my kitten uses my furniture as a scratchin post how do i stop her?!?

Answer 1

1. Buy her a scratching post and whenever she scratches at furniture move her to the scratching post and put her paws on to it

2. Spray citrus smelling air freshener or special stuff from the pet shop on to her favourite scratching areas (test it on a small area first to make sure it doesnt stain) - cats hate citrus smells

3. When you catch her scratching a firm NO! or clap of the hands should stop her. If it doesnt try a small water pistol - every time she scratches squirt her. Try not to let her see the pistol as she will need to associate the water with the scratching

4. You could get the vet to trim her claws, this wont last for long though - she will soon sharpen them up again!

5. In extreme cases you can buy some stuff that is like cling film that goes over the furniture and cats hate the texture. You can usually find it on the internet.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I have a scratching post only a few meters away from the sofa, and my cat still likes to lie down and scratch the bottom of the sofa! She also likes to scratch on the scratching post, but it doesn't stop her from scratching the bottom of the sofa. I let her because she isn't doing real damage.

I used to tell her "No!" and she understands it! And kind of stops for a little while, and then either when I'm not looking or after a minute, she will start scratching again. So you know, like children, they might know what's acceptable/unacceptable behaviour, but if you are not watching, they could still do it!

I guess a short term solution or if you are keen enough is to trim her claws regularly. That way she cannot cause damage to your furniture. I don't trim her claws too deep, but just enough that she cannot really cause damage to the furniture. Also you can try as some others suggested about some deterrent on the parts of the furniture that will discourage your kitten. Another suggestion is to make the furniture scratch-proof. These days I tend to buy "scratch-proof" furnitures, especially with regards to the bottom of the furnitures (which she likes to attack).

Hope these help :)

Answer 3

If you see the kittens scratching the sofa, you should pick them up and take them to the scratching post and rub their paws along the scratching post. With any luck, the penny will drop and they will start scratching the post. If that doesn't work you can try playing games around the scratching post with the cats with things like fishing rod feathers or pieces of string. If they get their claws caught in the scratching post material, they may start scratching it. It might just be that your kittens are very fussy and dislike the material that the scratching post is made of, so it may be worth trying a different kind if you have the money. Some cats love to stretch right out when scratching, so if the scratching post is very short then this could also be a reason why they avoid it. Alongside your encouragement of the scratching post, you should also discourage the use of the sofa with a sharp "No". If nothing works and you have to use the soft paws, remember that they will need to be replaced from time to time. Best of luck!

Answer 4

Buy a scratching post. You want one with a sturdy base that doesn't tip over easily...that scares them. A decent post is not that expensive (less than $20 usually), so you can buy more for various rooms if necessary.

It also helps to buy a little catnip and rub it on the post.

Put the post right beside the furniture she is most likely to scratch on. If you catch her scratching on the furniture, say "no" and pick up her front legs and move them to the scratch post. Praise and pet her the whole time she is touching the post. You might even want to scratch on the post yourself with your fingernails. That seems to get them excited when they see "Mommy" doing it.

After awhile when she is using the post regularly, you can slowly move it to a more acceptable spot.

Answer 5

Buy or make her a scratching post. The scratching post must be tall enough for her to stretch out on-her front legs above her head-think about her size as an adult cat-or she won't use it I also recommend that the post be covered in a short pile carpet or even rope-not a plush carpet-cats tend to get their claws tangled. Attach toy, sprinkle it with cat nip to attract her interest.

If she continues to scratch your furniture-there are sprays available and temporarily attaching aluminum foil to your furniture also will discourage them. the aluminum foil make for an unpleasant scratching surface.
If none of this works-I don't recommend declawing-its like removing the first joint of your fingers. Talk to your vet about the soft paws option.

Answer 6

Get her her own post just for this purpose spray or wipe with catnip scent to attract her,(or place toys inside or on top) depending on the type you get. They love cat condos :) use a water bottle (add a little vinegar), I know everyone says ammonia but I don't like that if they turn sudden like and you get it in their eyes what then?...Spray her when she attacks your furniture, place her on or around post, give treats and praise when she uses it. Good Luck And yes you CAN train a cat to. If shes a TOTALLY indoor cat you can have front claws removed as a LAST resort.

Answer 7

Cats have a natural need to scratch, so there is no way you can stop her from scratching. You will have to redirect the scratching to something more appropriate. Look at getting a scratching post. The best ones seem to be made out of sisal rope instead of carpet, because with carpet posts, they have trouble distinguishing between what they can and can't scratch.

Ideally, get or build a floor to ceiling cat tree. (carpeted pole with shelves on it) I had one of those built for me for Christmas for my 2 kittens and since it has been installed, they never scratch anything else anymore.

Answer 8

get a scratching post for her, and act like a cat while you have her attention and scratch the post. Bring the kitten over to it, and have her scratch it. If she continues to scratch up your furniture, then keep directing her to the actual post. I read that somewhere, I just dont remember where. Hope it helps!

Answer 9

get her a cool interesting looking scratching post. she be so interested in the scratchin post she'll forget about the furniture!!!!

Answer 10

My kitten got its scratching pole with some toys on springs etc, so got interested in these firstly and then 'discovered' real purpose. Unfortunately it does not stop this naught cat from scratching my wallpaper...
Apparently spraying your cat with clean water can help in stopping it from messing around...cats do not like water much. Do not be aggressive towards your kitten- it will just become wild and distrustful if you do it.
Each time he scratches furniture just spray him and he will learn. you can get empty spray bottle at chemist's