Stop your cat scratching the furniture
Scratching is normal: it keeps claws healthy, stretches the body and leaves your cat's scent. You can't stop it, but you can move it. Put a tall, sturdy scratcher right next to the furniture your cat uses, rub catnip on it, and reward your cat when it scratches there. Cover the sofa spot for a few weeks and trim claws every 2 to 3 weeks.
How your cat scratches, and what to give it
| Give it | Put it | |
|---|---|---|
| Stretches up the sofa arm | A tall post or cat tree | Right next to the sofa |
| Scratches the carpet | A flat cardboard scratcher | On the same spot on the floor |
| Scratches the door frame | A wall-mounted scratcher | Beside the door |
| Scratches after waking up | Any scratcher | Next to its bed |
Tip. Pick a scratcher heavy enough not to wobble. A cat that feels it move once may not go back.
Your cat ignores its new scratcher. What is the most likely reason?
Cats scratch where they spend time and where they already scratch. Move it next to the sofa spot before giving up.
What helps
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