- 1). Make loud noises anytime the cat goes near the furniture. Keep a can full of pebbles or marbles on hand and shake them once. Clap hands loudly. Emphatically say “NO!“ in a firm voice. Blow a whistle. Eventually the cat will associated the negative loud sounds with the scratching. Avoid overuse of this technique or the cat can become angry with you and become destructive in other ways.
- 2). Put bubble wrap near the edge of the furniture. The popping noise may dissuade him from going near the furniture.
- 3). Attaching tape with the sticky side out on and/or around the furniture can bother the cat and possibly discourage him.
- 4). Cover scratched areas with aluminum foil. Cats don't like the texture.
- 5). Keep a spray bottle on hand to spray the cat anytime she is near the furniture. Cats hate water. The nozzle on the hose of the kitchen sink can also come in handy if any furniture is close enough.
- 6). Use a product like Boundary Indoor/Outdoor Dog Repellent (it also works for cats). Spray the furniture with it. Spray rugs and carpet around the furniture as well. It requires regular reapplication but is effective.
- 7). When scratching, cats leave behind their own scent to mark their favorite spots. Remove the scent by cleaning the upholstery with a product like Nature’s Miracle.
- 8). Close the doors to rooms with upholstered furniture and keep the cat out of them.
- 9). Rearrange the furniture so that those tempting corners are less accessible. Especially try to hide those pretty decorated wooden legs, as the texture is inviting to the cat.
- 10
When purchasing new furniture, try to find some with plain textures. Cats will be less attracted to them. - 11
Cover furniture with slipcovers, blankets or sheets. - 12
Provide scratch-friendly materials throughout the house to encourage the cat to use them instead. Use scratching posts or boxes. Try slanted boards covered with carpet. Wrap a board with rope. Rub them with catnip. Praise the cat whenever it is using those instead of your furniture. - 13
Play with your cat often and give it a lot of toys with which to independently play. - 14
If your cat can stand it, try to groom its claws. At home it will usually take two people. Some grooming salons will accept cats and do it for you. Or, sometimes the veterinarian’s office can help. - 15
If nothing else seems to be working, consult your veterinarian. The last thing you want to do is declaw your cat because it is a very painful procedure. But some veterinarians can apply plastic caps to the cat’s claws. These will have to be replaced somewhat regularly, but at least it won’t destroy the furniture when it claws at it.
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