How do i get my cat to stop scratching our furniture?

Question

scratching post or cardboard doesn't work, we won't declaw her. so any other options?????????

Answer 1

Aluminum Foil or Double sided tape.

Cats hate the feeling of these on their paws and will stop doing it ~ not very nice to look at but effective. And you only have to leave it on for a month, that usually breaks the habit, if they start up again, just put it back on.

Good luck.

Answer 2

HI there...a couple individuals already recommended the best solution which is to use double-sided sticky tape (even packing tape works really well if you don't want the fancy pet store variety). Just be sure to leave it there for awhile so that the cat associates the furniture with a bad experience of getting stuck.

It helps to have a variety of scratching posts around areas where the kitty claws. Also some cats prefer one texture over another so experimenting by getting one of each: carpet, sisal, cardboard, etc. When you notice the inappropriate clawing bring the cat over to the kitty scratcher and offer it a food treat/reward each time. This helps the cat form an association that something good happens when I use the post/cardboard scratchers. By keeping a jar of treats near the kitty scratching areas you can then quickly offer the reward while they're scratching it each time.

Water squirting actually doesn't work as effectively because when you're not around the bottle can't work and cats learn this very quickly.

If you can manage trimming the cats nails every couple weeks will also help minimize the destruction when a cat claws inappropriately. The nails are dulled down enough so this protects furniture as well. Here's a website that not only explains how to trim the cats nails, but includes photos as well (http://www.catscratching.com/htmls/article.htm).

Finally, if trimming the nails isn't an option consider what others already has suggested by using Soft Paws. They do need to be reapplied often as they fall off since nails shed the outer sheathing.

Answer 3

Chinookwinds answers this question well. I would only add a little more advise to her competent answer. Along with making your furniture an unpleasant experience, try to increase the attractiveness of your cats scratching post by adding cap nip(doesn't always work with all cats) or another scent that your cat IS attracted to. The location may also be putting off your cat. Try to take any cues from her. Does she have a particular piece she uses the most? If possible locate the scratching post in a similar location, or even that location. Try to cover it with a similar type of material, but of a different color. Cats do key in on bright colors and movement so maybe even adding something as simple as ribbons hanging down the post can do the trick.

Answer 4

two sided sticky tape. some pet stores sell it. the cat doesn't like the stickiness. try spraying the scratching post with catnip spray. I've also used mousetraps with WEAKENED springs placed upside down on a hard surface like cardboard to scare the cat whenever it goes where it's not suppose to be, but this takes a long time to take effect. use Woolite Pet Stain remover on the furniture - it leaves a smell animals don't like.

P.S.: GOOD for you on the decision NOT to declaw! :D

Answer 5

there is a product called "SOFT PAWS" you glue them to the kitties front nails - they come in a set of 40 so since you dont need them for the hind claws you get 2 sets really.. and if one falls of and you find it you can reuse it too... so even better

provide alternates and make them interesting - eg... an ignored scratching post can become suddenly more interesting if you move it or lay it down

honeysuckle toys are good too

good that you wont declaw!

Answer 6

Buy some cedar planks and hammer them to the corners of the coach. May also put some up in the door corners. The cats need to sharpen there claws and will use what is available. The wood seems to work best for some of our relatives. I just conceded to one of the couches being used. Water guns do work good when your there to catch them in the act. Unfortunately most of us go to work and although you and I know who owes the house. The cats sometimes hold a good argument as to who is really in charge of the household.

Answer 7

Our cats use to scratch the arms of the couch. We just placed the scratching posts near the areas where they like to scratch then slowly (day by day) moved them to the spot where they are today and we have had no more trouble.

Answer 8

Have you tried putting catnip on the scratching post thats how I weaned my kitty off scratching the furniture.

Answer 9

clip her nails regularly using toe nail clippers. cats nails can be cut as short as you can get them without causing pain or damage to the cat. get someone to help in case your cat doesn't like the idea . keeping them short will lesson the damage they cause by scratching. get a spray bottle and spritz your cat with water when you see it scratch ing something you dont want it to. also at specialty pet stores they make a spray that supposed to attract a cat to scratch where you spray it. Ive never tried it my self but my sister says its good. good luck and happy clipping!

Answer 10

double sided tape on the furniture for about a week and the scratching should stop