Does your cat scratch your couch, carpet or other furniture? This behavior is completely normal, but can be annoying for you as an owner. In this blog we explain why cats scratch furniture and give practical tips to prevent this.
Why does a cat scratch furniture?
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. They do this for several reasons:
-
Nail care
Cats scratch to remove the outer layer of their nails and keep them sharp and healthy. -
Mark territory
Cats leave a scent on scratched surfaces through scent glands in their paw pads. This is a way of marking their territory. -
Stretching and bending
Scratching helps cats keep their muscles and tendons supple. -
Stress or boredom
A bored or stressed cat may scratch more. This can happen, for example, when there is a change in the environment, such as moving house or the arrival of a new pet.
How do you prevent your cat from scratching furniture?
Fortunately, there are several ways to redirect this behavior to suitable alternatives.
1. Make sure you have a good scratching post
- Choose a scratching post that is sturdy and large enough for your cat to stretch out fully.
- Scratching posts with sisal are the most effective, because they provide natural resistance.
- Place the scratching post in a place where your cat often visits, for example near its favourite resting spot.
2. Make furniture less attractive
- Use double-sided tape or special anti-scratch foil on the places where your cat scratches.
- Lemon or lavender scented sprays can help, as cats find these scents unpleasant.
3. Reward good behavior
- Reward your cat with a treat or a pat when he uses the scratching post.
- Use a toy or catnip to make the scratching post more attractive.
4. Keep your cat's nails short
- Regular nail trimming reduces the urge to scratch.
- A vet or grooming salon can help you with this if you find this difficult yourself.
5. Provide sufficient distraction
- Provide plenty of toys and interaction so your cat doesn't get bored and start chewing on your furniture.
- Rotate toys regularly to keep your cat interested.
Conclusion
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, but with the right approach you can prevent your furniture from suffering from this. By providing a suitable scratching post, making furniture unattractive and giving your cat enough distraction, you can effectively solve this problem.
