Stop your cat from scratching your sofa with these simple tricks

Cats make wonderful pets and we love these furry divas. But their sharp claws can cause serious material damage if they are not trained to manage their destructive behaviour. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice any items in your house to keep your cat happy.

Here is how to stop the scratch-armageddon.

Here is why your cat indulges in scratching

Cats are wired to protect themselves from predators and like to maintain their sharp weapons in good shape. Scratching on rough surfaces helps your fluff-ball shed those pesky nail husks and be ready for action.

This habit also works as cat yoga as it helps them to stretch by extending tendons and muscles from the neck to the shoulders.

Another instinctive reason for scratching is territory marking. Scent glands between cats’ toes secrete a unique scent that stays on everything they vandalise. Undetectable for you, it is a clear sign for other animals.

When you watch your pet in action you realise there’s nothing more satisfying for them than a good scratch of a sofa. A great stress reliever is worth getting told off for.

So, what can you do?

Get a scratching post

Scratching is a healthy cat behaviour, and it’s not your kitty’s fault that furniture is pricey. Instead of blaming them for simply being cats, purchase an affordable scratching post that will redirect them from the furniture. Place it strategically, advertise it with treats, and reward your pet each time they prefer it to your sofa.

Cat-scratch tape to the rescue

Cat-scratch tape makes furniture unattractive to your cat. Felines’ paws are sensitive to textures, and putting the unappealing material right over the spot that they usually target will make their paws run across.

As all cats are different, some won’t mind tape, but this affordable solution is definitely worth a test.

Check out the nail caps

Nail caps will cover your kitty’s sharp nails and effectively blunt them. They can still use their nails, but they won’t be destructive. The market offers a lot of alternatives, from adhesive with caps to translucent and vibrant colours.

Nail caps are excellent while you work through the training process.

Use cat-scratch spray

One way to get your cat to avoid the furniture is to use cat scratch spray. It counters the scent left by your fluffy’s paws and discourages them from repeating the destructive behaviour. Safe to use around pets and at home, it makes cats avoid sprayed pieces of furniture.

Vinyl panels for ultimate protection

If you don't mind some DIY, you can temporarily install vinyl panels to cover the sides of the furniture. It might not look great, but can be a good option while you train your cat.

Vinyl panels make the sides of your couch inaccessible to your cat’s dangerous nails.

Sources used:

- Cats Protection: 'How to avoid or reduce your cat scratching your furniture'

- Pet Keen: 'How to Stop a Cat from Scratching Your Couch: 5 Steps'

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