Mary Allen
Scratching is a necessity for cats and is part of their daily behavioral repertoire. Find out here why cats often scratch furniture and how you can stop them from doing so.
Scratching is part of the normal behavior of cats. It not only serves them to spread scents and thus to communicate, but also to peel off worn layers of claws. Regardless of whether it is an indoor cat or an outdoor cat, every cat needs somewhere to scratch. Outside these are often trees or posts, inside the scratching post, a scratching board, or another scratching possibility. But sometimes, to the annoyance of people, it also affects the furniture.
Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?
There are a number of reasons why cats start wearing their claws on furniture in the first place. These can be:
- The cat has no other way to do this in the apartment, e.g. by using a scratching post.
- The cat does not accept her scratching post.
- The cat is bored, she lacks exercise.
- The owner is too inconsistent.
In fact, the lack of consistency on the part of the owner is often the reason why cats get used to using the furniture as a scratching post. Because with older furniture, many owners ignore it and don’t think it’s that bad if the cat scratches it. With newer furniture, however, it bothers most people. The problem here is that the cat cannot tell the difference between old and new. Therefore, the following applies: either you forbid it completely or you are okay with it if your cat scratches the new furniture as well.
Discourage Cats From Scratching Furniture
For example, scaring the cat with noise or water when it scratches furniture is not a solution. This not only disrupts the relationship between cat and human but will also not lead to the desired result. It is better to fight the causes. Since scratching on furniture is often a result of boredom or a lack of exercise, regular play will keep your cat energized and occupied. It is best to plan time for playing together twice a day. In addition:
- Even if the cat is at home alone, it should be given the opportunity to occupy itself, e.g. with a scratching post, toys, a play board, or sniffing pad.
- If she is often alone and possibly even lonely, you should also consider getting her a conspecific.
- Also, make sure that there are other attractive scratching opportunities for your cat in the apartment. There are many different products on the market for this.
For example, there are scratching mats for cats that can be attached to the sofa or other furniture.
Consistent Rules For the Cat
The be-all and end-all of stopping cats from scratching furniture is consistency. Even if cats cannot be educated like dogs and they usually get their own way, they usually know exactly what they are allowed to do and what not – if you communicate it clearly to them. A firm “no” when the cat is about to start scratching a piece of furniture often works wonders.
Your cat will then either stop scratching the furniture or just pause and then continue. If the latter is the case, you can carry them to the scratching post without a word after saying “No”. If the cat responds to the “no,” reward it with a little petting. But never yell at your cat!
Baby Cats And Furniture
Kittens are usually not yet able to jump onto the sofa in one bound, as they are either too small or lack the ability to jump. They often “climb” up the sofa and of course hold on to it with their claws. However, shooing away a kitten in such a situation is counterproductive. Because this behavior has absolutely nothing to do with scratching!
The Right Substance Against Scratching
Whether the couch just needs to be reupholstered or a new purchase is being considered: it is counterproductive to search frantically for a fabric that is as strong as possible “that can withstand something” because it almost tempts you to sharpen your claws. Very smooth material, on the other hand, is less attractive, as is soft, wool-like material that gives way immediately with every touch: the cat slips, gets stuck, or – there is little joy. This fabric only invites you to “tread milk”.
The easiest exercise, of course, is when the cat is gradually accustomed to its limits from the first day it moves in. Then she will not exceed it later and listen to a “no”. Unless she eventually suffers from boredom, loneliness, or lack of exercise. Then even a “trained” cat can start scratching furniture.