How To Keep My Cat From Scratching The Couch

Cats are natural scratchers. They need to scratch to keep their claws healthy and to mark their territory. However, scratching can also be destructive, especially if your cat is scratching your furniture. There are a few things you can do to keep your cat from scratching your couch.

Provide your cat with an alternative scratching post. This is the most important thing you can do to deter your cat from scratching your couch. Choose a scratching post that is tall and sturdy, and place it in a location that your cat likes to scratch. You can also try scratching the post yourself to show your cat that it is okay to scratch it.

Make your couch less appealing to scratch. You can do this by covering it with a blanket or throw, or by placing double-sided tape on the areas that your cat likes to scratch. You can also try using a citrus spray on your couch, as cats dislike the smell of citrus.

Trim your cat's claws regularly. This will help to prevent your cat from doing as much damage when they do scratch. You can trim your cat's claws yourself, or you can take them to a groomer.

Play with your cat regularly. This will help to keep your cat's energy levels down and to prevent them from getting bored and destructive. You can play with your cat using toys, such as a wand toy or a laser pointer.

Provide your cat with a safe place to hide. Cats like to feel safe and secure, and having a place to hide can help to reduce their stress levels. You can provide your cat with a safe place to hide by creating a cat cave or by placing a cardboard box in a quiet corner of your home.

If your cat is still scratching your couch, you may need to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They can help you to determine why your cat is scratching and to develop a plan to stop them.