How Do I Stop my Cat from Scratching the Furniture?

To protect your furniture from your cat's scratches, here are a few practical tips that will help you do so gently: install a scratching post and protect your furniture with plastic wrap or soothing hormones.

WHY DOES YOUR CAT SCRATCH THE FURNITURE?

The fact that your cat scratches the furniture corresponds to several needs:

• The cat marks its territory by depositing pheromones present in its footpads on the objects it scratches. The visual aspect of the scratches also allows him to know that he is on his territory. That's why claw marks are always in strategic, visible places.
• Cats keep their claws in good condition by exercising the muscles that drive them and by removing dead claw parts.
• The cat will also take the opportunity to stretch out its entire body (this is known as the "overclawing posture").

What if your cat is still scratching the furniture as an adult? 

If your cat is still scratching furniture as an adult, chances are that this bad habit will never go away.

That's why it's important to get your kitten used to scratching furniture from a young age.

TIPS TO HELP YOUR CAT STOP SCRATCHING THE FURNITURE

Show her the Way

Buy a scratching post and rub it with catnip to encourage her to approach it. If your cat is very young, feel free to give her a "mechanical" demonstration: place her against the scratching post, press her paws lightly to get her claws out and rub them on the post.

Install the Scratching Post Securely

Place the scratching post or the scratching ramp high enough to allow the cat to stretch out its full length while scratching.

Make sure it's absolutely stable; if the scratching post wobbles and is likely to fall, your cat won't want to hang on to it. 

Correct Mistakes Gently

When you catch your cat scratching the furniture, pick her up by the scruff of the neck like her mom did when she was a kitten and place her on the scratching post. Then, when he's done scratching, reward and praise her.

Protect your Furniture

To prevent your cat from scratching your furniture, you can cover it with aluminum foil or transparent film while your cat gets used to the scratching post. 

There are also specific cat repellents and products containing soothing hormones, such as Feliway diffuser. 

CAT ONYXECTOMY, A CRUEL PRACTICE

If some people advise you to have your cat's nails removed (onyxectomy), don't listen to them. This cruel operation, although tolerated in the United States and Canada, must be absolutely avoided.