Scratching is a normal, instinctive behaviour in cats and your goal is to get your cat to scratch acceptable objects and leave the sofa alone?
What do cats scratch? most cats are attracted to anything that has a smooth, rough or textured surface or that they can really get their claws into.
When do cats scratch? When they wake up from a nap, when they want to mark their territory or when they are excited about something: for example, when you come home from work or a new sofa. They also scratch when they want to remove the dead outer layer of their claws.
How do cats scratch? How do cats scratch? Some cats like to position themselves on a vertical surface. Other cats stand horizontally and hold their rear end in the air.
#1 The scratching of cats depends mainly on the texture of the desired object. It is therefore pointless to cover the sofa with additional blankets, as cats are attracted to these textures. Temporary covering, for example with double-sided adhesive tape or aluminium foil, is particularly recommended, as cats’ paws are very sensitive and they do not like the stickiness.
You can also buy scratch protection for furniture online. This is a clear vinyl film that is applied to the areas where your cat likes to scratch. This way you can protect your sofa.
#2 Many cats do not like the scent of citrus fruits or menthol. We recommend mixing a little baking soda and essential oil with water and spraying your sofa with it. You can also place cotton wools soaked in cologne or essential oil under the sofa or on the sides. The cat will not scratch because of the scent. However, you should not place them on the fabric as the soaked balls will leave greasy stains that cannot be removed.
You may need to leave these items in place for a few weeks or months, or until your cat has got used to them.
#3 Scratching posts and cushions come in all shapes, sizes and materials. We recommend placing several of them around the home, especially in your cat’s favourite spots. However, if you’re creative, you can easily find plans and ideas online or try a homemade alternative using these tips: A solid, upright support covered with rope. A flat cushion made from corrugated cardboard. The back of a rug or a small piece of wood with bark. These make great scratching pads (just make sure the wood has not been treated with chemicals). The scratching pad can be freestanding, lying on the floor or hanging from a hook. Try to find out what your cat prefers or provide different scratching objects in different places and positions.
#4 Rub some catnip on the post or attach a toy to the top to make the object even more attractive. Praise your cat for using a post or other object that is suitable for scratching.
#5 Punishing your cat only works if you catch them scratching a forbidden object. If you try to actually punish cats, they won’t know what they’ve done wrong and may be afraid of you. Never shout or hit the cat: it may start to avoid you altogether.
#6 If you catch your cat “working in the forbidden place”, interrupt this with a loud noise (clap your hands, shake a tin of coins or pebbles, bang against the wall) and direct the scratching to one of the acceptable objects. Do this consistently to teach her: “The sofa is bad, the rest is good.”
If nothing helps, we have one last piece of advice for you. You can always order new covers for your sofa or just for the part or element that your cat likes best!
