how do i stop my older cat from using the couch as a scratching post, when she has 3 scratching posts?

Question

i've used a spray bottle, asolution from the pet store and spanking her, and none has work

Answer 1

First, you'll need to make her posts as appealing as possible. Make sure they're tall enough for her to really stretch out on. Try to jiggle them - are they sturdy, so they'll stay still even if she really digs her claws in, or do they shift or wobble? Most cats won't use a post that wobbles or tips. What are they covered in? Most cats prefer sisal rope or carpet backing to soft plush carpet-covered posts. My husband made a post for our cats out of untreated sanded boards with a vertical scratching surface and stabilizing horizontal feet covered in sisal rope that our cats LOVE. It's about 3 feet tall. A cheap homemade idea for a post most cats will love is to bring in a clean log with some bark on it in from outside. If you buy a post from the store, go for one that is at least 30 inches tall, very sturdy, and covered with sisal fabric or rope. http://www.purrfectpost.com/ has good posts that cats like and that are nice-looking. Are you providing her with both horizontal and vertical posts to scratch on? Some cats like to scratch vertically, some horizontally, and some both. Those horizontal cardboard scratchers from the store are very popular with some cats. Where are you keeping the posts? Cats scratch to clean their claws, to stretch, and to mark their territory - the posts need to be near where she spends her time. Try to keep one near where she naps, near where she eats, and near her litterbox. If she spends her time in the living room but has to go to another room to use her posts, that could be a big part of the problem.

See this link for more information: http://www.catscratching.com/

To prevent her from scratching the couch, you'll need to make the couch less appealing than her posts. Spray bottles and spanking don't work because they'll only scare her away when you're right there to do it. Spraying and spanking can also damage her trust in you and lead to other behavior problems. If you catch her in the act, make a loud noise to distract her and then put her near her post and give her some pets. To discourage her from scratching the couch, try using double-sided sticky tape on the areas where she's scratching - you can find a product called 'sticky paws' at the pet store. Another option is to cover the areas with aluminum foil. Or, you could try an electronic deterrent such as a ssscat spray or alarm - see this page for some ideas: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2002+2017

If she's an indoor cat, you can trim the sharp tips off of her claws to blunt them and reduce any damage to your furniture while she's learning - see this link for instructions: http://www.catscratching.com/htmls/article.htm

Another option is nail caps - see this link:
http://www.softpaws.com/

Answer 2

Where are the scratching posts? Off to the side? Try putting them towards the center of the room or rooms that your family uses most. Cats are less inclined to use them if they are off to the side.

Once your cat learns to use the scratching posts, you may slowly be able to move them away from the center of the room.

By the way, spanking or hitting your cat will never work because they don't understand why you are doing that.

Answer 3

First, please don't spank her anymore, ok? Second, you can make the posts more attractive by spraying them with a catnip spray that you can get at most pet stores. Also, trim her nails regularly,and she won't do as much damage to the couch.

Answer 4

Have you used the spray bottle with a jet spray to the face? Just a spray to the body, wouldn't have much effect. Also the element of surprise gives them a shock without hurting them.

Answer 5

Try fitting her with claw covers. She will not do much damage then. Maybe you can get a statue of a scary looking dog to put next to the couch so she is scared.

Answer 6

Been where you are. You can add another 3 post and they will still prefer the couch. De-claw. They heal fast and they don't know they don't have claws. Mine still scratches at the couch, but it isn't getting shred. Just remember de-clawed cats need to be kept in the house.

Answer 7

Step 1. DON'T SPANK HER!!! DOES NOT HELP!!
Step 2. Put double sided tape on the place that she scraches.
Step 3.Rub her treats or her food on the scraching posts.

Answer 8

Pepper

Answer 9

i had the same problem but mine used the doors furniture, you name it she was ruining averthing i tried the water spray stuff from the vet none worked for me so instead of buying 5,000 worth of furniture i got her declawed

Answer 10

Stop keeping animals as pets. They have just as much right to live in freedom as we do.