how can i stop my cat scratching my leather sofa?

Answer 1

There is a double sided tape designed to put anywhere your cat scratches (and shouldn't). It is supposed to train the cat to stop because the tape is really sticky. Cats don't like stuff on their feet :)

Answer 2

I have this very problem. We have contained the problem to an extent. At first, when she was a kitten, we covered the suite with a throw, but the cat would try to get under it to scratch. They aren't stupid, just wilful! Then we got water pistols,and shot her in the head as soon as she went to scratch anything not allowed. This has worked pretty well, although she is still a little b*****d and cannot be really trusted. If we lived in America, we would get her de-clawed. It's a bit controversial, but a cat gets an easy, safe life, and to me, that would be the price she had to pay for it. Unfortunately, it is illegal in Britain. The water pistols, that you can get from Wilkinsons cheaply, do really help - and shooting her in the head can really be quite therapeutic for us at times!

Do provide good scratching posts, though, as they must scratch. Put them close to the area they want to scratch, at least at first.

Luck and patience be with you!

Answer 3

You should make sure the cat has appropriate things to scratch on and until she has become accustomed to scrating the right things, you will have to keep her away from the sofa. If you are opposed to declawing, they make little plastic nubbies that slip over the claws so they cannot be used for scratching. I've never tried them, but I know they exist.

Answer 4

Try putting something like sellotape the wrong way round, so its sticky side to the environment, not the sofa. Cats aren't meant to like it sticking to their paws, so that may help. Try a scratching post at the same time to give them something to use instead of the sofa.

Answer 5

get her a scratchin post, if u already did & ur cat doesn't use it ..well then make sure her/his claws are always short! cut'em once every two weeks at least. My kitty uses the old chairs made out of this good to scrathc material but she doesn't scratch the new chairs bc they're wood.& now ive seen her scratchin on other things as well. Also if u put some catnip on the scratching post ur cat will more likely use it.

Answer 6

Get rid of the leather couch. Seriously, try getting her a scratching post, or try playing with your cat. Cats tend to be destructive when they have extra energy. Try channeling that energy somewhere else.

Answer 7

There are many products at your local store. Sprays and such, even little soft rubber claw caps you glue on like fake nails for us chicks... Always remember to be consistant with your discipline! A squirt bottle and a firm "NO" is good, but definatley check out those products like at PetCo or Petsmart.

Declawing a cat is a very negative experience, not to mention painful! Would you like getting your fingernails ripped out??? They can get bitey and a bit more aggressive afterword also.

Answer 8

Trim the cat's claws short, and put aluminum foil on the places he's scratching (corners, and back?). Leave it there for a few weeks, or until he stops.
Honest, it works.

Squirt guns also work as a deterent, but obviously only when you are home, and not asleep.

Answer 9

There is an age-old trick to this Al...
Simply go to your local dollar store...
Buy double-sided tape for $1...
Apply where nessacary! Cats absoultely loath having tape on their paws. As for declawing...it's not cruel...but not very nice.
Waterbottles don't allways work. If the cat is stubborn (I know this sounds reeeealy weird...but..) Rub either orange rinde or banana peel on a piece of paper, tape it to your couch. Cats hate both fruit and will completely avoid the smell.

Answer 10

Try getting your cat a scratching pole and when your cat is scratching the settee pick it up and put it infront of the scratching pole and it will soon catch on.