To comprehend why our darling cats scratch we first need to understand what their sharp claws are for. They do not intentionally scratch furniture to annoy us or to cause damage. In fact cats have retractable claws so that they can balance, turn, run, climb, jump and defend themselves with sheer precision.
An alternative to declawing or re-homing your favorite friend is simply teaching them the house rules. There are a few simple techniques that are tried and tested to work in relation to this ongoing problem.
First, invest in multiple cat scratching posts or cat activity centres covered in either rope or carpet. Once you have got the posts or houses place a bit of catnip on them to lure your cat to them so they will know it is ok to use them. You may even want to take their paw and do a scratching motion or scratch on it yourself to teach them how to use it. When they go back to the furniture, which at first they will, pick them up and take them back to the post.
Secondly, try double sided tape. It may sound unusual, but it does seem to work. Cats hate anything tacky on the pads of their feet. When they go to claw the furniture and feel the tape they will instinctively stop. However, you will need to replace the tape as it is pulled down from time to time.
Thirdly, if both of the above fail is to utilize a small squirty gun filled with water. When your cat attacks the furniture, simply say ‘No’ in an masterful voice and squirt them once on the tail end with the water gun. Do not spray them in the face as it is very easy for a kitty to lose their breath for a second if this is done.
If done with consistency and authority your new scratching friend will soon be a non-scratcher in no time. The key is not giving up! It will not happen overnight, but it can be taught. Good Luck!
