Cats scratching on furniture...help please!

[Corinne L]

I just noticed my furniture is getting ragged because of my cats. I thought they weren't scratching on it, but must be doing it a lot when we're not home. Please tell me possible solutions. I have scratching materials all over the house. I would prefer to buy something that I could put on the corners of the furniture. I know I saw something like this before, but don't know where. Thanks a lot.

[Traci]

Have you tried double-sided tape? Also, are the kitty posts and trees made of sisal or are they carpet? In my experience, sisal is more attractive to them and they are more likely to use their scratching posts if it is sisal. You might also try a subliminal aversion, such as moving a tree/post or two to a new location in the home, putting some cat-nip on and around them, they may feel they have a new post and may be more inclined to use it. (or if one or more of the posts seem extra raggedy, buy them a new one, and place it in an area that is nearby your lounging area, but far enough away they won't be interested in your furnature). Also place their favorite toys in that area so they know that area is theirs specifically.

[MA]

Here are some tips to help you reprogram your cat to scratch on appropriate surfaces:
It is instinctive for cats to scratch. They need to keep their claws sharp, as well as to shed the outer casings of their nails from time to time. If you are getting angry because a cat is following instinct, it's a no win situation for you. Scratching also is important to them because they have sweat glands in their pads, and they want it known that they were here. So they leave their mark.
If the side of your couch is being assaulted try attaching one of the following deterrents:

Sticky Paws http://www.petsmart.com/products/product_20586.shtml

Bubble wrap- with the bubbles facing outward

Balloons- once they pop the cat will be startled and go away (supervise this only) don't leave home with the balloons in place.

Shelf paper, with the sticky side out-

Spray the couch with a lemon scented air freshener once a day

Empty soda pop cans, tie a string around the pop top of several cans, add a few marbles or ball bearings inside- drape the cans over the couch so they hang down the side, and tuck the string down under the cushions, securing it with duct tape.


Here’s an idea, find an old armchair at a garage sale and let that be the designated scratching chair. Smear catnip on the sides so the cats know they can scratch there, hang toys all over it and let this chair be the Cat’s chair. Or take an old wooden step stool and tie toys to it, and give it to your cat as a scratching post present.


“But I bought a scratching post and he won’t go near it...”

Hmmm- there has to be a reason for this, because cats love to scratch. First, it has to be tall enough so the cat can lean up into it and stretch his back at the same time.

Is it sturdy enough? If it wobbles, brace it, screw it down to the floor if you have to, but make it so it will not move. Does your couch move? Nope, this is why cats go to couches and chairs. Immobile objects do not move. So get to work and fasten that post right down.

Place the post near an open doorway. Start feeding the cat on the base of the pad for cats love a good scratch after a nice meal.

Hang toys on it, to encourage him to start using it.

Or buy a cat condo- yes, they are expensive, and if you buy one cheap, you might as well save your money. One of the best ones I have found on the market are found at http://www.cozycatcondos.com/ even while putting it together, it is sturdy enough that the cats are on it before it is finished being assembled.

Give your cat more than one option for scratching. Buy vertical and horizontal scratching pads, posts. One of the favorite scratching toys with my crew is the turbo scratcher . Buy a couple extra cardboard inserts when you make your initial purchase. http://www.lockepet.com/itm00087.htm Use the type that hang off of doorknobs, experiment with the different styles, there are plenty to be found.

"But I don't want to buy a scratching post or condo, they are too expensive!" Then visit www.cat-tree-plans.com and order a CD that tells you how to make your own!

Don’t hide this post in a room off the back of the house; place it in the room that gets the most traffic.

And don’t get mad at your cat! Put away the squirt bottle, stop yelling and getting frustrated. Trying to keep a cat from scratching is a fruitless pursuit. Even declawed cats will go through the motions of scratching, because it is inate behavior

Hope these tips help, it is off an article I wrote for another catsite-

Oops I almost forgot there is a new item just out that I just heard off called couch corners. I think the email survived my computer melt-down, I will see if I can find the gentleman's email about it and post his website

[Traci]

Exceptional post, MA, lots of great tips there

[MA]

Thanks Traci- it is a topic that comes up time and time again on TCS, and with my exposure to Meowhoo, I do have privy to quality cat products.

I cannot find the email about the couch corners. Basically it was thin plexi glass bent into a shape to tuck into the corner of each end of your couch and secure it down. The cat can scratch it, and not hurt the couch and the plastic allows it to show the fabric through the plexi glass. It really was inventive. I will try and see if I can locate the gentleman, he wanted to advertise on meowhoo, but his website was so slow loading, I hesitated to add him.

[Traci]

This isn't what you were referring to, but a similar product that seems innovative (duh, I've really never seen this one before, where have I been!)

ScratchAway

[Corinne L]

Thanks so much for all of the suggestions, Traci and MA. I will try them one by one! I did try the double-sided tape, but Chester, loves the glue and started eating it. Junior, who always copies everything did too so I had to remove it. I did order some furniture protectors online, and will try that too. Don't worry...I know that my cats have to scratch, and don't get mad at them....they are family members! Thanks again!