How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Furniture Without Declawing

Cats have a natural need to scratch things to remove the outer layers of their claws and to declare their territory. Unfortunately, sometimes cats enjoy your furniture more than their scratching post. You can train your cat or kitten to stop scratching furniture using common household products, behavior training techniques, and cat supplies such as a cat tree or scratching post. Training cats is not always easy, but it is possible.

Things You'll Need

  • cat scratching post
  • double-sided tape
  • bitter apple spray
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Instructions

    • 1
      Some cats like to stretch up horizontally; some cats prefer to stretch out vertically.

      Purchase a cat scratching post. Many cats prefer cardboard or sisal rope scratching products over carpet ones. Carpet cat towers are popular, but tend to be prohibitively expensive, and in many cases cats just ignore them. Try an affordable cardboard scratching post and replace the cardboard inserts as needed. These cardboard products do require a little clean-up, but it's worth it to keep your cat's claws away from expensive furniture.

    • 2
      Declawing is an inhumane, cruel procedure that is unnecessary.

      Place the scratching post next to the piece of furniture your cat enjoys scratching. You can always move it later, but for now, your goal is to redirect your cat away from his or her favorite piece of furniture.

    • 3
      Understanding your cat's behavior will help you redirect her scratching needs.

      Discourage improper scratching behavior. This can be done through prevention as well as redirection. Protect your furniture with double-sided tape and/or bitter apple spray. These items will deter your cat from clawing your furniture in the first place. If you see your cat scratching the furniture anyway, gently pick him up and place him on the scratching post.

    • 4
      A declawed cat has no defenses if she goes outside.

      Entice your cat with catnip. Cats over six months old usually respond to catnip sprinkled on their scratching post. This will get them interested in scratching the new object. If you don't like the mess dried catnip makes, try a spray catnip product.

    • 5
      A groomer may have some ideas for you.

      Clip your cat's claws. Though this will not prevent scratching entirely, it will reduce the damage done as a result of this behavior. If you have trouble clipping your cat's nails, take her to the vet or groomer as this is not very expensive.

    • 6

      Ask your vet or local dog groomer about a product called Soft Paws. These are comfortable rubber tips that are cemented to your cat's claws. They stay in place for four to six weeks. They come in a variety of colors and are virtually harmless for your cat. If you feel confident, you can order them from the company and apply them yourself.