To prevent a cat from scratching the sofa it is essential, first, to understand why it does so and act accordingly. In general, felines usually carry out this behavior as a form of marking, to file their nails or as an effect of stress, anxiety or boredom. Once the reason has been identified, a series of techniques and steps must be carried out to help the animal redirect its behavior towards the appropriate objects and, in cases of stress, combat this tension.
In this article on our site we will detail the different reasons that can lead a feline to feel the need to scratch this piece of furniture and we will share the most effective solutions so that your cat don't scratch the sofa, read on!
Why is my cat scratching the sofa?
Feline language is complex and we must learn to interpret it to improve coexistence and cover all the animal's needs. In this sense, a cat can scratch the sofa or other furniture for two main reasons: marking and nail filing When a feline does not have the necessary resources to maintain your nails in perfect condition, it is normal that you look for suitable surfaces to wear them down and, at the same time, exercise. In general, when it comes to this reason, the cat scratches the sofa upright, that is, in a vertical position, fully stretching its back. Likewise, this same exercise can be carried out to stretch the muscles. Marking, like grooming, is part of the cat's nature and may be done for reasons of territoriality, stress, or both.
If the cat scratches the sofa to file its nails or as a stretching exercise, it will be easy to guide it towards a suitable object for these purposes; the real problem is when you do it by marking. Cats are highly territorial animals by nature, and they have three different ways of marking: with their faces, nails or urine. Urine marking can have different origins and, therefore, we recommend consulting the article "Why does my cat urinate everywhere?". Facial marking is not usually associated with something negative on the part of guardians, since it does not leave a visible mark and it is even pleasant when the cat rubs its face with objects, animals or people to leave an olfactory mark and associate everything marked as part of its territory.
However, scratches in unwanted places do worry tutors and to correct them it is important to understand them. Cats mark their territory by scratching for two reasons: to leave an olfactory mark and a visual mark. Both marks indicate to the rest of the animals that this territory belongs to them. In general, the scratches are usually vertical and the marked areas are always the same, since these animals choose strategic areas for them to limit and mark their territory. As you scratch the sofa again, the marks get deeper and therefore more visible. As for the olfactory mark, the same thing happens. Through the sweat glands on their paw pads they emit pheromones that they deposit through scratching, which is why cats feel the need to scratch. They don't do it to annoy their tutors, as many believe, they do it out of pure instinct But, can it be corrected? Yes, scratches cannot be removed but they can be redirected to the desired objects for it.
You already know why cats scratch the sofa, and now we're going to explain how to redirect this behavior to prevent your cat from scratching on the furniture.
How to prevent a cat from scratching the sofa?
If the cat scratches the sofa to file its nails or exercise its muscles, the measures are simple: check the environmental enrichment This usually occur in homes with no scratching posts, inadequate scratching posts, or few scratching posts. In this way, if we offer the animal the correct objects, it will quickly begin to use them. Likewise, especially if more than one cat resides in the home, it is important to guarantee an adequate number of scratching posts and place them in the areas of greatest activity for them. A scratching post for all cats is not enough, let's remember that they are territorial animals, and what begins as nail wear can become stress marking.
On the other hand, whether the cat scratches the sofa to file its nails or to mark it, the first thing to do is clean the furniture thoroughly in question. To do this, it is essential to use enzymatic products or a neutral soap, since cleaning products made from bleach or ammonia do not remove olfactory marks and, therefore, Therefore, they do not prevent it from dialing, on the contrary.
Once the environmental enrichment has been reviewed and the sofa thoroughly cleaned, it's time to redirect the behavior to an appropriate object, such as the scraper.
Scratchers, your best allies
To prevent your cat from scratching the sofa you should get several stable scratchers, that is, they do not fall over easily or are too fragile, they have a minimum height of 40 cm and they are made of quality materials. Most felines prefer scratchers whose fibers are placed vertically or diagonally, however, as each cat is different and, in general, they are exquisite and selective animals, we recommend that you get to know your companion to offer him the one that best suits him. like him. In relation to this same point, many kittens opt for horizontal or floor scratchers, instead of vertical or high ones, although these have a tendency to scratch the carpets, for example, instead of the sofa or the curtains.
Once you have selected the appropriate scratching post, you must place it right next to the sofa If the animal used the furniture to groom its nails, the use of synthetic pheromones is the most appropriate. For this, one of the most recognized products for its effectiveness is FELISCRATCH by FELIWAY®, which consists of an exact copy of the natural pheromones that cats emit to mark through scratches. By placing the product on the scratching post, an olfactory and visual signal is emitted that makes the cat redirect its behavior towards the object "marked" with the product. Since it is a clinically tested product, it is not harmful to animals or toxic.
If, on the other hand, it scratches the sofa due to marking due to stress, the FELIWAY range includes other products to improve the well-being of the cat, making it feel safer and more comfortable at home.
Another natural product that cats love and that can help you redirect scratches back to the scratching post is catnip, also known as catnip.
Finally, and linked to the fact of guaranteeing a correct environmental enrichment, it is recommended to provide more than one scratching post, as well as other stimulating toys that keep it entertained and manage to prevent the cat from scratching the sofa. Check the article "The funniest toys for cats" and choose the right ones.
Limits access to sofa
If after cleaning the sofa with the appropriate products and placing the scratching post right next to it, your cat continues to scratch the furniture, it is best to apply to the clean areas, once dry,FELIWAY Classic Spray to mark the piece of furniture as part of his safety zone and thus change the marks (pheromones) that encouraged him to scratch there.
Another option is to cover it with less stimulating fabrics for the animal, such as old sheets, or materials that it does not like, such as plastic, and limit their access until you manage to redirect their instinct.
Keep your nails in perfect condition
In addition to offering scratchers that allow the animal to file its nails, it is essential to check them periodically to ensure that they are not too long and thus prevent the cat from scratching the sofa. For this, there is the possibility of going to the feline hairdresser or maintaining their hygiene at home. If you want to cut the nails in the comfort of your home, it is essential to accustom the cat, first, to handling its paws by touching them daily and rewarding it each time Let him be calm, so he will associate this act with positive stimuli, which can be treats, caresses, etc.
Once the cat has adapted to manipulating its paws, we will also associate the scissors with positive stimuli, allowing it to sniff them and rewarding the animal. As he accepts the presence of this tool, we can start looking for the right moment, guarantee a calm environment, and try to cut a nail without overwhelming him and with patience. For more details, we advise you to consult the article on "How to cut a cat's nails".
Offer a stress-free environment
Many are the cats that scratch the sofa and other furniture as a result of the stress and boredom of a sedentary life, or because they spend long hours alone at home. As we say, when this is the reason that explains why a cat scratches the sofa, it is usually accompanied by scratches on other objects and other behaviors such as nervousness, loss of appetite or, on the contrary, increased appetite, or aggressiveness.
To avoid it, it is essential to find the cause of stress in the cat and treat it, as well as improve environmental enrichment, follow the indications regarding the use of scratching posts, offer quality food and spend time with the animal.
FELIWAY Classic Diffuser is an excellent solution for cats to feel comfortable at home and prevent behaviors such as urine marking, scratching furniture or hiding, creating a pleasant environment in the home.
Don't scold him, always reward good behavior
Punishments do not get cats to stop performing a certain behavior, but they develop in the animal a series of negative consequences for him and for the guardians. Some of these consequences can be aggressive behavior out of fear, staying hidden in the presence of humans, increasing unwanted behavior or the appearance of other problems. Therefore, regardless of whether you see your cat scratching the sofa, the solution to avoid it is not to scold it, but to redirect its behavior by placing the scratching post, encouraging it to use it and, above all, rewarding it with words of encouragement, caresses, treats or shared games. Positive reinforcement is always the best option when looking for solutions to prevent a cat from scratching the sofa, since the animal understands that guiding its behavior towards another object, you get a reward, and so that's correct.
