Your favourite couch is starting to look like it survived a battle, and your cat seems quite proud of the destruction.
Scratching is completely natural for cats, but that doesn’t mean your furniture has to suffer.
With a few smart strategies, you can redirect this behavior and keep both your cat and your home happy.
Always consult with your veterinarian if your cat’s scratching behavior suddenly changes or becomes excessive, as it could indicate stress or health issues.
1. Provide Appropriate Scratching Posts
Your cat needs a proper place to dig their claws in, and a good scratching post makes all the difference.
Look for posts made from sisal, cardboard, or natural wood that are tall enough for a full body stretch.
Stability matters too, because wobbly posts will send your cat straight back to the sofa.
Position these posts near their favourite scratching spots to make the switch easier.
2. Use Deterrents On Furniture
Cats are texture snobs, and you can use that to your advantage.
Covering your furniture with double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, or plastic sheets creates an unpleasant surface they’ll want to avoid.
The sticky feeling on their paws is particularly off-putting for most felines.
Keep these deterrents in place for a few weeks until new scratching habits form elsewhere.
3. Incorporate Catnip
Catnip works like magic when you’re trying to make scratching posts irresistible.
Sprinkle some dried catnip on or around the designated scratching areas to draw your cat’s attention.
Most cats go absolutely wild for this herb, and it creates positive associations with the right scratching spots.
Refresh the catnip every few days to keep the attraction strong and consistent.
4. Regular Nail Maintenance
Keeping those claws trimmed reduces the damage your furniture takes during scratching sessions.
Regular nail trims every two to three weeks help blunt the sharp tips that shred upholstery.
Start slowly if your cat isn’t used to this routine, and always reward them with treats afterwards.
You can also consider nail caps as a temporary solution while retraining scratching behaviour.
5. Engage In Playtime
Bored cats often turn to furniture destruction as entertainment, so keeping them busy helps tremendously.
Schedule daily play sessions with interactive toys like feather wands, laser pointers, or crinkle balls.
Physical activity tires them out and satisfies their hunting instincts in healthier ways.
A mentally stimulated cat is far less likely to take out their energy on your favourite chair.
