How To Make Cat Stop Scratching Couch

Cats are obligate scratchers, meaning they need to scratch to maintain their claws and mark their territory. While this is a natural behavior, it can be frustrating for cat owners when their cat scratches furniture, especially the couch. There are a few things you can do to deter your cat from scratching the couch and redirect them to more appropriate scratching surfaces.

Provide your cat with scratching posts. This is the most effective way to deter your cat from scratching the couch. Scratching posts should be tall enough for your cat to stretch out and scratch on, and they should be made of a material that your cat likes to scratch on, such as sisal or cardboard. Place the scratching posts in areas where your cat likes to scratch, such as near the couch or in front of a window.

Make the couch less appealing to scratch. You can do this by covering the couch with a blanket or throw that your cat doesn't like to scratch on, or by placing double-sided tape on the areas of the couch that your cat likes to scratch. You can also try using a citrus spray on the couch, as cats dislike the smell of citrus.

Redirect your cat's scratching behavior. When you see your cat scratching the couch, gently pick them up and place them on a scratching post. You can also try playing with your cat with a toy that they can scratch on, such as a feather wand or a catnip mouse.

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

Here are some additional tips to help you stop your cat from scratching the couch:

Trim your cat's claws regularly. This will help to reduce the damage that your cat can do to the couch when they scratch.
Provide your cat with plenty of other activities to keep them entertained. A bored cat is more likely to scratch furniture out of boredom.
Make sure that your cat has a safe and comfortable place to sleep and relax. A stressed cat is more likely to scratch furniture out of anxiety.
If you have tried all of these tips and your cat still continues to scratch the couch, you may need to consult with a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist.