For a cat, scratching is a natural and necessary act. In addition to keeping your claws in tip-top shape, the stretch that comes with a good scratch keeps your upper body strong and loose. Also, every time a cat scratches a surface, the scent glands between the toes leave their signature scent for others to find. In this way, she marks her territory, even if that happens in your living room.
Just because a cat needs to scratch itself doesn’t mean it should destroy your furniture. Redirecting a cat’s scratches to an appropriate object simply requires patience, flexibility, and time. To prevent your cat from grooming its claws on your couch, you need to give it some furniture of its own.
Scratching posts come in a wide variety of sizes and textures. If your cat doesn’t use the scratching post you bought, watch what he scratches. Most cats prefer the texture in which they scratch. Experts advise against providing posts covered with rugs, especially if you have rugs in your home. Your cat will not understand the difference between the scratching post and the floor mat. They both feel good about her.
Some cats like to extend their entire body when reaching out to scratch. Others simply work their shoulder muscles. If your cat is one of the first, you will need to provide a high and sturdy scratching surface. No matter what height your cat likes to use, make sure the scratching surface is stable. If your cat starts scratching and the pole or board falls over, it will scare him off and he will probably not use it again.
Another important factor to consider when providing scratch surfaces is their location. If you observe your cat, you will notice that he will tend to look for a place to scratch wherever he spends a lot of time. That is why so many cats ruin their owner’s armchair or sofa. She is marking your place as part of her territory, claiming ownership over you in case some other cat walks in and gets the wrong idea. Putting a scratching post next to your favorite relaxing spot will allow him to do his job without disturbing you.
Remember also that your entire home is your territory. For that reason, it’s a good idea to place scratching surfaces throughout your home, in places where it tends to linger. Bedrooms, kitchens, home offices are places that are important to your cat because that is where you are likely to be.
If your cat persists in scratching the furniture instead of the proper surface, you will need to retrain it. When caught about to scratch inappropriately, say “no” out loud. Pick it up and bring it to your scratching surface. Some experts suggest gently grasping its paw and simulating scratching to give you the right idea. If your cat only attacks furniture when you are out of sight, it would be best to lock him in a room when you cannot supervise him. Make sure to put food, water, a litter box, and of course a scratching surface in the room with it. Once you seem to have learned to use only your scratching posts, you can once again have freedom of movement around the house.
