How to Prevent Cat from Scratching the Furniture?

If you have a cat that scratches carpeting and furniture, here is what we recommend:

Get a scratching post

You can't prevent your cat from scratching, but you can train her to scratch only in certain areas. A scratching post or even furniture with scratching areas will give your cat the alternative place to scratch. Cats scratch most frequently right after waking so it's critical that the scratching post is convenient to where they spend much of their time.

Keep in mind that different cats like different surface textures (cardboard, wood or rugs) and post orientations (horizontal or vertical).

Try different kinds of scratching posts

Some cats prefer real wood posts and will not touch rope sisal posts. Others prefer cardboard, and still others, carpeted posts. Find out which kind your cat prefers and then spray with a catnip spray or keep a catnip toy nearby.

Positive reinforcement and praise

Show your cat how to use its scratching post and praise or give your kitty special treats when she is using her furniture instead of yours. Like most training, the earlier you start, the better. Remember, kittens younger than six months generally do not respond to catnip as well as adults do.

TIPS:

Many cats scratch when waking up, so consider giving your pet extra attention when she stirs from a nap, then place her near the scratching post.

Aversive-tasting substances will not help, since scratching does not involve the taste buds.