What your cat does when he paws at the tree outside your window isn't to spite you, it's just a normal part of his personality. Cats scratch furniture for different reasons, but most of them are related to their nature as predators. Everyone wants a happy cat that doesn't scratch the furniture. Unfortunately, getting them to stop can be rather difficult. If you have been desperately trying to get your cat to stop scratching the couch and started to lose hope, we may have the best solution for you.
Why do cats scratch?
What's a cat to do when they have pent up energy, emotions, claws and not a lot of space? It's time to let out their inner lion. If your cat is scratching in frustration or aggression, it's time to channel their inner protector. A little exercise will help them release pent up energy and provide plenty of opportunities for you to bond and play together. Understanding why your cat scratches can help you redirect that behavior in ways that keep your furry friend happy and keep your furniture intact.
Cats scratch furniture for different reasons, but most of them are related to their nature as predators. The scratching post is an ideal place for cats to practice their hunting skills and get rid of excess energy. It's also a way for cats to mark their territory with scent from glands in their paws.
What can you do to make your cat stop scratching your furniture?
If your cat is scratching up your furniture, it might be a sign that they're bored. Cats need mental stimulation and playtime just as much as they need physical activity—but sometimes it can be hard to figure out what exactly will keep them entertained.
Here are some options to try:
- Give them a new toy! If you've recently bought a new toy for your cat, give it a try before tossing it in the trash. A lot of cats like to play with things that move or make noise, so grab some string or maybe even try the old standby: a laser pointer. Tossing out an old toy is easy, but sometimes it's worth trying to see if there's something your cat can get into first.
- Try building an obstacle course! What if we put this on top of that? Can I jump off this? These are all questions we ask ourselves every day, and cats are no different—they just want to know what's possible. Set up a little obstacle course in their room using cardboard boxes and chairs so they can explore the space in their own way, then watch them go!
- Keep their nails trimmed regularly so they’re less likely to scratch furniture or other objects in your home.
- Make sure your cat has somewhere else to scratch—if she doesn't have a scratching post or some other object that she can use for marking, she'll just keep doing it on your stuff. If your cat already has a scratching post, try putting something tasty on top of it—it might look like an extra-special treat and inspire her to use her post instead of your couch!
Declawing is not an option!
For many people, declawing their cats is a last resort. They've tried everything they can think of to keep their cats from scratching their furniture or clawing at them, but nothing seems to work. So they decide to take the plunge and have the procedure done.
Declawing a cat is a permanent amputation of its toes. It’s a painful and terrifying experience for any animal, but especially for cats. The most immediate effects of declawing are severe pain and bleeding. Many cats will require additional pain medication after the surgery. Additionally, some cats suffer from chronic pain after the procedure due to nerve damage or other complications. Cats who have been declawed may also experience difficulty walking normally due to altered gait or joint problems caused by the surgery. The change in their gait may be so severe that they no longer enjoy activities like climbing trees or playing with toys on hard surfaces. Declawed cats often have trouble using litter boxes as well because they cannot dig down into them as deeply as before (the natural inclination for most cats is to use litter boxes this way).
So you don’t want to declaw your cat because you know how bad this surgery is, but you already tried everything to stop it from scratching your furniture.
How can you effectively protect your furniture from your cat?
You sit down on your couch and, before you know it, you're startled by the sound of your cat's claws scratching away at the upholstery. It's not just annoying—it's downright dangerous for your cat and for your furniture, too.
With Panther Armor, that problem is solved once and for all. Our cat furniture protector sheets are packed flat & easily pliable on any corner. Stick the anti scratch furniture protector sheets and let them do the job for you. The sticky side will annoy your kitty so much that you won't see the little pet near your furniture any time soon.
Stop the cat claw damage on your sofa with Panther Armor – non-toxic, 100% safe tape. The product is residue-free and does not harm the furniture after removal. Protect your furniture & keep your cat’s claws healthy and safe.
Our cat scratch guards are the best cat furniture protectors on the market. Our products are made of a soft material that won't scratch your cat's nails, but it will still protect your furniture from scratches and claw marks. Plus, it's super easy to cut and fit into any nook or cranny where your cat tends to scratch—even if they're just doing it out of habit. And if you use our training tape, you can teach your cat that scratching isn't allowed in certain areas (like where the couch protector is) so they can focus their energy on other things!
Don't wait any longer: get your own today!