Keeping your cat from scratching your furniture can be a rather daunting task. Cats like to scratch. It is an ingrained part of their personalities that helps them to keep their muscles toned, maintain the strength of their connective tissue, and it helps them to maintain their main source of defense. Keeping your cat from scratching your furniture is not an impossible feat, however, if you provide your cat with suitable alternatives.
Kitty furniture protectors are very thick furniture guards that are practically puncture proof. They are available in two sizes, and are sold in packs of two. Place these protectors over any furnishings that your cat likes to scratch, and your furniture will be protected from harm. This method will also allow your cat to continue their ingrained scratching. Another method to use in keeping your cat from scratching your furniture are scratch control strips. These strips work much like double-sided tape, only they do not leave a sticky residue. These have been known to be very effective in keeping your cat from scratching your furniture, and may well be worth a try.
One of the more favored methods for keeping your cat from scratching your furniture is the utilization of a scratching post, or ramp. Cats generally love these, and they will use them if they are provided. Even more popular than the scratching post is the Cosmic Catnip Alpine Scratcher. Cats tend to take to these very well, even if you do not use catnip. This is also an extremely economical item, and would be well worth your time and money to give it a try with your favorite feline.
You may also want to consider having your cat's nails trimmed to a more manageable length. Some cat owners perform this procedure on their own, but it is generally recommended that you have your veterinarian do this. It is really much safer for your cat. If this option does not appeal to you, you may want to try plastic nail caps to cover your cat's sharp claws. Only consider this, however, if your cat is strictly of the indoor variety. Another option that you might consider is a behavior modification system. This is not as complicated as it might sound. It is simply a spray that you put on any furnishings that you want your cat to leave alone.
If you try the methods listed here, but find that you are still having difficulty in keeping your cat from scratching your furniture, you may want to consider taking him to the vet to investigate other methods that may work for you.
