How To Get Your Cat To Stop Scratching The Couch

Cats scratch for various reasons, including to mark their territory, stretch their muscles, and trim their claws. While it's a natural behavior, it can be frustrating for cat owners when their beloved furniture becomes the target of their scratching. If your cat is scratching your couch, there are several steps you can take to discourage this behavior and protect your furniture.

1. Identify the cause

The first step in stopping your cat from scratching the couch is to identify the underlying cause of the behavior. Is your cat scratching to mark its territory? Is it bored and looking for a way to entertain itself? Or is it simply trying to trim its claws? Once you know the reason, you can start to address the problem.

2. Provide alternatives

One of the best ways to stop your cat from scratching the couch is to provide it with alternative scratching surfaces. This could be a scratching post, a cardboard box, or even a piece of carpet. Make sure the scratching surface is tall enough for your cat to stretch its entire body, and place it in a location that your cat frequents.

3. Reward positive behavior

When your cat uses the scratching post or other alternative scratching surface, be sure to reward it with treats, praise, or playtime. This will help your cat to associate the desired behavior with positive reinforcement.

4. Deter scratching

If your cat continues to scratch the couch, you can try using deterrents to make the surface less appealing. This could involve placing double-sided tape on the couch, covering it with a plastic sheet, or spraying it with a citrus-based cleaner. Cats dislike the feel and smell of these deterrents, so they will be less likely to scratch the couch.

5. Trim your cat's claws

Regularly trimming your cat's claws can help to reduce the amount of damage they do to your couch. Be sure to use a sharp pair of clippers and only trim the tips of the claws. Avoid cutting into the quick, as this can be painful for your cat.

6. Play with your cat

A bored cat is more likely to scratch furniture in search of entertainment. Make sure to provide your cat with plenty of toys and playtime to keep it occupied. This will help to reduce the likelihood of your cat scratching the couch out of boredom.

7. Feliway

Feliway is a synthetic pheromone that mimics the natural pheromones that cats produce to mark their territory. It can be used to help reduce anxiety and stress in cats, which can lead to scratching. Feliway comes in a variety of forms, including diffusers, sprays, and wipes.