This is how you prevent your cat from scratching your furniture

Cats have to scratch their nails to maintain them. But that’s not the only reason. Cats also get rid of worn-out nail covers by scratching and they mark their territory with it. Cats have scent glands in their paw pads, so scratching releases the scent at that spot. In this way, a cat not only shows that this is its place, but the cat also feels safer and more secure.

Prevent..

..is better than cure. It is very difficult to unlearn behavior from a cat and cats scratch, you cannot completely unlearn that. It is therefore best to start with a scratching post as early as possible. Reward your cat when he walks to the scratching post and when he starts to scratch there. However, don’t try to punish your cat for scratching the couch, as doing so will likely have the opposite effect. You can lure your cat to the scratching post by spraying catnip or valerian spray on it.

The right scratching post

If the scratching post isn’t in the right place or isn’t long enough, your cat will still prefer to use your couch. Therefore, pay attention to the following points when choosing a scratching post:

• Place it near the door or near the cat’s sleeping area. This allows him to stretch after a nap and it is also good for his marking needs.
• Does your cat prefer to scratch horizontally or vertically? Adjust the scratching post to your cat’s needs.
• Make sure the scratching post is long enough for your cat to stretch out.
• Does your cat like the couch more, or does he love your wallpaper? Then pay close attention to the upholstery of your scratching post, look again at your cat’s needs!
• Provide several scratching posts, especially if you also have several cats in the house.
• Cats sometimes even hang and lean in the scratching post. Therefore, make sure that your scratching post is stable.

Protect your bank

While you let your cat get used to the scratching post, you naturally want your couch to remain tidy in the meantime. You can protect your couch and other places where your cat likes to scratch by hanging something in front of it. For example, hang a cloth over the sofa that the cat cannot crawl under. The smoother the fabric is, the less likely your cat will scratch there. You can also cover the area with double-sided tape. Sticky Paws is less sticky than normal adhesive tape and will damage your wallpaper a lot less! Or you cover the spot with a piece of plastic, such as a placemat. Cats don’t like this because they are so slippery.