Are you at your wits end because cats love to scratch the leather sofa at home? Does your cat not realize or care that his habit is damaging furniture? If so, it's time for your cat to find another place to scratch. He can't do this on his own so you'll have to learn to redirect his scratching habits elsewhere so that you and your cat are both happy.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Scratching Pole
Step 1. Find out about scratching posts
There are several types of materials that cats like for scratching, including corrugated cardboard, carpeted surfaces, and sisal (a type of burlap). Scratching posts can be placed vertically or horizontally, but cats prefer vertical posts. Scratches also come in various shapes and sizes.
- Sisal is a very popular material for cats. You can get Sisal at the doormat shop. You can also look for it at your vet or pet store.
- A scratching post is a great tool for getting your cat to stretch. While cats tend to prefer vertical posts, horizontal posts will also help them stretch their muscles while scratching.
Step 2. Buy a scratching post
There are different types of scratching posts. Buy a few and let your cat choose the one she likes best. Be aware that you and your cat may have different ideas about the ideal scratching post. Let him decide for himself which one he prefers.
- If you're buying a vertical scratching post, make sure it's tall enough (more than half a meter), so the cat can stretch its entire body when scratching.
- Make sure the scratching post is stable and sturdy. If the vertical pole is not sturdy and falls over when the cat scratches, he will not want to use the pole. If your cat prefers a horizontal scratching post, tether it under other furniture to keep it firmly in place when the cat scratches.
Step 3. Don't throw away the scratching post
After a while, the scratching post will wear and break. Even if you really want to get rid of it, your cat will find that the scratcher wears out perfectly and exactly the way she wants it to.
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Cats from Scratching the Leather Sofa
Step 1. Understand why cats scratch
Cats scratch for a number of reasons, including to mark territory, stretch muscles, sharpen nails, and just for fun. Scratching is an activity that cats have to do. So don't try to prevent your cat from scratching a leather sofa by breaking the scratching habit altogether.
Step 2. Make the sofa unattractive to scratch
Since you can't stop your cat from doing this, you should teach her not to use the couch as a place to scratch. There are several ways to prevent a cat from scratching the couch:
- Place the orange peel near the sofa. Cats don't like the smell of oranges.
- Soak a cotton swab in odors that cats don't like (such as cologne, perfume, or menthol-scented abrasives) and place them near the couch.
- Adhere hard-to-scratch materials to the sofa, such as aluminum sheet, double-sided tape, and sandpaper.
- Spray the cat with water (just a little) when you see him scratching the couch. This will temporarily stop him, but he's likely to keep scratching the couch when you're not around. This method is not effective in the long term.
- Spray Feliway onto the couch. Feliway is a liquid that will prevent the cat from getting close to the sprayed area. You can buy it at a pet store.
- Get rid of cat smells from the couch. Cats will scratch where they smell. So deodorizing him from the couch will prevent him from scratching there. Visit your nearest pet store for a cat deodorizing spray.
Step 3. Put things the cat doesn't like on the couch
It can take weeks to months for a cat to stop scratching the couch. As your cat avoids the couch more and more, you can get rid of the items one by one. Before throwing everything away, make sure your cat is no longer scratching the sofa.
Step 4. Don't physically punish the cat
While you may find it very frustrating to see a cat scratching the couch, corporal punishment will not solve the problem. On the other hand, this can make it worse, because he may view you negatively. A small spray or two of water is the maximum punishment you can give, but keep in mind, it's not a long-term solution.
Part 3 of 3: Encouraging a Cat Using a Scratching Pole
Step 1. Install the scratching post
Place the pole where the cat likes best. Usually, where he used to scratch. If he really likes to scratch the leather sofa, then place a scratching post near the sofa.
- You can also place it somewhere your cat uses a lot, such as a place where he sleeps or at a window. If you put it in a corner or a place he's not used to, chances are he'll never use it.
- Cats often scratch as soon as they wake up. So placing a scratching post near his bed will encourage him to scratch at it.
Step 2. Move the cat to another place
This means that when the cat is about to scratch the couch, pick it up and move it near the scratching post. It will take some time for the cat to understand why you moved it, and it probably won't scratch the pole as soon as you bring it there. However, if he scratches it, reward him with food.
Using positive encouragement, she will be moved to get used to scratching the pole instead of the couch
Step 3. Make the scratching post attractive, both in terms of appearance and smell
Sprinkling catnip leaves or powder on the scratching post will encourage the cat to scratch. You can also attach one of his favorite toys to the pole. When playing it, maybe he will eventually be moved to scratch the pole. It will be a pleasant experience for him.
Step 4. Feed him and play with him near the scratching post
A great way to encourage your cat to use a scratching post is to spend time with him or her near the pole. The more positive associations he has with the pole, the more likely he is to scratch it.
Step 5. Don't teach him to scratch
It may be tempting to put your cat's paw against a pole and make it scratch. The cat will not like it, because he already knows how to scratch. Even if you try to stop him from scratching the couch, you should still give him room to scratch himself.
However, there is debate about placing a cat's paw on the scratching post as this is thought to help transfer some of the cat's odor from the scent glands behind the claw to the scratching post, which in turn will make the pole more attractive
Tips
- Accept the fact that cats will always want to scratch. You certainly don't want to lose this activity that he enjoys and is good for.
- If possible, start cultivating his scratching habit from a young age. It's easier to correct a cat's habits when she's a child, than when she's an adult. If you have an older cat, give them more time to learn to scratch where they need to be.
- You can also trim the cat's nails. You need to know, this method will not prevent him from scratching the sofa, but will only reduce the level of damage caused.
- There are several products, such as Soft Paws, which can be used to cover a cat's paws. Again, this method will only reduce the level of damage when he scratches. This is a great alternative if you don't have time to teach your cat to use a scratching post.
