How to Keep Cats From Ripping Up Your Couch

If you own a cat who simply can't keep her claws to herself, there are a number of ways you can prevent her from scratching up your couch. Cat owners who have run out of patience will be pleased to learn that they can keep feisty felines from damaging furniture with the help of some basic household essentials. Before you know it, your couch will no longer be at the mercy of Kitty's sharp claws and playful whims.

Things You'll Need

  • Scratching post
  • Claw covers
  • Double-stick tape
  • Bubble-wrap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a firm, resilient scratching post for your cat. When first introducing the scratching post, place it right next to the sofa. If your cat sees that there is a more attractive alternative to your furniture, he will head for the scratching post whenever he feels the urge to sharpen his claws. To further entice your cat to use his scratching post, sprinkle a little bit of catnip on it.

    • 2

      Cap your cat's claws with plastic claw covers. If your cat absolutely refuses to stop clawing your sofa, place the aforementioned covers over her claws. This way, when she attempts to sharpen her claws on your furniture, no damage will be done.

    • 3

      Place double-stick tape over the areas of your couch that your cat likes to scratch. The tape's sticky texture will bother your cat and act as a deterrent to future sofa-based claw sharpening.

    • 4

      Cover your sofa in un-popped bubble-wrap. When your cat proceeds to claw the sofa, the ensuing popping sounds will frighten her off.