How do I stop a cat from scratching it's claws on the sofa?

1. 84

   stricktlydatingposted 14 years ago

   How do I stop a cat from scratching it's claws on the sofa?
   
   It's always scratching at the side of my sofa, it does it even when I've told it not to do it 100 times!

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2. 61

   Lady Wolfposted 14 years ago

   The best way to stop a cat from scratching undesirable objects is to provide a new spot for them to scratch.
   
   Carpet remnants are a good option. Placing a bit of carpet on a piece of wood or sturdy cardboard and supporting it against a wall, or placing it on a base will provide your kitty with a new place to scratch. You could also purchase a commercial cat scratching post.
   
   Catnip on the carpet should attract the cat to begin scratching there, if not, try placing the carpet in front of the area where the cat is already scratching.

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3. 61

   Pollyannalanaposted 14 years ago

   Scolding is not a bad idea either, or a swat, it has worked for all cats I have owned over many years, they are much like children, they know what they can get by with, but wood covered with carpet will sometimes work too, I think personally,they prefer the wood and the smell of it is what draws them.I had a cat once that knew she could not scratch my crochet pieces she loved to lay on so she would watch me and just press her paws into it to her hearts content but she never let the claws out.

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4. 65

   hannzachposted 14 years ago

   When your cat has found a favourite scratching place, it can be hard to stop them using the same place. My cat keeps scratching the corners of the carpet, so I've found giving her a quick spray of water from a spray bottle does help. Then they start to associate the scratching with being sprayed with water, and hopefully will stop.

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5. 70

   Jennifer D.posted 14 years ago

   I agree with LadyWolf; you must offer your cat another place in which to scratch.
   Cats scratch for a couple different reasons: one is to shed the outer cuticle of the nail, one is to stretch their muscles and the other is to mark territory. That being said, it should be obvious that cats leave scent behind after scratching. They return to that spot which holds the scent to scratch more.
   I do not condone any "swatting" or other physical punishment for cats. They will associate YOU with that negativity, and not neccessarily the behavior.
   A squirt bottle, such as hannzach suggested could work (as long as they don't associate you with the water) but also make sure that the spot your cat has been scratching is unappealing. Putting double sided sticky tape on the spot(s) and then offering a scratching post right in front of the sofa will most often deter a cat from ripping your furniture to shreds.
   A variety of places to scratch and also a variety of substrates on which to claw should do the trick. Be consistent, avoid punishment and reward your cat's good behavior with catnip on the new scratching post or rug.
   You and your cat will be most pleased with the results!

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6. 0

   nuc99705posted 14 years ago

   I have three cats and have trained them to scratch on a scrtch pad I have provided.  Certain things to do to prevent them from ruining your furniture is to use aluminum foil or double sided tape on your furniture.  Also use a can with coins in it so when they scrtach your furniture you can shake it and scare them away.

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7. 50

   jillbill1212posted 14 years ago

   Try a cat scratcher, especially the one with catnip, they love and it'll draw them away from your furniture. Also any pets mart or petco they sell a repellent spray which is odorless to you but the kitties smell it and they HATE it , they wont scratch that way (Ive used it before). Besides there cats, its their nature, you should have thought about that before getting one

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8. 56

   consentinoposted 12 years ago

   What I did. was get my feline a cat tree.  They are also known as towers, furniture and climbers.   Cats will usually get into mischief when they are bored.  The trees are a great source for entertainment.  Check on-line.
   
   
   www.petsareagift.com

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