How To Make Cats Stop Scratching Couch

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. They scratch to mark their territory, to remove dead skin from their claws, and to stretch their muscles. While scratching is a normal behavior, it can be destructive if your cat is scratching your furniture. There are a few things you can do to make your cat stop scratching your couch.

Provide your cat with other scratching surfaces. Cats prefer to scratch vertical surfaces, so providing them with a scratching post or a cat tree will give them an appropriate place to scratch. Make sure the scratching post is tall enough for your cat to fully stretch out and that it is made of a material that your cat enjoys scratching, such as sisal or cardboard. You can also place the scratching post near the areas where your cat usually scratches your couch.

Make your couch less appealing to scratch. If your cat is scratching your couch because it is soft and comfortable, you can make it less appealing by covering it with a scratching deterrent. There are a number of commercial scratching deterrents available, or you can make your own by mixing water with citrus juice or vinegar. You can also try placing aluminum foil on the areas of your couch that your cat scratches.

Redirect your cat's scratching behavior. When you see your cat scratching your couch, gently redirect them to an appropriate scratching surface. You can do this by picking them up and placing them on the scratching post, or by clapping your hands and saying "no." Once your cat is scratching the appropriate surface, praise them and give them a treat.

Be patient and consistent. It may take some time for your cat to learn to stop scratching your couch. Be patient and consistent with your training, and eventually your cat will learn that scratching your couch is not acceptable.

If you have tried all of the above tips and your cat is still scratching your couch, you may need to consult with a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist. They can help you determine why your cat is scratching your couch and develop a plan to stop the behavior.