Cats like to scratch things with their front paws. Scratching is an instinctive behavior that helps cats spread their scent. Scratching is also an important way of marking territory, which makes the cat feel safe. But when your cat decides to scratch your new couch or antique furniture, this behavior becomes a problem. The best solution is to direct your cat's behavior in the direction of scratching. Your cat may not be interested in the space at first, but there are a number of things you can do to get your cat to use the scratching area provided.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Choosing a Cat Scratching Place
Step 1. Choose a high place to scratch the cat
Cats should be able to reach as high as they can to scratch and stretch. If the scratching spot is too short, your cat may not even see it. The scratching area should be high enough to allow the cat to stand on its hind legs and reach higher than its head with its front paws.
Step 2. Make sure the scratching spot is stable
To make sure the cat's scratching area is stable, try gluing it to a surface or making sure the scratching area has a solid base so it doesn't wobble when the cat scratches it. If your cat feels the scratching area moving or shifting, she will not feel safe and may refuse to use the scratching pad.
Scratching boards leaning against the wall or hanging like picture frames are not very much enjoyed by most cats
Step 3. Choose a texture that your cat will like
Each cat likes a different texture to scratch. If you're not sure what your cat likes, a good scratching place to start is a natural leash looped around a sturdy post.
- Avoid plastic cords or artificial fibers as these can generate static, which cats don't like.
- If your cat likes to scratch carpets, consider nailing a sheet of rug to a firm spot.
- Other textures to consider trying include corrugated cardboard and fabric.
Step 4. Make more than one scratching spot
Chances are your cat likes to scratch in more than one place, so plan to buy or make more than one scratching spot in your home. Having plenty of scratching spots will ensure your cat always has access to scratching spots no matter where she is. Having lots of places to scratch is even more important if you have lots of cats.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Your Cat to Use a Scratching Spot
Step 1. Place the scratching pad somewhere your cat can easily reach
For best use, place the scratching area where the cat will "benefit" from using it as a territory marker. Good locations for scratching include near an entry or exit door, near a window, or in front of an object your cat likes to scratch.
- DO NOT place the scratching pad in a conspicuous location or away from the usual passage. Your cat will ignore it.
- Make sure the scratching area is positioned in the way your cat likes to scratch. For example, if your cat prefers a vertical scratching surface, such as the side of a sofa, make sure the scratching area is vertical.
- Cats often scratch after waking up, so also place a scratching area near where your cat likes to sleep.
Step 2. Make your cat's favorite piece of furniture unattractive
If your cat enjoys scratching on furniture, consider wrapping the area he likes to scratch with tinfoil or double-sided tape. Cats don't like the sensation of touching tinfoil or sticky surfaces, so it will discourage your cat from scratching.
You can also cover the sofa with a rug, but this may not be a perfect solution as your cat may start scratching the carpet
Step 3. Clap your hands to prevent the cat from scratching the furniture
If you find your cat is about to scratch something it shouldn't be scratching, clap your hands loudly to interrupt the behavior. Don't yell at the cat or physically punish it. Just pick up your cat and take it to a scratching area. Doing this will give him the idea that you want him to scratch there.
Step 4. Make the scratching area more attractive to cats
You can make scratching spots more attractive to your cat by using their own scent or a little catnip. Try showing your cat how to use the scratching area by rubbing its paws against it or rubbing a small amount of catnip over the scratching spot to draw its attention to it.
- Encourage your cat to use the scratching area by making gentle scratching motions with his paws there. Doing so will help add scent to the scratching area making the cat more likely to use it. Make sure you compliment the cat while you're at it.
- Try spraying Feliway on the scratching site. Feliway is a synthetic cat pheromone that makes cats feel safe and protected. It also amplifies the cat's smell signal, which will make him happy.
Method 3 of 3: Understanding Why Cats Scratches
Step 1. Understand that cats communicate using smells
Cats have scent glands on the back of their paws. The pads on his feet also produce sweat with a unique odor. Cats often communicate by reading the smells around them.
A cat will mark its territory by smelling it to let other cats know that it's in the vicinity, that it was the last one there, and to make itself feel safe and protected
Step 2. Know that some cats have a preference for places to scratch
Cats like to mark territory using smells on a vertical surface at or about the same height as their nose (to maximize signal to other cats). Cats also like to mark territory at entrances and exits as other cats may have to cross these paths to enter territory.
Step 3. Recognize that scratching is a form of stretching exercise for cats
Cats also scratch as a way of stretching their muscles. When the cat scratches, it stretches the muscles in the back and legs, which is pleasant to him. This is similar to how we stretch in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
Step 4. Realize that cats often choose to scratch on surfaces that are comfortable
Cats like to scratch surfaces that feel comfortable on their paws. That's why some cats end up tearing up nice furniture or expensive rugs. Scratching acts as a kind of stress reliever, so it's important for him to do that.
