Help! My cats like scratching my new couch! How to make them stop?

Question

Obviously, when I see/hear them do it, I run in and say "hey!" really loud, which scares them and makes them stop. But when I'm not home or in a different room and don't hear them, there's nothing to stop them from doing what they want. I have a rug they can scratch and also a scratching post. I was wondering, is there anything I can spray on the couch that makes them not want to be around it? Or is there something I could spray on the scratching post that would make them WANT to use that? Any suggestions would be helpful. :)

Answer 1

You can find double-sided strips in a pet store called "Sticky Paws".  Cats don't like to scratch that and it's more invisible than alumumium foil.  Either should work just fine.

Answer 2

Cats are naturally drawn to the scent of Sisal Rope. You can go to your local Home Depot or Lowes and find it with the other rope.  I would take the sisal and wrap it around your existing scratcher.  Our cats used to do the same thing and now since we made a Sisal post...they prefer it and have left everything else alone!  good luck!

Answer 3

Put down some aluminum foil on your couch temporarily. Cats do not like aluminum foil. That will keep them off for now.  

Answer 4

Use cat claw trimmers and only take off a tiny bit at the end of the nail. Some people say to do it every other week. I think it‘s safer to cut off less than you are told, and to do it more often, (like once a week). Never use trimmers that are made for humans or dogs, because you are more likely to hurt her that way. You can ask your vet or groomer to show you the proper way to do it. Here's a website that shows you how:  

http://www.catscratching.com/htmls/artic...

A cat needs to scratch, that's natural behavior and should not be punished at all!  Sometimes though, this behavior can interfere with our lifestyle and we don't want our best sofa or newly fitted carpet being used as a scratching ground.  Cats scratch to keep their claws in good shape.  Layers of the claws are shed and underneath sits a new and sharp nail which provides the best protection possible for self-defense.  Scratching is also a form of territory marking.  Every time a cat scratches, it leaves its personal scent behind.  Small glands between the toes make that possible.  You can watch how a cat stretches itself while scratching.  This helps to keep the muscles in its legs, back and paws in good health.  The claws act as a sort of anchor, and are buried into the surface of the scratched item.

Most common types of damage are scratched furniture, ripped carpets and shredded wallpaper.  You want to eliminate the problem before it occurs.  Buy or build a stable, tall scratching-post, right from the start.  Here are some tips to do it right:

• The post should be at least two feet high, covered with sisal-rope.

• Get more than one, especially when you have a multi-cat household.

• Place the post close to the furniture or other areas which are most at risk.

• Introduce a new scratching post with some catnip sprinkled on its surface.  Cats love that and it’s more attractive to them.

• If your cat starts scratching the "wrong" object, gently carry your cat to the desired post.  Demonstrate how to use it by scratching the post with your own nails.  If the cat doesn‘t catch on after trying this for a few days, gently pick up his paws rub them along the post.

• Never force your cat.  When it starts scratching the post by itself, make sure you use verbal praise with a rewarding treat and affection.  The point is to use positive reinforcement, not punishment.

• When you have a kitten, start early with the "pawing at post" technique

• Invest in what’s called a “cat tree” which acts also as a leisure area for your cat.  Different textures and heights make it more interesting, you perhaps want to build it yourself.

• Try some repellent like pepper-dust or some commercial products on your furniture to keep your cat off these areas.

• Be persistent and don't give up.

Answer 5

you can use aluminum foil and crunch it up around them they hate it.  and if the couch has scratch marks if you put clear packaging tape over it.  you don't see the marks and your cats claws slide off it  

Answer 6

my cat USE to do this .

but go to walmart and in the pet section .

find a spray that is called scratch not .

spray it on the couch it really helpss(;

Answer 7

I would use Sticky Paws. You can buy it at pet supply stores such as Petsmart or online. It is double-sided tape made for applying to furniture without damaging the furniture. You apply it to the places the cats are scratching and they hate the feel on their feet. You then put them by their scratching post so they learn that it is the acceptable place to scratch. Make sure the scratching post is tall and sturdy enough to accomodate your cats. A rope covered post with a platform on top set near a window can work wonders! Most cats like the rope, and they enjoy the view out the window from the platform, which encourages them to use the scratching post. Also try a cardboard scratch pad. You can buy them at almost any place that sells pet supplies, such as Walmart. My cats love them. Try spraying the new couch with Feliway as well. The new couch has an unfamiliar scent and the cats are probably trying to "make it smell right". Cats have scent glands in their paws, so they are putting their scent on the new couch. Feliway may help to stop this behavior by fooling your cats with synthetic pheromones.