How To Stop Cats From Scratching on Furniture

If you’re tired of your cat scratching on furniture, you’re not alone. In fact, sometimes it’s downright crazy to try to figure out why they’re doing it! These tips can help stop cats from scratching on furniture!

If you struggle with your cat clawing at your furniture I might be able to help! I am going to share some tips on how to stop cats from scratching furniture! Cats scratching your furniture isn’t out of a destructive behavior, it is a natural instinct for cats. They scratch to keep their claws sharp, they mark their territory for any other cats or animals, and it could be a sign of cat anxiety. They don’t always mean to tear up your furniture, they purely do it out of natural instinct.

Cats also scratch for exercise, just to stretch out, etc. I know all of these natural instincts don’t make you feel any better about having the legs of your couch shredded, so I am going to try and help you to get your cat to stop scratching on your beloved furniture. Check out these options below and see if any of them might work for you and your household on how to tackle that relentless clawing and scratching!

Stop Cats From Scratching Furniture with These Tips

How To Stop Cats From Scratching on Furniture

If you feel like you’ve tried everything to get your cat to stop scratching on your furniture, see if you’ve tried these remedies. You might just be surprised at what will work if you give something new a try!

Invest In A Scratcher 

If your cat doesn’t have a designated spot for their scratching and clawing needs, consider getting one. You can buy boards, a post, or even cat furniture to give them their own place to hopefully move away from your furniture. You can find great how-to tutorials to make your own cat boards, or buy one!

Try to provide an area specifically for your cat, and add a pinch or spray of catnip to help draw them in and get them interested!

Place Scratching Post Strategically 

When you invest in a scratcher for your cat, place it strategically! Feature the scratcher near the area where your cat has been scratching, whether furniture or even a doorway entry! Take your cat over to the scratcher and show them how to use it by placing their paws where it should be.

They might get annoyed, but it will show them what to do if they are unsure. By placing it near the area they have been scratching should transition over to the scratcher and leave your furniture alone.

Incidentally, here’s why cats need scratching posts.

Cat-Proof Furniture

Putting furniture covers on your furniture can help stop cats from scratching furniture. You can also apply a sticky tape around the areas they are scratching or even aluminum foil. I have heard the aluminum foil hack can be a hit or miss.

For some, it works great as they hate the crinkle sound and texture, but it doesn’t faze other cats. If you are in desperate need it is worth trying to see if it will work on your cat. Simply tape it to the furniture area that your cat won’t leave alone.

DIY Deterrent Spray for Furniture 

Create a homemade spray to spritz on your furniture, to keep your cats away. Take a glass spray bottle and fill with 1 cup water. Then add 10 drops of orange or lemon-scented essential oil. Shake with each use and spray each day on and around the furniture.

Cats don’t like the smell of citrus and will stay away. If this doesn’t work try cinnamon or eucalyptus in replace of the orange or lemon. Shake with each use, as the oil and water will separate.

Talk to your vet

Last but not least, talk to your vet. They have been in the business for a long time and might be able to give you even more insight and tips about why your cat is behaving the way that it is. Instead of racking your brain about how to get your cat to stop scratching up your furniture, ask someone who deals with this all the time instead!

What way have you found helpful in keeping your cats from clawing at your furniture? Love to hear, so leave a comment below!