Do cats always scratch furniture?
Cats don’t always scratch furniture. Whether or not your cat will scratch furniture depends on several factors. In general, cats scratch things to keep their nails sharp and healthy. This can get worse if they are territorial. And if your couch has just the right material, then your cat will always scratch the furniture.
Cats Don’t Always Scratch Furniture
The truth is that cats don’t always scratch furniture. But when they do, it’s probably for one or more of the following reasons.
Cats can be territorial.
Cats are possessive. They scratch in a manner that somewhat identifies their assertion. Your cat might scratch the trees outside your front door, your door or doorway, the carpets inside, the furniture, the litter box, and the walls. They don’t just leave claw marks; they also leave a scent in their wake. They have pheromone glands in the pads of their paws. Other animals can smell the cat and see the scratch marks, which alerts them that the area has been “claimed.” When cats share a home with other animals, they may occasionally feel extra pressure to defend their territory, making them more possessive and scratchy. Make sure to introduce your new cat to a designated cat scratcher if you bring one home.
Whatever you do, don’t yell at them or spray them with a water bottle for their scratching behavior. You’ll only confuse and upset your cat.
Whatever you do, avoid yelling at them or squirting them with water to stop them from scratching. You’ll simply irritate and confuse your cat. Instead, you may understand their viewpoint and collaborate with them to develop a brand-new preferred scratching pad. Your cat should itch. Cats will scratch furniture if they have nowhere else to scratch. Most cats have a favorite spot where they like to scratch. For instance, your cat might think your favorite chair is the perfect place to scratch. Where does your cat like to scratch the most? A cat tree or other “authorized” scratching surface would look fantastic there. In Charleston, South Carolina, Whitney Bullock, the proprietor of The Charleston Cat Groomer, advises, “Place a cat scratcher directly in front of the object.”
In Charleston, South Carolina, Whitney Bullock is the proprietor of The Charleston Cat Groomer. “Immediately in front of the item your cat likes to scratch, place a cat scratcher.” Don’t worry if you don’t want the cat scratcher in your formal living room. You can gradually relocate it each day to a better spot.”
Cats enjoy scratching.
Your cat may have caught you noticing it stretch during the day. Cats typically stretch out greatly after waking up from a nap. It is satisfying. Their ligaments are stretched, and as a result, they naturally sharpen and scratch out their claws. Claw marks are typically left on whatever is handy. This suggests that it’s a good idea to place a scratching post or other scratching toy close to where they like to take their naps.
Scratching keeps your cat’s claws healthy.
The same keratin protein that makes up your fingernails also makes up your cat’s claws. Claws shed in layers, similar to how an onion does, unlike human fingernails. Scratching aids in removing those layers, revealing a brand-new claw that is shiny and sharp. Your cat’s sharp claws assist in catching and killing prey. If you’ve ever witnessed your cat catching a mouse or another small animal and leaving it for you as a “present,” you know what I mean. You want your cat to scratch something appropriate, not your carpet, furniture, or doors, if you’re like most cat mothers.
How to Stop Your Cat from Always Scratching Furniture
Nobody desires that their handcrafted leather club chairs turn into a scratching post. A cat behaviorist, however, will assure you that it is not done on purpose. Your cat is simply acting affectionately because that’s who they are. Yes, your cat wants to claim you and make sure everyone knows you are related. They leave their physical and odorous mark when they scratch your prized furniture. To other animals, this is a signal. Some cats prefer to scratch, even more if you have many pets.
By placing a scratching post next to where you like to hang out, you may refocus your cat’s scratching habits and make both of you happy. Some cats will love having a specific place to rest close to you or a toy that has a great scratching surface and is also catnip-infused. The Humane Society of the United States recommends using double-sided tape to prevent your cat from scratching furniture or neighboring floors. Sticky paws are unpleasant for cats! Cats can be kept away from an area by using aluminum foil or a spray deterrent like apple cider vinegar.
An alternative is to give your cat a toy scratching post. You can also try vinyl nail caps if your cat is obstinate. Although they don’t interfere with the cat’s natural movements and stick to the nail, they do safeguard your furnishings. With a cat tree or other high-quality scratching surface to use as an outlet for their instinctive activities, you may give a new cat the best start possible.
Besides that, there are ways to train your cat to not scratch furniture. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to training your cat so you can get started.
Trimming Your Cat’s Nails to Reduce Impact on Furniture
You should probably start clipping your cat’s nails if they are destroying your furniture, walls, and other things. It’s better to wait until your cat is relaxed and hanging out close before brushing. This can be a fantastic moment if your cat is comfortable and responding to your touch. You’ll need precise nail cutters made specifically for cat claws. Take your cat’s paw calmly and gently, press it a little to unsheathe the claw, and then delicately trim.
If it’s your cat’s first time, it can take several sessions to get all of its claws. Every four weeks or so, cats typically require their claws trimmed. You’ll likely need to call in the pros, such as your veterinarian or groomer, if your cat won’t allow you to cut those nails.
Never Declaw Your Cat, Even if They Always Scratch Furniture
People frequently misinterpret the function of cats’ claws. For many years, cat owners believed that the scratching issue could be resolved by declawing their cat. After all, you might assume that an indoor cat doesn’t need claws since it isn’t actively seeking out food. It makes sense from the viewpoint of a human. It turns out, though, that cat claws are essential. Cats have a natural urge to scratch and spread their claws every day, and doing so also helps your cat stay balanced as it walks. Declawing is an amputation, it turns out.
Declawing a cat is like chopping off your own finger at the last knuckle, according to the Humane Society. Your cat has to relearn how to walk because cats use their claws to balance and walk, which is uncomfortable for them as well. Declawing is currently illegal in many nations and some jurisdictions since it is so cruel to animals. Never declawe a cat. In a home with cats, there are better ways to preserve your upholstery. Recognizing this common cat behavior will enable you to provide your feline friend with vertical scratching options like posts.
