How To Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

Cats scratch furniture for several reasons and one of the main ones is, it just feels good. Scratching is a very soothing activity for felines, in a similar way to why dogs lick. Many cats enjoy scratching before they settle down for a nap, but they can also do it when they’re feeling playful and excited or when they’re stressed. When a whole host of feelings may result in scratching, it’s easy to see why they do it so often.

They often stretch while they’re scratching which helps it feel good, but it’s a way to remove any dead parts of their nails. Doing this also marks their scent to make sure other cats know what’s already been claimed as their own.

Not all cats scratch furniture, it’s something kittens often start to do when they’re young and it can become a habit if they enjoy doing it. If they have lots to do from a young age and plenty of other outlets for their energy, they may never pick up the habit. It’s a common boredom buster so could be a sign that they need some more enrichment if they’re targeting your furniture a lot.

Instead of trying to manage and restrict your moggy, the best way to deal with a problem behaviour that’s a natural instinct is to give them places where they can act on these needs.

Cats like to scratch, some more than others but it’s important to fulfil these needs. They need plenty of toys and things around the house that they’re allowed to interact with to dissuade them from scratching at things they shouldn’t. Increasing the number of cat scratchers will provide different textures that are more appealing to scratch and direct their attention away from your expensive couch or carpets!

If you pay attention to your moggy’s favourite scratching places you can mimic their preferences. For those who like to pull up carpets then a flat scratching pad will encourage the same behaviour. A cat who prefers to pull threads from the arms of your couch would enjoy an upright post like the Rufus & Rosie Alwoodly Cat Scratcher instead.

Cats will often enjoy a good scratch when they’re either settling down for a rest or waking up and where you put their scratching posts is important. Placing it where they can scratch near resting spots means they’re more likely to pick that location to have a good stretch and a scratch. If they were to wake up and their post is in a whole other room, they may just find the next bed thing which could be your furniture.

Better yet, since we know cats love to scratch when they’re relaxing or waking up, giving them a scratching post that they can also nap on may be the solution to your problems. The Oak Cat Scratcher Tree gives your feline friend plenty of space to nap and scratch to their heart’s desires. If you find the perfect spot to tempt them to rest here as well as sharpen their claws, you’ll be able to keep your furniture in one piece.

Cats have scent glands in their paws so when they scratch surfaces, they leave behind their scent to warn other cats away from the area. They tend to enjoy putting their scent in the same place as they’re topping it up to keep their territory safe.

Cleaning the area, they’re often scratching may help to encourage them to stop marking the same areas. A nontoxic cleaner like Zoflora Fresh Home Coastal Breeze can help to remove any lingering scent while also still being pet friendly, so it doesn’t do any harm to your cheeky kitty.

Cats are inquisitive creatures and will get themselves into all kinds of trouble if they don’t have enough to do. When cats get bored, they’re going to start making their own fun and it's around that time that your furniture might look fun to dig their claws into. Cats need lots of wand and teaser toys to play with and keep them occupied.

From balls they can chase on their own, soft fluffy cuddly toys they can practice their hunting skills and interactive toys that make them work to get treats out of. There are so make different kinds of enrichment available to keep boredom at bay and keep your furniture intact.

Each cat will prefer a different kind of scratching post. Some may enjoy the multi-level scratchers to hang around and nap on, while other will only enjoy a small percentage of an entire scratching tree, so will do better with something more minimalistic.

Knowing your cat and where they like to hang out around the house is key to getting them the right scratching post.

The Rufus & Rosie Aire Cat Scratcher is great for cats who love to play and climb with its array of dangling soft balls to pounce at. With a high lookout, this scratcher also comes with a little hidey hole of a den where your moggy can curl up and have a snooze after hours of playing and scratching. 

There’s a scratching post to suit every cat’s needs so what are you waiting for? Save your furniture and give your domesticated little tiger something they’re allowed to practice their wildest instincts on.

For all kinds of enrichment to keep boredom at bay and all your other kitty necessities, check out our range online and in-store.