How to Stop Cats From Scratching Up Furniture & Carpets

Cats are intelligent creatures that are easily trainable. When there is a problem between a cat and its custodian (you don̵7;t really own a cat) it is usually not the cat's fault. If the cat is looking directly at you and begins to scratch, she is trying to get attention from you. Scratching is a natural thing for a cat to do, and your cat won̵7;t understand efforts to punish her for scratching. Punishment will only cause your cat stress, resulting in increased scratching. It is important to understand the nature of a feline before taking action. There is a way to stop the scratching.

Things You'll Need

  • Scratching post
  • Aluminum foil
  • Double sided tape
  • Orange peel
  • Cat repellent
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your cat an acceptable place to scratch. Buy a scratching post, kitty condo or emery scratch pad. Pet stores sell many different types of scratching posts. Choose one that is large enough for your cat. Find a scratching post or kitty condo that has a sisal rope area, which is a very durable scratching surface. Another consideration is a scratching post or kitty condo that has a cozy area for cat napping.

    • 2

      Catnip is your friend too. When you bring home the new scratching post, your cat will be curious but may not scratch right away. Encourage the cat to use the new scratching post by applying catnip or catnip spray to the post base. When you see your cat using the scratching post, offer lots of praise and a few treats.

    • 3

      Cover the old popular scratching surface, like the edge of your couch, with aluminum foil or double sided tape. Cats hate to have sticky paws, and they don̵7;t like the sound or feel of aluminum foil. Set the new scratching post in front, even blocking, what your cat was scratching before. Cats don̵7;t like change, so don̵7;t move the scratching post from place to place. After the scratching post has become your cat̵7;s favorite place to scratch, you can move it a few inches each day to gradually place it in a better location.

    • 4

      Rub the old scratching area with orange peel. Cats don̵7;t like the scent of citrus, and this will keep your cat away from the area. There are several commercial cat repellent sprays and products you can try.

    • 5

      Use a spray bottle filled with water for discipline. Cats are easily trained. Never hit your cat. Not only is it cruel, but your cat will not understand the message you are sending. Instead, you will become a source of stress and fear to your cat. The more your cat is stressed, the more she will need to scratch. When you catch your cat scratching in the wrong place, give her a squirt (not in the face or eyes) from the spray bottle. Next time you will only have to show your cat the spray bottle to make her stop.