How Can I Stop a Cat From Tearing Up My House?

Cats don't scratch furniture and rugs out of anger or spite. But your cat could be clawing the arm of your couch for a reason. Cats use their claws to create visual signposts for themselves and anyone else who enters their territory and to mark their territory with the scent glands in their paws. Other reasons cats scratch are to stretch and to groom their claws, and some may scratch furniture or rugs out of frustration or boredom. Providing proper scratching surfaces for the cat will keep your belongings safe from those claws.

Things You'll Need

  • Nail clippers
  • Tall, stable scratching post
  • Wide cardboard scratching pads
  • Coco fiber doormat
  • Plastic nail caps
  • Bubble wrap
  • Double stick tape
  • Electronic cat deterrent
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your cat's nails trimmed. The cat will be more comfortable and will do less damage if its nails are short.

    • 2

      Provide tall, stable scratching posts. The posts should be at least 32 inches tall so the cat can stand full-length when scratching and stretching. A wide base will provide stability and keep the post from tipping over when the cat is using it. To entice the cat to the post, rub it with catnip and sprinkle some on the base.

    • 3

      Give the cat wide cardboard scratching pads, too. Some cats are horizontal scratchers, others are vertical scratchers, and many are both. Sprinkle catnip on the scratching pads to encourage the cat to use them.

    • 4

      Place the scratching posts and pads near the entrances to rooms or up against the furniture the cat is scratching. If the scratching posts and pads are made of a texture the cat likes and are in the proper locations, the cat will use them instead of the furniture.

    • 5

      Place a coir (coco fiber) doormat or carpet squares on the floor where the cat is scratching the rug. The cat will be able to scratch in its favorite location without damaging your carpeting.

    • 6

      Put plastic nail caps on your cat's claws. The nail caps are similar to false fingernails for humans and will protect your furniture and rugs when the cat scratches. Pet supply stores sell plastic nail caps.

    • 7

      Place bubble wrap on chair cushions, the backs of chairs and other places where the cat is scratching. The bubbles popping will startle the cat and discourage it from scratching there.

    • 8

      Put double-stick tape on furniture the cat is scratching. The sticky feeling will be unpleasant underfoot and discourage the cat from scratching.

    • 9

      Use electronic deterrents on chairs and sofas. The cat won't like the tingling sensation underfoot and will stay away. Most pet supply stores sell electronic devices that repel cats but don't harm them.