in

Protect Your Furniture By Understanding Why Cats Scratch And How To Redirect This Frustrating Behavior

Invest In Scratching Posts And Pads

It’s kitty nature to scratch, so providing designated places – along with a variety of options – is key.

You can look for tall, sturdy scratching posts that enable your cat to get a full stretch. Just keep in mind that some cats prefer vertical surfaces, while others enjoy horizontal ones.

Having a mix of posts and scratch pads is a good idea, and you can even sprinkle a bit of catnip on the posts to make them more enticing.

Use Furniture Covers

If you’ve noticed your feline has a favorite spot that they can’t resist scratching, consider covering it with protective materials.

Some pet owners like furniture covers and others turn to double-sided tape or plastic shields for the arms of chairs or couches.

This works because cats don’t like sticky surfaces, and the tape can act as a deterrent. However, this should only be a temporary solution until your cat learns to use their scratching post.

Keep Your Cat’s Nails Trimmed

Regularly trimming your kitty’s claws is another way to reduce damage caused by scratching. You don’t have to clip them down to nothing, either.

Just cut enough to dull the sharp tips, and if you’re not sure how to safely do this, you can always consult your veterinarian.

2 of 3