Cats scratching furniture is a common frustration for cat owners, but there are effective ways to redirect this behavior. Understanding why cats scratch and providing ample alternatives can help to reduce unwanted scratching and keep your cats happy and keep your home tidy and neat.

So, why do cats scratch things? And can I train them to stop scratching?

Scratching and cats come as a full package. Scratching is a natural, primal instinct for cats, and being able to scratch is important to both their physical and mental well-being. Here are the four key reasons why cats scratch:

1. To maintain nail health: cat nails are structured differently from human nails. Whereas human nails grow long, cat nails grow constantly and from inside out. So when their nails grow old, they need to scratch to remove the outer dead sheaths and expose the sharp, shiny new claws underneath. If they are unable to shed the outer sheath, their old nail would dig into their paws, causing pain and discomfort.
2. Marking territories with their scent: Cats have scent glands in their paws that deposit a scent when they scratch, sending a message to other cats that says “This is mine!”. Cats are territorial animals, which is why it’s often recommended that if you have a household of multiple cats, it’s best to provide more scratching alternatives so they will be able to mark their own territory.
3. Stretching and exercising: When cats scratch, they stretch out their back, legs and paws, getting a nice, deep stretch. It also helps them flex their muscles from the front legs to the spine. You may have noticed that your cat would often wake up from a nap, arch their back and do a nice cat stretch, then proceed to scratching frantically, all as part of their wake-up routine.
4. Emotional Well-being: Ultimately, cats scratch simply because it feels good, like how humans like to stretch after sitting for too long or after a nap. It’s also a way for them to relieve stress and calm down.

To conclude, scratching should not be discouraged and you should never punish a cat for scratching, because it is simply part of their nature. What we can do is to redirect their scratching from furniture to objects designated for scratching.

Tip 1: Provide Scratching Alternatives

Prepare a variety of scratching posts or pads made from materials like sisal or corrugated cardboard. You may need to test a few materials with your cat before identifying one that they prefer.

Observe your cat’s scratching preference - some cats prefer to scratch vertically, while others prefer to scratch horizontally. When looking for a vertical scratching post, make sure it is a sturdy structure. Cats like scratching sturdy objects that won’t budget when they put force against it (hence the sofa leg is a usual victim). For horizontal scratchers, the Nova Pet scratcher lounges are good options as they offer ample resting space and enough room for your cat to stretch out and scratch while lying down.

It’s unlikely that your cat will automatically take to the scratchers, so here’s a few tips to help your cat adapt:

1. Place the scratchers in the areas that they hang out the most - near the sofa, under the table, next to your feet at the study, and so on.

2. Bribe them - sprinkle some catnip on the scratchers, it will help to introduce them to the new, unfamiliar object.

3. Positive reinforcement - in our household, it means a lot of pets whenever they come and sit on the scratcher. Over time, they will associate the scratchers with good feelings and spend more time on them.

Tip 2: Physical Protection for Your Cherished Furniture

Just providing options will help to diversify your cat’s scratching targets, but it is unlikely to completely stop them from scratching your furniture.

If you need to stop them from scratching a piece of furniture entirely, the best bet would be using clear plastic furniture protectors that are easy to stick on and instantly makes the area unattractive to your cat for scratching.

Some would also recommend applying strong-scented spray on the furniture, but we don’t recommend it as it can be irritating to your pets and humans as well.

Tip 3: Timely Nail Trimming

While challenging, trimming your cat’s nails in a timely manner is ultimately the most effective solution to reduce unwanted scratching and reduce the damage that can be caused by your cat’s scratching.

One useful tip in trimming nails is simply wait until your cat is asleep, then perform a sneak operation. It will likely take a few rounds until you are able to get to all of their nails, but it’s still better than nothing!

Conclusion

By implementing these tips, you can effectively redirect your cat's scratching behavior and create a harmonious living environment for both you and your feline friend. Remember to be patient and consistent in your efforts, and don't hesitate to seek help if scratching behavior persists despite your best efforts.