Is there anything that is recommended for preventing a cat scratching and ripping at a sofa and wallpaper?

Question

I have been told about sprays you can get but im not sure what these are and where you get them from. My cat is 5 and doesn't scratch her scratch post but instead scratches my new wallpaper and sofa! Please help!

Answer 1

try using vapour rub like vic they hate it

Answer 2

Once cats begin to scratch somewhere their claws leave a scent which attracts them to keep scratching in the same place.  If she's been scratching the wallpaper and sofa for some time, you may need to temporarily cover them to disguise her claw scent, whilst you encourage her to use something else.  

Cats seem to prefer scratching items with a vertical thread, and many of them dislike using a sisal scratch post because the thread is horizontal which can lead to their claws getting snagged.  Try offering your cat a few alternative items such as corrugated cardboard, a wooden log or even the underside of a heavy duty doormat and see if she prefers those textures for scratching.  Trail toys or pieces of string around them so that she has to grab for it with her claws.  Once she's done this a few times it will be impregnated with her claw scent, which will attract her to keep scratching there.

Generally cats won't scratch areas that they chin rub.  Feliway mimics the scent found in cats' facial glands and spraying it on to items you want to protect can often deter cats from scratching there.  You need to spray it on at least once a day for 21 days.  

The web site below has a really good article on how to prevent cats from scratching furniture and wallpaper, with lots of advice which you may find helpful.

http://www.celiahaddon.co.uk/pet%20probl...

Answer 3

i had a cat who sadly got killed on the road recently and always went for a  timber plank that was leaning against the wall outside to scratch at.

Answer 4

Make sure you don't de-claw her! This will make it worse and she will not be able to defend her self when she goes outside.

Our cats had a scratchpost that they never used but then we got them another one which also had little balls with catnip on it so they use this one, we have also found that they like to scratch front door mats, you know, like the ones that say welcome.

Answer 5

yes use the sprays they work you can get them at any pets store walmart and some grocery stores my cat does the same thing it mostly because they get stuff under their nails and if they don't get it out they could get very sick also when you pick up the spray get a BIG tub of cat nip put that on the cat scratchier and they'll love it!

Answer 6

My cat use to do that!! Such a pain! We ended up putting orange peel on the floor near to where she would scratch, that did the trick just fine! Obviously you need to change the peel everyday....give her a little tap too and shout 'NO' at her. She will get the message soon!

Answer 7

1. Trim her nails.

2. Give her a rattan rug, and put her there everytime she scratches something else.

3. Use claw caps if necessary, www.softpaws.com

4. Don't declaw her, it is awful amputation and may cause adverse effects as biting, pooping on teh floor etc.

Answer 8

The answer is "feliway". it's comes in the form of a plug-in and also a spray. It's used to stop undesirable behavior like you're cat is displaying. You can but it online or at petsmart. It worked wonders for me and I'm sure it will do the same for you!!

Answer 9

Get her a different post. Some cats like different ones.

Trim her nails

those plastic caps to go on her nails.

Answer 10

i need points

Answer 11

Try getting a natural citrus spray something with lemon and orange in it, cats hate that smell and will avoid it.  Not sure though if you could spray this onto furniture, you would maybe have to check that one out.  

Other than that, get yourself an oil burner and place it by the sofa, you can get citrus scents that way you can have the smell going without the spray.   Places like the Body Shop do natural oils for burning - that's where I get mine from.

Failing that, speak to your vet as they too sell sprays to deter cats from "anti social behaviour"!

Hope this helps

Answer 12

I just filled up an empty bottle that had a nozzle, with water and sprayed my cat with that once whenever he scratched the walls etc. I have an archway my house and he was dangling from that one time :S

But after a short while he soon stopped doing it, the shock of having water sprayed at him made him not want to do it.

Answer 13

Try adding some catnip or treats to the scratch post to make it more appealing to the cat or sprinkle a little pepper near the places that you do not want the cat to go near. When you catch your cat in the act clap your hands loud and say a firm "NO" or spray a short burst of cold water, make sure it does not see you do this though! Good luck.

Answer 14

www.softpaws.com

plastic nail caps. kitty can still extend and retract claw as is natural, but the nail cap prevents damage. I've been using them on my cats for years and they are wonderful. they also come in lots of fun colors.