How to Stop a Cat From Sharpening Claws on Furniture

Cats scratch to mark their territory, to exercise and simply because the feeling is pleasurable to them. While it is a natural activity, scratching can destroy your furniture. Though teaching a cat not to scratch your furniture takes time, it is entirely possible to prevent a cat from scratching your furniture.

Things You'll Need

  • Pet odor remover
  • Scratching post
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply pet odor remover to the place where the cat has been scratching. When a cat can detect its scent on a particular piece of furniture, it will return there.

    • 2

      Place a scratching post in front of the area where the scratching has been occurring. The scratching post should be at least as tall as the cat can reach sitting up on its hind legs, and it should be very stable. If the cat knocks the scratching post over even once, it can keep the cat from returning.

    • 3

      Stroke the cat when it first awakes from a nap and place it in front of the scratching post. Cats often want to scratch just as they rise.

    • 4

      Praise the cat when it uses the scratching post.