Scratching furniture, which is an action that almost every cat does, is a behavior that cats do both to mark their territory and to file their nails. Cats instinctively scratch furniture, which they think of as a tree, and can sometimes cause serious damage to the house. There are certain methods to get rid of nail marks, which can be seen not only on furniture but also on carpets and parquets, and to help your friend stay away from this behavior.
How to Prevent Cats from Scratching Furniture and Other Items?
First of all, you should remember that this behavior of cats is completely natural and normal. Because they need to do this, it is never possible to prevent them completely. However, you can help your cat move away from your furniture by offering alternatives.
- Identify items your cat likes to scratch on: Each cat may like to scratch a different type of object. For example, some cats enjoy wood, while others may scratch fabrics. Once you determine what your cat likes, you can determine the best alternative for him.
- Place the scratching post in a suitable place: The position of the scratching post is very important for your cat to be interested in the board rather than the furniture. Placing it in the room where family members are located, near the furniture that it likes to scratch, will attract your friend’s attention more.
- Teach your cat the scratching post: Cats tend to imitate their owners’ behavior. To teach your cat about the new scratching post you bought, you can pretend to dig in your nails to attract his/her attention. If your cat still doesn’t show interest, you can leave a treat on it near the board. Likewise, you can spray cat grass to help him show more interest in the board.
- Move your cats away from furniture: You can spray citrus scents such as orange or lemon to repel cats from furniture. These scents that scare cats away can help your friend stay away from furniture. However, you can cover your sofas with sheets and cover the scratching areas.
- Offer your cat fun activities: Some cats may tend to scratch simply because they are bored. You can attract your cat’s attention with activities and toys that will entertain him, and keep him away from your furniture.
Since cats are smarter creatures than thought, they can learn anything with the right training. Although scratching requires some patience, you can be sure that both you and your friend will be happier once you teach your cat where to reveal this instinct.
