Scratching furniture is one of the most annoying behaviors that cat owners struggle with. Sometimes buying a good and solid cat scratcher is not enough… What can we do to prevent the kitten from scratching the furniture? How to encourage him to use a new scratcher? You will find out in this article!

Why do cats scratch?

Scratching is a natural need of cats which accompanies them from an early age. They mark their territory and take care of their own health and condition. Pets usually do not have the opportunity to go outside. What does it really mean? They lose their chance to get rid of the accumulated energy. In their natural environment they can scratch trees or fences without destroying anything around them. Despite our sincere intentions, we can do nothing to stop the kitten from scratching. However, we can prevent further damage by using a few simple tricks. You should know it requires a lot of patience… What can you do to make your cat stop scratching the furniture?

Exploit his weak point

The sensitivity of a cat's sense of smell can be exploited in many ways. Disliked by cat smells can effectively discourage them from continuing to scratch our furniture. What odors are intolerable to cats? Citrus, lavender, eucalyptus... It is enough to gently rub a lemon or an orange into the scratching area or spray it with a special oil. Before you proceed, check on a small piece whether the liquid leaves marks on it. Simple and so effective, isn't it? However, you should keep on observing your cat. Despite appearances, more active pets may try to cover the unpleasant smell by scratching even harder.

Wooden surfaces

Depending on your pet’s preferences, other methods may work. If the kitten is concerned about wooden surfaces, including chair or table legs, use a disinfectant based on alcohol. Soak a sponge and clean the scratched area. The smell of alcohol will deter the cat. This should be repeated regularly.

New scratcher for a cat

Does your cat own a good scratcher? If not, it is the right time to finally change it. Cat scratchers are not only used for scratching. They also perform the function of entertainment and rest. If your pet is very active, a multifunctional scratcher with several levels, hammocks and a soft bed would be a good choice. If he is a lazy one, go and take a look at a simple scratcher with a single post and place to sleep. You can easily match the scratcher with your pet's character and preferences. Place the cat scratcher in a suitable place and encourage him to use it with a favorite treat.

Bubble tape

Why shouldn’t we use stuff we already have? Did you love playing with bubble tape as a child? We did! Perhaps this is a temporary solution... Anyway, it is perfect to make your kitten stop scratching the furniture. Tape the area temporarily and observe your cat's changed behavior.

Duct tape

The best solutions are usually right under our noses. Use double-sided tape to cover the spot. Some tapes may leave a messy adhesive. Do a quick test before you use it or get a specialized oil to keep it clean.

When the cat keeps scratching...

There are so many ways to stop the cat from scratching our equipment. However, it is not as easy as you thought. Adult cats are much more resistant to changing their habits.  Show your cat good habits from the youngest age and encourage him to use a special scratcher If one method fails, use another one. Test new solutions until you see the first results!