6 Ways To Stop Your Cats Scratching Your Furnishings - By: James Winsoar

To understand why our beloved cats scratch we first need to think about what their sharp claws are for. They do not intentionally scratch furniture to annoy us or to cause damage. Actually cats have retractable claws in order for them to balance, turn, run, climb, jump and defend themselves with incredible accuracy.

An alternative to declawing or re-homing your favorite friend is simply teaching them the rules of the house. There are a few simple techniques that are tried and tested to work in relation to this ongoing situation.

First, get one or more cat scratching posts or cat activity centres covered in either ropes or carpet. Once you have got the posts or houses place a bit of catnip on them to attract your cat to them so they will know it is ok to use them. You may even like to take their paw and do a scratching motion or scratch on it yourself to demonstrate to them how to use it. When they go back to the furniture, which at first they will, pick them up and take them back to the post.

Next, try double sided tape. It may sound outlandish, but it does seem to work. Cats hate anything sticky on the pads of their feet. When they go to claw the furniture and feel the tape they will immediately stop. However, you will need to replace the tape as it is pulled down from time to time.

Lastly, if both of the above fail is to try a small squirty gun filled with water. When your cat scratches the furniture, simply say 'No' in an stern voice and squirt them once on the tail end with the water gun. Do not spray them in the face as it is very easy for a kitty to lose their breath for a second if this is done.

If done with consistency and authority your new scratching friend will soon be a non-scratcher in no time. The key is not giving up! It will not happen overnight, but it can be taught. Good Luck!

About the Author

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