How to Break Cats of Scratching Carpet & Furniture

Cats scratch carpet and furniture as a way to exercise and trim their claws, and mark territory. It is also a way for your cat to stretch its muscles. If your cat has a furniture and/or carpet scratching problem, you need to act quickly to stop the problem and save your furniture and carpets. With some effort, patience and persistence you can train your cat to redirect its scratching to more suitable areas.

Things You'll Need

  • Scratching post(s)
  • Double sided tape
  • Aluminum foil or cardboard
  • Squirt bottle
  • Water
  • Cat pheromone spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your cat with at least one scratching post. If possible, place a scratching post near the area your cat eats and the area your cat sleeps. If there are areas on the carpet or particular pieces of furniture your cat prefers, place a scratching post near those areas.

    • 2

      Apply double-sided tape to corners of furniture and areas of carpet your cat likes to scratch. Cats dislike the stickiness and texture of the tape under their claws and will stop scratching those spots.

    • 3

      Place sheets of aluminum foil or break down a cardboard box and lie it across the surface of furniture your cat scratches. Cats dislike the way these items feel and the sound they make when they are scratched.

    • 4

      Squirt your cat with water from a squirt bottle (or a water pistol) when you catch your cat in the act of scratching furniture or carpet. Clapping your hands when you catch your cat scratching is another option. The water and/or sound is a major deterrent for most cats.

    • 5

      Spray furniture or carpet your cat scratches with cat pheromone spray. These sprays are available in pet stores. Pheromones are what your cat leaves behind when it marks territory. The pheromones in the spray mimic the facial pheromones your cat leaves when it rubs its face on objects that make it feel comfortable and safe. When your cat smells these pheromones on furniture or carpet, its desire to scratch them will cease.