Cats scratching is a natural behavior, but it can be frustrating when they target your beloved couch. Instead of getting angry, understanding why cats scratch and providing appropriate alternatives is key to stopping your cat from scratching the couch and redirecting this behavior to more suitable outlets. This guide will explore the reasons behind cat scratching and offer practical, humane strategies to protect your furniture and keep your feline friend happy.
Understanding Why Cats Scratch Furniture
Scratching is not just random destruction; it’s deeply ingrained in feline behavior, stemming from instincts that were vital for their wild ancestors. Kittens start scratching as early as eight weeks old, highlighting its innate nature. There are several reasons why cats scratch:
Firstly, scratching is a crucial way for cats to mark their territory. They leave both visual marks from torn material and scent marks from pheromones released by glands in their paws. This pheromone serves as a communication signal to other cats, conveying information about their health, sex, and reproductive status.
Secondly, cats scratch to maintain their claws. Scratching helps shed the old, outer layer of their nails, revealing the sharp, new nail underneath. Sharp claws are essential tools for hunting, climbing, and self-defense.
Finally, scratching is a form of physical and emotional release. It allows cats to stretch their muscles fully, relieving tension. The act of scratching also releases endorphins in their brain, which can help calm them down when they are feeling anxious or overly excited.
In their natural environment, cats often scratch tree trunks, which are ideal vertical surfaces for territorial marking because the visual and scent cues are easily noticed by other cats. Indoors, this instinct translates into scratching vertical surfaces like couch arms and wooden furniture legs, especially if they are made of appealing materials. Couches with easily ripped fabric and unvarnished wood that splinters readily become prime targets.
Why Cats Scratch Carpets and Floors
While vertical surfaces are often preferred for territorial marking, cats also scratch horizontal surfaces like carpets and floors. These surfaces may not be as effective for visual territory marking, but they serve other important scratching needs.
Horizontal scratching is excellent for stretching and exercising paws and claws. The act of digging into a horizontal surface allows cats to use different muscles and extend their range of motion.
Carpet and flooring also provide a satisfying texture for nail maintenance. The looped fibers of carpet or the solidness of flooring offer resistance that helps cats effectively shed their nail layers.
Furthermore, just like vertical scratching, horizontal scratching can be a way for cats to relieve stress and excitement. The repetitive motion and physical exertion can be calming and enjoyable.
Cats are also drawn to stable and immobile surfaces for scratching. Carpets, securely installed flooring, and even rugs often provide the firmness cats seek to get a good, effective scratch. The softness of carpet also allows them to fully sink their claws in, which many cats find appealing. Some cats simply prefer horizontal scratching, while others enjoy both vertical and horizontal options.
Understanding your cat’s scratching preferences, whether vertical, horizontal, or both, is crucial for implementing the most effective strategies to protect your couch and other furniture.
How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching the Couch: Practical Steps
The most effective way to stop your cat from scratching the couch is to offer appealing and appropriate scratching alternatives and make your couch less attractive. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose the Right Scratching Post Material
Cats have individual preferences for scratching surfaces. Observe what your cat is scratching on your furniture to get clues about their preferred material. Experiment with different materials to find what your cat likes. Common options include:
- Sisal rope: Durable and fibrous, mimicking tree bark.
- Cardboard: Lightweight and provides a satisfying tearing texture.
- Carpet: Some cats prefer the familiar feel of carpet.
- Wood: Unvarnished softwoods can be appealing.
- Upholstery fabric: If your cat is scratching fabric furniture, try a post covered in a similar material (but different texture to differentiate it from the couch).
Consider the angle and orientation of the scratching post as well. Some cats prefer vertical posts, while others like horizontal scratchers or angled ramps.
For example, a cat that enjoys sisal and vertical scratching might be drawn to a tall sisal scratching post. If your cat favors cardboard and horizontal scratching, a cardboard scratcher lounge might be more appealing.
2. Place Scratching Posts Strategically
Placement is key to encouraging your cat to use scratching posts. Position them in areas where your cat spends a lot of time and near the furniture they are currently scratching. Cats are social animals and prefer their resources, including scratching posts, to be located in communal areas rather than hidden away.
- Near the Couch: Place a scratching post directly next to or very close to the couch your cat scratches. This offers an immediate alternative.
- High-Traffic Areas: Put scratching posts in living rooms, hallways, or bedrooms – places where your cat and family members frequently gather.
- Near Sleeping Areas: Some cats like to stretch and scratch after waking up, so placing a post near their bed can be beneficial.
- Multiple Posts: Especially in multi-cat households, providing several scratching posts reduces competition and increases the likelihood that each cat will find a suitable option.
3. Encourage Your Cat to Use the Scratching Post
Once you have placed the scratching posts, actively encourage your cat to use them. Positive reinforcement is much more effective than punishment.
- Model Scratching: Gently run your own fingernails down the scratching post. The sound and visual demonstration can pique your cat’s interest.
- Catnip: Sprinkle catnip on or around the scratching post to make it more enticing.
- Treats and Praise: Reward your cat with treats, verbal praise, or petting every time you see them using the scratching post. Positive reinforcement associates the scratching post with pleasant experiences.
- Playtime near the Post: Engage your cat in play sessions near the scratching post, encouraging them to interact with it during playtime.
4. Make the Couch Unattractive for Scratching
While encouraging scratching post use, it’s equally important to deter your cat from scratching the couch. Use gentle, cat-friendly deterrents:
- Motion-Activated Sprays: Place motion-detection air spray cans near the couch. When your cat approaches, a hiss of air will startle them away. Ensure the noise is brief and not too loud to avoid causing fear or anxiety.
- Citrus Sprays: Cats generally dislike citrus scents. Apply citrus-based sprays to the couch fabric (test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t stain).
- Double-Sided Sticky Tape: Apply double-sided sticky tape to the areas of the couch your cat scratches. The sticky texture is unpleasant for their paws.
- Couch Covers: Cover the couch with blankets or plastic sheets to protect it and make the scratching surface less appealing.
- Enzymatic Cleaners: Clean previously scratched areas with odor-neutralizing enzymatic cleaners. This removes pheromone scent markers that attract cats back to the same spot.
- Pheromone Sprays: Consider using a pheromone spray like Feliway Classic on the couch. This synthetic feline facial pheromone can deter scratching in areas where it’s applied.
5. Address Underlying Anxiety
Excessive scratching can sometimes be a sign of anxiety. If your cat seems particularly stressed or is scratching excessively, consider ways to reduce their anxiety:
- Calming Supplements: Explore calming supplements like Purina Pro Plan Calming Care which contains probiotics to help manage stress.
- Medications: In severe cases, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety medications like fluoxetine or sertraline. Always consult with your vet before administering any medication.
6. Provide Environmental Enrichment
A bored or anxious cat is more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors like scratching. Enrich your cat’s environment to keep them stimulated and happy:
- Cat Trees: Provide cat trees for climbing, perching, and exploring.
- Window Perches: Set up perches near windows so your cat can watch outdoor activity.
- Interactive Play: Increase interactive playtime with toys that mimic hunting, like wand toys or laser pointers.
- Leash Training: Consider leash training your cat for safe outdoor exploration in a harness.
- Catios: If possible, build or install a catio (cat patio) to give your cat safe outdoor access.
7. Seek Professional Help
If you are struggling to manage your cat’s scratching behavior on your own, consider consulting a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. These professionals can provide tailored advice and behavior modification plans to address your cat’s specific needs.
Protecting Carpets and Flooring from Cat Scratching
Many of the strategies used for couches also apply to preventing cats from scratching carpets and flooring.
- Horizontal Scratching Boards: Offer a variety of horizontal scratching boards made of materials like carpet or cardboard.
- Strategic Placement: Place scratching boards near areas where your cat scratches the carpet or flooring.
- Deterrents: Use citrus sprays, pheromone sprays, or even place textured mats or runners over carpeted areas to make them less appealing for scratching.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat for using the scratching boards with treats and praise.
- Nail Trimming and Caps: Regular nail trimming and the use of plastic nail caps can minimize damage to carpets and floors while you are training your cat.
If floor scratching is excessive and linked to anxiety, consulting a behavior specialist is also recommended for carpets and flooring.
What You Should NEVER Do When Your Cat Scratches Furniture
It’s crucial to avoid methods that are harmful or counterproductive when dealing with cat scratching.
Never Declaw Your Cat
Declawing is an inhumane and painful surgical procedure that involves amputating not just the claws but also the last bone of each toe. It is not a solution to scratching and can cause significant physical and psychological harm to your cat. Declawing can lead to:
- Chronic Pain: Nerve damage and bone spurs can cause lifelong pain.
- Behavioral Issues: Frustration and inability to scratch normally can lead to aggression and biting.
- Balance Problems: Cats rely on their claws for balance and mobility.
- Litter Box Issues: Pain can make it uncomfortable for cats to dig and bury in the litter box, leading to avoidance.
Never Punish Your Cat
Punishing your cat for scratching is ineffective and damaging to your relationship. Avoid:
- Yelling: Loud noises can scare and stress your cat.
- Spraying with Water: This is a negative association and can create fear and anxiety.
- Physical Punishment: Hitting or throwing objects at your cat is cruel and will damage your bond.
Punishment creates fear and anxiety, making your cat less likely to scratch in your presence but not stopping the behavior. It can also lead to fear-based aggression and damage the trust between you and your cat.
Never Force Your Cat onto a Scratcher
Do not physically force your cat to use a scratching post by grabbing their paws and dragging them on the surface. This is perceived as a threat and can cause fear, anxiety, and aggression. Positive encouragement and making the scratching post appealing are far more effective.
By understanding the reasons behind cat scratching and implementing positive, cat-friendly strategies, you can effectively redirect this natural behavior away from your couch and onto appropriate scratching surfaces. Patience, consistency, and a focus on your cat’s needs are key to success in protecting your furniture and maintaining a happy, healthy relationship with your feline companion.
