- Use furniture covers. If you're mainly concerned that your furniture will become dirty or hairy from your cat, cover it with slipcovers.
- Spray a scent deterrent on the furniture. Buy a repellent spray that your cat doesn't like and spray it on the furniture that your cat usually scratches.
- Lay double-sided tape on the furniture. Spread double-sided tape on places where your cat prefers to scratch.
- Trim your cat's claws. Keep your cat's claws clipped close (but not too close) so its nails are dull and won't do as much damage if it scratches the ...
How do I Stop my Cat from clawing the couch?
Make the sofa cat-proof Lastly, if all else fails to prevent your cat from terrorizing the sofa, you can still change the sofa itself. Either by buying a different couch or making your current one cat-proof. Cats generally like textured and rough surfaces where they can sink their claws in.
Should I declaw my Cat to protect my furniture?
Instead of declawing your cat, there are a few things you can do to protect the furniture while you also train your cat. Teach your cat not to scratch the furniture by offering scratching posts, rewarding good behavior, and being consistent with training.
How can I cat-proof my furniture?
Fortunately, there are ways to cat-proof your furniture and prevent further destruction. All it takes are a few supplies and some positive reinforcement training. “Scratching is a natural part of feline behavior,” says Dr. Jeffrey Levy, a holistic house-call veterinarian and pet expert in New York City.
Can you put a cover on a couch for a cat?
You can purchase a slipcover for couches, chairs, or recliners in a variety of colors and fabrics. Choose a fabric that you can easily wipe clean or toss in the washing machine. If you don't want to always keep a cover on the furniture, you can lay down a towel where your cat usually likes to rest.
Why don't cats claw furniture?
(PET CARE) Even though it may seem like it, cats don’t claw the furniture to get revenge or because they dislike your decor. Find out why they can’t resist ripping up the couch, and how to stop your pet’s destructive clawing. — Global Animal
Where should I put my cat's posts?
Put the posts where your cat wants them—next to her sleeping spot for a quick stretch after a nap, or by the front door for a really intense session after she greets you.
How to keep cat's claws from scratching furniture?
Keep your cat's claws clipped close (but not too close) so its nails are dull and won't do as much damage if it scratches the furniture. If your cat resists clipping, try wrapping it in a towel while you trim or get the nails professionally trimmed.
How to protect furniture from cats?
To protect furniture from cats, use furniture covers made of washable fabrics to prevent stains and fur buildup. If you're concerned about your kitty scratching the furniture, spray it with a scent deterrent and remember to keep the cat's claws trimmed. It can also help to provide a scratching post to encourage your cat to scratch it instead ...
Why do cats scratch furniture?
Cats scratch to stretch muscles, remove old claw sheaths, and communicate with one another. To a cat, furniture may seem like a natural place to scratch. Instead of declawing your cat, there are a few things you can do to protect the furniture while you also train your cat. Teach your cat not to scratch the furniture by offering scratching posts, ...
How to keep a cat from laying on furniture?
Choose a fabric that you can easily wipe clean or toss in the washing machine. If you don't want to always keep a cover on the furniture, you can lay down a towel where your cat usually likes to rest. Just remove the towel and wash it every day or two. ...
What to do if your cat is hairy?
If you're mainly concerned that your furniture will become dirty or hairy from your cat, cover it with slipcovers. You can purchase a slipcover for couches, chairs, or recliners in a variety of colors and fabrics. Choose a fabric that you can easily wipe clean or toss in the washing machine.
Can you put double sided tape on furniture?
Most commercial double-sided tapes shouldn't leave a sticky residue on your furniture. If you'd rather startle your cat than apply sticky tape, tape a few balloons in places where your cat usually scratches. When your cat goes to scratch, it will pop a balloon. The surprise may stop your cat from scratching.
Can cats scratch their hind legs?
Take note of the type of scratching your cat likes to do. If, for example, they like to get on their hind legs and scratch up high, they probably won't use a low-laying scratching pad. Instead, opt for a taller scratching post. ...
How to cat proof furniture?
All it takes are a few supplies and some positive reinforcement training. Previous. Next. Jump to Slide 1. Jump to Slide 2. Jump to Slide 3. Jump to Slide 4. Jump to Slide 5.
How to get rid of scratching on a couch?
Jump to Slide 3. Jump to Slide 4. Jump to Slide 5. Jump to Slide 6. Jump to Slide 7. Jump to Slide 8. View All Slides. Set Up Scratching Alternatives. Just because scratching is a natural behavior doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your couch.
How to give cats a place to stretch their nails?
By setting up decoy scratching posts, you can give cats a place to mark, stretch, and trim their nails, without damaging your belongings. Place the posts near the cat’s favorite couches, suggests Lauren Haynes, a home organizing expert at Star Domestic Cleaners in London.
How to get rid of cat scratches on fabric?
“Combine equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar and use a spray bottle to apply it over the spots where your cat usually scratches,” she says. Again, apply to a small area first to make sure the spray doesn’t harm the fabric.
Can cats scratch in the garage?
Levy also recommends putting one by their bed, as cats often like to scratch and stretch when they first wake up. “Because the cat is marking territory by scratching, cat scratching surfaces must be in prominent areas of the household,” Conrad adds. “It can't be in the garage, behind the dryer.
How to protect a couch from a cat?
Try these seven proven methods for protecting your favourite sofa from your cat’s fur, dirt, and claws. 1. Make the scratching post more enticing.
How to get rid of cat fur on couch?
Use a tool with a stainless steel comb, like the Furminator, to effectively remove loose fur from their undercoat. Brushing your cat every other day can significantly reduce the amount of fur that ends up on your couch.!
What to do if your cat is sprawling on your couch?
If your cat has deemed the couch as their primary spot to sprawl out, you may need to provide them with some of their own furniture to lounge in. Try to identify what attracts your cat to your sofa and then get cat furniture that they will like even better.
Why does my cat scratch furniture?
Excessive furniture scratching and furniture soiling can also be a symptom of high anxiety in cats, particularly when they are also displaying other anxious behaviours such as constant meowing, aggression, hiding, clinginess, or low appetite.
How long does it take for cat caps to fall off?
The caps naturally fall off after four to five weeks as their nails grow. The downside is that not all cats adapt well to them. They may also prove difficult to apply if your cat doesn’t like to have their paws touched. Your vet may be able to help you apply them, but keep this option as a last resort. 7.
Is scratching a post healthy for cats?
Make the scratching post more enticing. Scratching is normal and healthy cat behaviour. It’s how they mark their territory, remove the dead outer layer of their claws, and stretch their legs and feet. It’s important they have a scratching post for them to use or they will use your couch instead.
Can you declaw a cat?
Declawing your cat should never be an option. Declawing doesn’t just remove the claws; it amputates the last bone of every toe. The result is a higher risk of health problems, chronic pain, impaired balance, and can introduce whole host of other undesirable behaviours, like urinating outside the litterbox and hostility. The procedure is so inhumane it is banned in 22 other countries.
Why do cats scratch furniture?
According to the Humane Society of the United States, common reasons include: Boredom - Although cats are typically independent animals, they do need mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy.
What is a cat slipcover made of?
The Kitty Cat Protector slipcover comes made out of a slightly thicker plastic material that encourages your cat's claws to slide off when they try to scratch it. The seams come designed to be resistant to tears or scratching, and the plastic is thicker for added durability.
What is a sofa cover made of?
This sofa cover comes made out of a durable but plush faux suede microfiber that features a waterproof coating that protects your furniture from spills or cat messes. You can choose from six different color combinations with a reversible cream backing, and you also get the choice of seven sizes ranging from a standard chair, loveseat, and sofa up to oversized versions.
Why do slipcovers slide over couches?
The slipcover slides over the top of your couch for a secure and lasting fit that won't slide around when you sit on it or move around. The plastic is also completely waterproof, and this seals your furniture's fabric to prevent accidents or spills from soaking into the furniture and smelling.
What is the gripping material on a furniture cover?
Some furniture covers come with belts that attach to the furniture to hold it in place, and others have a gripping material all around the back of the cover. Take a look at the gripping material because this will dictate how many times you have to adjust and rearrange the cover.
Is a cloth couch cover durable?
Certain furniture covers are more durable than others, and you want to find one that will withstand cat scratches, wear and tear, and cleaning without ripping. Cloth furniture covers are very popular for their durability, but you can also get thicker vinyl covers as well.
Can cats claw vinyl furniture?
The vinyl is thick enough that your cat can try to claw it without tearing straight through and ruining your furniture's fabric. The seamed edges on this protective furniture cover add to the durability and the entire cover seals for a waterproof barrier that protects your furniture against spills and accidents.
1. The Best Slipcover
Boasting a 4.4-star overall rating on Amazon after more than 43,000 reviews, this dual-sided microfiber slipcover is available in three sizes and an impressive 32 color options to suit a variety of couches and preferences.
2. The Best Scratch Shields
Your cat’s claws will slide right off these mountable plastic shields when they scratch at the sofa, and the subtle transparent design won’t mask your couch. Each 17-by-12-inch shield can be trimmed to size and used to cover various sections of your couch, like the sides, armrest, and base, and the flexible material can be bent around corners.
3. The Best For Sectionals
These plush velvet pet furniture covers for sectionals are sold individually, allowing you to customize protection for uniquely shaped sofas and chaises.
4. The Best For Full Protection
For a fully cat-proof couch, this waterproof vinyl slipcover provides all-over scratch protection, and it’s perfect if you don’t want any part of your furniture exposed.
5. The Best Arm Cover & Scratch Pad
If your cat gravitates toward your couch’s arm when scratching, this arm cover and scratch pad may be a good option for you. The wraparound cover is available for both the right and left sides of your couch and anchors securely onto the legs using two Velcro straps at the base.
Also Great: A Scratch Deterrent Tape
This double-sided scratch deterrent tape affixes to surfaces like your couch and has a sticky surface that cats don’t like. The wide 3-inch roll contains 30 yards of tape, so you can apply and reapply the tape over large surfaces like couches, or use it in targeted areas throughout your home.
Must-Have: A Fan-Approved Scratching Post
Dr.
How to stop cat from scratching furniture?
If you find that your cat often sinks their claws into or gets their claws stuck on furniture, trim their nails. If you are able to, this should be the first course of action for any cat owner to take to help curb furniture scratching. The problem may be as simple as your cat’s claws getting stuck on fibers.
What is the best way to protect a cat from scratching?
The nail cap is a safe alternative to declawing and gives the sharp end of the nail a blunt plastic covering to protect furniture, walls, and any other surface your cat would typically try to scratch. The one downside to using nail caps is that they must be reapplied regularly.
What is the best fabric for cats to scratch?
The best type of fabric for cats that scratch furniture is microfiber because this material is hard to scratch. If your heart is set on the look of leather, however, then faux leather is a great option for you. A faux leather piece of furniture will cost much less than real leather, saving you a ton of money if your cat does scratch it ...
Can cats use scratching posts?
Instead, this behavior should be redirected. Training your cat to use scratching posts requires some patience, but using a scratching post should come naturally to your pet for the most part .
Can you declaw a cat?
Before resorting to declawing to keep your cat from scratching, it is recommended to exhaust every other option available. Many vets are even beginning to ban the practice of declawing due to the harmful side effects. The side effects of declawing a cat often create larger problems than just clawed furniture.
Can you put nail caps on cats?
If your cat is afraid of trimmers, you can try applying nail caps to your cat’s claws. Nail caps are a great option for the patient cat owner or if their cat doesn’t mind having their paws touched. Nail caps can be found online or in pet stores and are small plastic coverings that go over each nail. The nail cap is a safe alternative ...
Can you buy a scratching post for a cat?
You can buy a standard scratching post for your cat, or you can even have something as simple as a wooden log or welcome mat. When you see your cat begin to scratch your furniture, pick them up or direct them toward the new scratching post/object. This may take a few tries.
