Help! My cat is scratching my furniture.

One of the commonest behavioural problems of indoor cats is that they scratch and damage furniture and carpets.

Scratching is a normal cat behaviour, it must be facilitated. 

Your cat is not being naughty, punishment is really not the answer (shouting at him or spraying him with water).

There are several reasons for normal scratching (nail care, mark territory, stretching, exercise). Cats usually use the same visible location, often close to their resting places for their normal scratching behaviour. 

To punish this natural behaviour is just confusing for the cat. 

Excessive scratching is different, this can be caused by stress, anxiety, fear or insecurity This often results in scratching behaviour in multiple places and causing damage (carpets, furniture, walls etc). 

To punish this will will distress the cat and likely make the problem worse.

This problem is treated by identifying the underlying stressors and reducing the cats stress levels. Click HERE to read about dealing with stress in cats.

In order to stop the inappropriate normal scratching a 2- step process must be set in place.

Step 1: Make the current location less appealing.

Step 2: Make the cat scratching facilities more appealing for your cat.

The main times I would use this process are 

1. 1 As a treatment -if you have a problem with your cat scratching furniture.
2. 2 In a preventative way-if you get new furniture and don't want to risk any damage or if you get a new cat and don't want to risk any damage to your furniture,

Shopping List

1. A scratching post
2. Double sided tape

3. Feliscratch by Feliway.

The first thing to do is to thoroughly clean (with warm water) the area that the cat is now scratching to remove all scent marks left by your cat

Using a double sided tape is a great way to stop cat's from causing damage. It works simply because the cat doesn't like the sticky sensation of the glue on the tape on its paws. So the cat will look elsewhere for a nicer place to scratch. 

By providing a suitable scratching post made even more desirable most cats to swop from your furniture to the scratching post.

(The above technique can also be used on counter tops/surfaces to prevent cats jumping up.)

There are many double sided tapes  but I would recommend Sticky Paws Sticky Strips. These are specifically designed for this purpose. 

Place the tape on the surface that you want to protect (couch, bed, carpet etc). It will provide an unpleasant (but not dangerous) experience when the cat scratches. Sticky Paws Sticky Strips is not too sticky, so it will not damage paws or fabric. The tape should be replaced daily if the cat is persistent!

This method can be employed once an acceptable scratching posts is made available nearby. 

Advantages of Sticky Paws Sticky Strips

• 1 It is completely safe for most furniture.
• 2 It is safe for the cat as the glue is of medical quality.
• 3 It is easily placed and easily removed.
• 4 It is reasonably priced.
• 5 There is no fear involved.
• ( The product is also available in a 10m roll Sticky Paws on a Roll).

In some cases the double sided tape may be adequate to protect your furniture but for best results i recommend using it in combination with Feliscratch is a powerful way to redirect scratching to the desired location. 

You must provide a suitable alternative to your cat. The scratching post must be tall and sturdy. The new post should be a similar experience to the area the cat chose. Location is very important-near to where your cat sleeps, near a window or a radiator if it includes a platform, or near the already scratched areas. Provide at least one post per cat.

Feliscratch is a liquid you place onto the scratching post to attracts your cat to it. It works by using a combination of visual cues, scents and pheromones. The linear application looks somewhat like it was previously scratched by a cat.

Once the liquid is dry, the scratching post close to the spot where your cat displays inappropriate scratching behaviour. Once the cat uses the scratching post, you can move it gradually to the desired location.

For more information on Feliscratch click HERE.

Advantages of Feliscratch.

1. It is recommended by behaviourists
2. It uses positive reinforcement, cats are rewarded and not punished
3. It is safe to use.

The scratch post can be slowly and gradually moved to a different location if necessary.

In conclusion the process involves a combination of using an anti-scratching device on your furniture and and redirecting the behaviour to the desired location (scratching post etc).


NOTE

1. Products like Soft Paws are vinyl nail tips that cover your cats nails making it impossible for them to do any damage. These must be replace as nail grows. These type of products ls have a limited role if any in treating this problem. They essentially treat a symptom of a deeper problem.
2. Catnip can be useful for this process also. 
3. Declawing is not a good solution. It is cruel and does nothing to deal with the underlying issue.
4. Clipping your cats nails every 2 months can be helpful. Watch a video showing how to clip your cats nails HERE.
5. Cats like old and familiar posts as these have a cats scent on it, so don't change them too frequently 
6. The location is important, it may be ugly but if you hide it away the cat is less likely to use it

Find out more HERE.

Click HERE for advice on dealing with stress in cats.

Please let me know if you found this information useful or if you have any other cat related questions.