What Can I Put on My Couch Where Cats Have Clawed?

Scratching is a natural cat behavior that should be redirected rather than nullified. Scratching reduces stress and exercises muscles, but cats also scratch to mark their territory. It is impossible to quell the instinct to scratch. However, having a three-pronged approach of deterrents, scratching options and positive reinforcement achieves the desired result of keeping cats from shredding furniture in the shortest amount of time.

  1. Deterrents

    • Deterrents are training aids that make scratching impossible or at least an uncomfortable experience. Sprays layer the furniture with an unpleasant scent to keep cats away from the area. Double-sided tape and prickly mats prevent the cat from accessing that particular area of the furniture. Alarms will sound off and thus scare the cat off the perimeter and radius the alarm is set to guard.

    Nail Care

    • Many cat owners choose not to declaw for several reasons because routine nail care reduces the chances of cats shredding the furniture. Trimming nails once a month curbs the need for the cat to scratch because it reduces their maintenance time, which aids in preventing excess scratching. Claw tips cover the tip of each claw, and thus prevent the claws from shredding whatever object the cat is scratching.

    Other Options

    • If the cat has a tendency to scratch seat pillows, placing a thick blanket on top of a layer of cardboard prevents the cat from accessing that area only. Placing an end table or other piece of furniture to block the cat's access to a particular corner may also work. Double-sided tape can also be used for couch corners as well. Most training aids, such as sprays, tape and alarm systems are available at pet supply stores.

    Scratching Posts

    • Offer the cat an alternative place to exercise and scratch. Scratching posts made from plywood and carpets are ideal and inexpensive. Natural fiber scratching posts, such as sisal, can be purchased at most cat supply stores. Cardboard scratch boxes are the least expensive and biodegradable. Add catnip to appropriate scratching surfaces to encourage healthy scratching behaviors. Provide positive reinforcement in the form of praise or a treat when kitty chooses wisely to reinforce good scratching behaviors.