior for cats, it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your furniture. By offering appropriate outlets for scratching, using deterrents, and providing mental and physical stimulation, you can successfully prevent your cat from scratching your furniture. Remember, patience and consistency are key. Your cat’s scratching behavior can be redirected with the right strategies, and with time, they’ll learn to use the scratching post and leave your furniture intact. Avoiding declawing is not only the humane choice, but it also ensures that your cat remains healthy and happy while respecting your living space.

For additional insights on enriching your cat’s environment and creating a safe space for them, check out our previous blog on Why Every Cat Needs a Play Zone: Tips for Small Spaces. Creating a dedicated play zone for your cat is another excellent way to help them stay engaged and prevent unwanted behaviors like scratching. It’s all about finding the right balance for your feline friend’s mental and physical well-being!