How to Keep Your Cat From Scratching

There is so much to love about cats. The sound of their purr is so soothing. They’re so much fun to watch when they play. They’ll curl up on your lap and keep you warm in the winter and rub against your legs when you get home. But for all of their charming behaviors, cats have one nasty habit that’s hard to find adorable–scratching.

Why do cats scratch furniture and what can you do about it? Read on to find out.

Why Cats Scratch

Before they were domesticated, cats were wild animals that had to hunt for their food. To catch prey and to climb to chase birds and hide from other predators, cats have claws. In order for these little weapons on their toes to work properly, claws must stay sharp. Your cat’s ancestors had to scratch to maintain those sharp points. Although your cat does not have to hunt for his or her dinner, the instinct to keep his or her claws sharp through scratching is still there.

Offering Alternatives

Because scratching is a matter of instinct, you usually can’t stop a cat from scratching entirely. What you can do is offer your kitty something else to scratch in order to discourage scratching the furniture. Scratching posts and scratching pads are two great options. You can also simply put down a carpet remnant for your kitty to sharpen his or her claws on.

The key to shifting your cat from the furniture to an alternative is catching your cat in the act when he or she is scratching. You can spray your cat in the side or body with water when he or she scratches and then move him or her to the scratching post.

Spraying some catnip spray on the scratching post or pad can help attract your cat. You can also purchase anti-scratching sprays to apply to the upholstery to help keep your cat away from it.