Cat Deterrent Tips

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are almost 82 million pet cats in the United States. Chances are good that somewhere in the country, a cat is somewhere he's not supposed to be, doing something he's not supposed to do. Cats have a reputation for independent-mindedness, but with a few simple strategies, you can manage their behavior.

  1. Scratching Furniture

    • You can always tell when you're in a cat lover's house. The upholstered furniture is the giveaway--it's either clawed to shreds, surrounded by barricades or covered in some kind of protective material. But there are better ways to deter destructive scratching.

      Cats claw furniture for a few different reasons. It's a subtle form of cat exercise. They stretch their muscles, burn off a bit of energy and flex their toes. It just feels good. Extending and retracting their claws helps to remove the outer layer of the nail---helping the claws stay good and sharp for future furniture destruction. Finally, it serves to mark territory.

      To save your furniture, provide scratching posts. Carpet- or sisal-covered posts or pads are available in a variety of configurations. They can be sprayed or sprinkled with catnip to make them more appealing.

      Non-toxic sprays for indoor use are often pleasant-smelling (to people) citrus-based formulations. If you are concerned about spraying directly on your upholstered furniture, spray a towel or strip of fabric and drape it over the area.

      Double-stick tape offers some protection for your couches and chairs. Cats find the tackiness unpleasant.

    Garden Areas

    • Cats love the fluffy, perfect texture of a newly planted seedbed. Indoor or urban cats may be drawn to your prized houseplants. To discourage your would-be feline gardener, choose unappealing mulches. Shredded, recycled plastic mulch or several inches of stone will deter most cats. Repellent sprays are available in non-toxic formulations that create a scent barrier that cats don't like. There is also plastic guard available. These are mats with pointy plastic spikes attached. Cats cannot walk on the spikes and avoid the area. The spikes are pointy but not dangerously sharp.

    Off Limits Areas

    • There are some areas you just don't want your cat to sleep. If you want your couch or clean laundry hair-free, you will have to cover it when you are not actively guarding it. Crinkly paper works well, and the indoor repellent sprays are an option for furniture. But cats usually win this battle of wills, so you may want to consider a cat blanket for those favorite sleeping spots---something you can remove and launder.