Cats have an average of 18 claws, with five on each front paw and four on each back paw.1 These natural tools are essential for a cat’s daily life but can also wreak havoc on your furniture. If you’ve ever come home to find your favorite couch shredded or your curtains in tatters, you’re not alone.
Cat scratching is a common issue that frustrates many pet owners. However, it’s crucial to understand that this behavior is deeply ingrained in feline nature and serves multiple purposes.
Why Cats Scratch in the First Place
First, let’s talk about why cats feel compelled to unleash their claws on your beloved furnishings. Scratching is a natural instinct for felines. It helps them:
- Stretch their muscles and keep their claws healthy by removing old nail sheaths
- Mark their territory with scent glands in their paws
- Relieve stress, frustration, and boredom
- Get a full-body workout
So, while Fluffy isn’t purposely trying to ruin your stuff, she does need a proper outlet for this behavior. That’s where you come in.
Environmental Factors That Increase Scratching
The study found that certain aspects of a cat’s environment can amp up unwanted scratching:
- Having young children in the home, which may increase stress
- Allowing the cat to be very playful and active, especially at night, leading to overstimulation
- Owning a cat with an aggressive or disruptive personality
Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you don’t have to get rid of your kids or your cat’s spunky spirit. The key is giving them better options for scratching.
How to Redirect Your Cat’s Claws
The most effective way to curb furniture scratching is by providing enticing alternatives and making your couch a less appealing target. Here’s what to do:
- Offer plenty of sturdy, stable scratching posts and pads in different orientations. Place them near your cat’s favorite lounging spots and cover them in materials cats love, like sisal rope, corrugated cardboard, or natural wood. Praise your kitty when they use them.
- Make furniture less attractive to scratch. Cover the damaged areas temporarily with a tight sheet, double-sided tape, or aluminum foil. You can also spray the surface with a citrus scent, which cats dislike.
- Engage your cat’s senses. Sprinkle catnip on the posts or attach dangling toys to encourage exploration. Pheromone sprays can create a calming effect and deter scratching.
- Maintain your cat’s claws. Regular nail trims every 2-3 weeks and plastic nail caps can minimize damage if scratching does occur. Get your cat used to having their paws handled from a young age.
- Address any anxiety. Boredom and stress are major scratching triggers. Enrich your cat’s environment with perches, interactive toys, and quality playtime to keep it happy and relaxed. For severe cases, consider working with a feline behaviorist.
- Avoid punishment. Never yell at or physically discipline your cat for scratching. This will only make them fearful and more likely to act out. Reward the good behavior instead!
With some trial and error, you’ll figure out the right combination of deterrents and positive reinforcement for your feline friend. Don’t get discouraged – behavior change takes time and patience.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.