Instructions
Scratching The Furniture
Find the problem areas. It's in the feline nature to sharpen their claws and most cats are creatures of habit. They will continue to use the same furniture to scratch unless you offer something more appealing.
Buy a scratching post and place it in the problem area. These come in every pet store. The best are vertical and tall enough to allow the cat to fully stretch. The cheapest are simple cardboard designs costing around $10 and the most expensive can be over $100 in 2011.
Use a catnip spray to make the new scratching post more appealing. Some cats may choose to ignore the new post, but most can't refuse the temptation of catnip. With a simple spray, which costs between $3 to $10 in 2011, the cat will choose the new scratching post instead of your furniture.
Activity and Play
Play with the cat and offer an activity. If a cat has no stimulation, then they channel their energy into a destructive habit. Playing also creates an improved bond between you and your pet and will help with releasing stress.
Buy your cat a toy to keep it occupied. If you aren't around the house all the time, then finding time to play with your cat will be difficult. When you buy it a toy, your cat can keep itself occupied when alone. This will use up energy that may have been used destructively.
Build a climbing apparatus for your cat to offer extra exercise activities. Cats like to climb in many dimensions and will use your shelves and cabinets if they are the only available items to climb. Building an apparatus or shelves for your cat will give him an alternative to using your furniture and knocking over ornaments.
Add incentives to using the new shelves and apparatus by placing a treat inside or on the top shelf. This will not only entice the feline into using its climbing ability for the first time but will also keep it coming back.
Block off shelves and other furniture. Though your cat may use their new climbing material, this might not stop them from continuing to use the off-limits places.. There are a number of methods, including using double-sided sticky tape or aluminum foil on the counter. Cats hate the feeling of both materials and dislike the sound of foil.
How to Stop a Cat's Destructive Behavior
Some cats have destructive behavior, which makes home life difficult for their owners. Whether it's scratching the furniture, attacking people and other pets or simply breaking household objects, it all contributes to an attitude that needs to be stopped or toned down. And though changing a cat's attitude is like trying to stop them from grooming, alternatives can be found to divert their attention and end their destructiveness.