When it comes to scratching, does your cat find your furniture simply irresistible? Unfortunately it’s a common problem among cat owners – often furniture, especially couches and upholstered chairs, takes a beating when there are cats in the household. Thankfully there are a few things you can do to stop your cat from destroying your furniture.
First of all, get your cat a scratching post, and encourage him to use it. Scratching is a natural behavior for your cat, so provide him with an outlet to fulfill that desire. Scratching posts are available both online and in pet stores, and you can also make one if you have a post, a piece of wood to use for a base, and some carpeting to wrap around the post. Rub catnip into the new scratching post to encourage your cat’s interest, and if your cat is currently scratching a particular piece of furniture, place the post directly in front of it to redirect his behavior. Gradually move the post away from the furniture a little bit each day.
Increasing playtime with your cat can also reduce his destructive scratching. Playing allows your cat to get rid of excess energy, and with the variety of cat toys on the market today it can be fun and entertaining for you both. Interact with your cat through playtime, and consider having a few sessions of playtime throughout the day. If you see your cat scratching the furniture, gently pull him away from it and replace it with either his scratching post or a toy. Investing in a cat tree for him to climb may also reduce his scratching.
If scratching posts and extra playtime aren’t working, SoftPaws may be an option for your cat. These rubberlike claw covers slip on over your cat’s claws and cover the sharp point of each claw that allows him to damage your furniture. Your veterinarian will have information on SoftPaws, how to put them on your cat, and whether they may be a solution to your cat’s scratching.
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