If your cat is set on destroying the home decor, try these 8 simple ways to protect your furniture from cats. These tips require little effort on your part and will help you prevent furniture scratching in the future.
- Provide Appropriate Scratching Surfaces
The first thing to do is get a scratching post. You can sprinkle some cat nip on the scratching post to make it more appealing to your furry friend. Also, keep in mind that some cats are leery of unstable scratching posts. If your cat is not interested in scratching its scratching post, make sure that it is stable and sturdy.
- Help Your Cat Stay Active
Often furniture scratching, biting, and climbing is a result of a bored pet. Cats, and especially kittens, need a lot of entertainment and activity. To protect your furniture from cats, make sure they have plenty of entertainment during the day. Invest in some interactive toys that will keep the cats occupied even when you don’t feel like playing.
- Trim Nails Regularly
Cats scratch to keep their nails well-manicured. If you don’t trim your cat’s nails, she will be more likely to use scratching as a way to keep them sharp and short. Although most cats don’t enjoy nail trimming, the more often you do it, the easier it gets. Trimming your cat’s nails once a week will help solve the furniture scratching issue.
- Cover Parts of the Furniture
I use blankets and arm rest covers to protect the parts of the furniture that usually suffers from cat scratching. Cats usually give up on scratching the furniture once there is a different fabric in place. Even if they continue scratching sporadically, the cover will protect the original upholstery.
- Use a Spray Bottle
A spray bottle full of water can dissuade even the most stubborn cat from scratching your furniture. You will only need to spray the cat a couple of times. Afterwards, just grabbing the bottle should do the trick. At the same time, make sure to reward your cat with treats whenever she uses the scratching post instead of the furniture.
- Spray with Fabric Freshener or Stain Remover
Cats are very sensitive to smells, so spraying the furniture with air freshener (or pet safe stain remover) can keep them from destroying your furniture. Obviously, this is a temporary solution – you will have to keep spraying the furniture for a few weeks until your cat gives up on using it as a scratching post.
- Make Furniture Not Easily Accessible
Observe your cat and identify her favorite furniture to scratch. Try to make access to these pieces harder. If, on the other hand, your cat jumps on shelves and breaks trinkets, move away all possible launching pads.
- Invest in Cat Shelves
Your cat may be climbing on furniture because she is looking for the higher hunting ground. Try placing some shelves on the wall (or hanging on the window) that are specifically designated for your cat. This will keep them busy, happy, and away from your furniture!