How to Protect Your Furniture from Cat Scratches: Tips from a Veterinarian

If you have a cat, you may have experienced the frustration of coming home to find your furniture scratched up. While scratching is a natural behavior for cats, it can be destructive to our belongings. In this article, we’ll provide tips from a veterinarian on how to protect your furniture from cat scratches.

Location is Key

The first and most important tip is to correctly place the scratching post. Cats are more likely to use the scratching post if it is in a location they have already marked as part of their territory. So, place the scratching post in a spot close to where your cat sleeps and plays.

Use Interactive Toys

To encourage your cat to use the scratching post, try using interactive toys. Play with your cat and let them grab the toy while it’s close to the surface of the scratching post. This way, your cat will sink its claws into the toy and also into the scratching post.

Scrape the Scratcher with Your Fingers

Another way to encourage your cat to use the scratching post is to scrape it with your fingers. The noise generated by this action will arouse your cat’s curiosity and encourage them to scratch the post.

Try Catnip

While not all cats react to catnip, those that do will love anything that has this smell. So, try rubbing some catnip on the scratching post to make it more appealing to your cat.

Make Undesirable Places Inaccessible

Even with a scratching post, your cat may still choose to scratch other surfaces in your home. To prevent this, make these places undesirable and inaccessible to your cat. Here are some tips:

1. Double Layer Adhesive Tape

If you put tape on the surface, your cat will lose interest because instead of sharpening its claws, the surface will stick to its paws and make it uncomfortable.

2. Block Access with a Scratching Post

Placing a scratching post in front of the scratched surface will actually encourage your cat to choose the scratching post.

3. Cover the Scratched Area with a Plastic Sheet

Cover the scratched area with a plastic sheet. The slippery and hard surface is totally unsuitable for scraping.

4. Rearrange the Furniture

Place unwanted scratching points out of your cat’s reach, temporarily obstructing their access with a piece of furniture.

5. Apply Repellents

On the market for veterinary products, there are repellents for cats. Spray it on the scratched surface, avoiding access to it by repulsion. It’s likely that the cat will choose a nearby place to scratch, and that’s where a scratching post should be placed to avoid unwanted damage.

Cut Your Cat’s Nails

Cutting your cat’s nails can also reduce the damage caused by scratching. However, this should be done under the supervision of a veterinary professional, and nail trimming should be carried out approximately every 3 weeks.

Conclusion

While these tips can help your cat to use the scratching post and protect your furniture, nothing can absolutely guarantee that your cat will never use their claws elsewhere. By providing your cat with a designated scratching post and making undesirable places inaccessible, you can reduce the likelihood of damage to your furniture while allowing your cat to indulge in their natural behavior.