Does your cat like to scratch your furniture or the carpet? You may be happy (or not so happy) to know that you are not alone. Scratching is quite common and a natural behaviour for cats. However, scratching inappropriate places such as your new sofa, curtains or carpet can be frustrating and sometimes expensive. Luckily there is a solution to break this habit by redirecting their natural scratching behaviour to something more appropriate.
Why do cat’s scratch
Cats need to scratch. There are a number of reasons cat’s scratch:
To keep their nails in good condition
To stretch and exercise their muscles
To mark their territory
For enjoyment, attention or just before play
How to stop cat’s scratching furniture and carpet
Provide a variety of scratching posts and mats
To stop your cat from scratching inappropriate places such as furniture, carpet or curtains you need to redirect their natural scratching behaviour to a more appropriate target. Scratching posts and mats are designed for that exact purpose.
Provide a variety of scratching posts and mats with different surfaces. Some cats prefer horizontal posts, others might like vertical or slanted posts. Try to offer a similar experience to what they are currently scratching. Once you determine your cats preferences, provide additional posts of those kinds in various locations.
Encourage their use
Encourage them to use their scratching post or mat by placing it near their inappropriate scratching place. Additional scratching posts or mats should be placed near their bed, a window or area your cat favours.
Play with your cat on and around their scratching post or mat to encourage their use or hang their favourite toys on them. You can also sprinkle dry catnip over the base or place food on the highest point. Praise your cat when you see them using their scratching post or mat.
Discourage inappropriate scratching
Discourage inappropriate scratching by placing protective material over the area being scratched, such as double-sided tape or aluminium foil. If using tape, make sure it isn’t too sticky to damage your cat’s paws, furniture or carpet. Alternatively, you can tuck a sheet tightly around furniture. For carpet you can cover the area with a mat, furniture or your new scratching post/mat.
Offer regular exercise/playtime
Playtime is an important bonding experience between you and your cat and can help keep your cat stimulated, happy and ready for rest. Provide you cat with a variety of toys to play with independently and keep some aside for your own playtime together to keep it interesting and retain their novelty.
Clip your cat’s nails regularly
Whilst it won’t solve the problem on its own, it is important to keep your cat’s nails trim. For information on how to trim your cat’s nails visit our article here.
Choosing a scratching post for your cat
Sturdy design
Make sure the scratching post is stable enough that it won’t wobble during use, that is why cats love couches and chairs. If it wobbles it may be unsafe and your cat will notice this and simply won’t use it. The taller the post, the sturdier it needs to be.
Tall enough to scratch at full stretch
The scratching post should be tall enough to allow your cat to fully extend while stretching. If they have to crouch down it may be uncomfortable and won’t give them all the benefits of a full stretch making them look for a better option.
Horizontal and vertical
You may have noticed that cats like to stretch vertically such as on couch arms and horizontally, such as the carpet. So when looking for a scratching post, it’s a good idea to look for both horizontal and vertical surfaces. This often means providing a variety of scratching posts and mats. Observe what they are inappropriately scratching and try to offer a post and mat that provides a similar experience to help them best transition.
Bonus platforms and bed attachments
Providing your cat with a multipurpose scratching post with platforms for your cat to relax and watch the world below (both inside and outside) is a great idea. Cats love vertical space as it provides them with a secure vantage point to survey the world below. Vertical space also allows cats to be away from other pets or individuals if they choose.
A variety of surfaces
Cats need variety and a texture they can really dig their claws into to keep them interested and occupied. Choose multiple posts and mats in a variety of materials to keep your cat happy. Most cats love the texture of sisal and the bonus is that it is very durable so won’t need replacing often. Many cats also love a surface that they can shred, making corrugated carboard a popular scratching surface.
Teaching your cat not to scratch your favourite couch, carpet or curtains involves redirecting their behaviour towards something more appropriate, such as a scratching post or mat. Finding an attractive alternative will not only make your cat happy, but save your home and much loved furniture too.