How do I get my cats to stop scratching?

Question

My cats scratch everything...fireplace, couch...how can I get them to stop?

Answer 1

Cats Have A Gland On Their paws that, When the cat scratches something like chairs or couches, put a scent on the furniture that cats use to mark their territory. It is normal.

Answer 2

Why do some people have some cruel answers?! It's not even funny. Just moronic and pathetic. I've got 3 cats and they all scratched my furniture at one time or another but what the way I solved the problem was to get some spare carpet (just a square patch) and put a piece upstairs and some downstairs in my lounge and they scratch that. Now they don't touch anything but those pieces of carpet. And I've got a cream leather sofa so you don't need to do anything drastic like pulling their claws out - its in their nature and that would be cruel. If they don't scratch their claws would get long and it would be uncomfortable for them and start ingrowing. If people can't handle it they shouldn't keep cats. If you don't want to do do that then a scratching post would be suitable or a cheap doormat you can get from the supermarket. To those idiots who promote cruelty to cats - take a short walk off the nearest cliff!

Answer 3

First, you should try a couple of things before you dewclaw a cat, as it can be a VERY painful surgery for them. The first thing you can try is a scratching post. Buy them one, and also buy a spray bottle and fill it with water. When they scratch the furniture instead of the post, yell at them and spray a bit of water until they stop. If this isn't working, you can clip their nails yourself. There are special nail clippers for cats, but make sure to clip only the very tips, ,because you can hurt them. This way, even if they scratch the furniture, it wont do as much damage. If none of this works, and you feel you need to get them declawed, only do the fronts. That way, if they get outside, they will at least have a way of defending themselves. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I have 3 cats and not one of them scratch in the house. If they are young cats you have to check them each time they do it as some have told you a loud noise will distract them. A scratch post etc will also help. There are sprays that you can buy that you spray on furniture....the cats dont like the smell...so that might work. There is also a type of clear film that you can buy that covers furniture.
catnip spray attracts cats so use that on scratch post

Answer 5

Petland used to have a spray by Hartz called.. I can't remember the name.. something like "NO Scratch" "Stay Away" or something like that. The spray itself has an odor that cats do not like and discourages scratching or sitting on certain areas. You can also put a cloth or something over that area where you don't want the cats to scratch. I would try that spray first though and see how that goes.

Answer 6

Cats will never stop scratching but you can teach them that is it ok to scratch a scratching post but not the furniture. Make some stratching posts and put them near the areas they like to sratch best. Then gently transfer them to the post when you catch them scratching the furniture. They will like the posts better because humans wont touch the posts and their scent will stay on it better.

Answer 7

My cat liked to do this on the carpet in corners of rooms and sometimes the wallpaper. I bought some behave spray on the advice of my vet and kept reapplying it in the areas where my cat persistently scratched. My vet also advised that they do not like citrus smells and to keep a spray bottle of diluted lemon juice (citronella is very effective also) to spray on furniture, although oranges are not effective. It's also good to have a spray bottle of water to spray them with when they misbehave - this has worked rather well for me! Lastly, I've found it help full to keep doors open within the house so that my cat is free to go where she pleases. It sounds rather simplistic, but it seems to work for me.

Answer 8

Scrathching posts are good cos they are usually scented which attracts cats to them. I have lived with cats all my life and believe me, they wont stop scratching cos they do this to sharpen their claws. Its a natural instinct. But at least a scratching post will save your funiture.
You can also buy sprays which discourage cats so you could try using this in areas you dont want your cats to go.

Answer 9

try double sided sticky tape on the areas they scratch, try a water pistol just a little water though and put a scratching post in front of the area where they like to scratch. Once they get used to the post u should be able to move it.

Answer 10

Every time you see em scratching you need to smack them that is the only way to do it. I have put some old carpet around the bottom of my soft and they still scratch the bit that is uncovered. I even tried a scratch post and that did not work. I know it seems harsh to smack them but it is the only way.