What Can I Put on Furniture So Cats Don't Scratch It?

Scratching in cats is such a powerful, instinctive behavior that it is almost impossible to prevent completely. Cats scratch for a variety of reasons: to stretch the muscles in their paws and legs, to shed the outer layers of their claws, to mark their territory, and of course to get attention. Additionally, it is important for cats to practice scratching and clawing, their main line of defense. Unfortunately, in the absence of a scratching post or similar permitted target, cats will naturally gravitate to the furniture.

  1. Sprays

    • With a highly developed sense of smell, most cats dislike volatile compounds.

      Most scratch-deterrent sprays available through pet stores and online retailers contain active ingredients such as garlic or clove, aromatic herbs that cats prefer to avoid. Members of the feline family have an extremely well developed sense of smell and cannot tolerate volatile compounds such as garlic. Simply spraying your furniture daily for 3 or 4 days should discourage your cat's interest in scratching there. Alternatively, instead of spraying a chair or sofa directly, saturate a piece of fabric with the deterrent and afix it to the furniture. The effect should be comparable. This technique will work for non-fabric areas such as screen doors or windows.

    Strips

    • Cats dislike anything sticky on their paws.

      Cats instinctively dislike surfaces that are sticky or feel uncomfortable under their paws. Household electronics, stereo speakers, TVs, table legs, or even counter tops may initially be attractive to your feline companion and might benefit from the application of sticky strips. Many brands of strips come in packages of 2-inch by 12-inch pieces and, since they are frequently water-soluble, may be applied to most surfaces without causing a stain or other damage. The strips are non-toxic, odor-free, transparent and removable, but you should still test an inconspicuous area before applying on a large scale.

    Furniture Protector Guards

    • Furniture guards are a semi-permanent way to protect furniture.

      A more permanent solution to the problem of a cat who won't stop scratching is to apply furniture guards to its favorite target. These plastic guards are transparent, substantially thicker than the sticky strips and can be applied to a variety of surfaces, except for leather and suede. They are usually guaranteed against even the sharpest of domestic cat claws and present a humane and simple way to prevent destruction.

    Not all scratching posts are created equal

    • Choosing the pefect scratching post is important for success.

      For the health and happiness of your cat, it is important to select a couple of places for your cat to legally scratch and encourage him or her by applying a little catnip to the area. Effective scratch zones include scratching posts, sisal mats or cat furniture. Some experts suggest that, as an outer surface for a scratching post, sisal is a better alternative to carpet, as it is more durable and does not cause confusion for your cat. Equally, it is important to select a scratching post that is stable and will not wobble or topple: wooden posts offer enhanced stability over their cardboard counterparts.