We hear it often: customers want new (to them) furniture but are concerned that it'll just get scratched up by their cats. Why bother investing in new pieces if they're just going to appear damaged again in a matter of days?
Fortunately, you're not stuck. There are proven ways to prevent your cats from scratching your furniture - regardless of whether they tend to scratch the frame or fabric. We'll discuss how in this post.
Why do Cats Scratch Furniture?
Cats scratch furniture for many instinctive reasons (no, it's not a vendetta against your furniture).
First, they have a primal need to keep their claws sharp. New claws grow inside of old, duller claws. The only way to remove their old claws is to scratch a hard surface - and your sofa or end table offers a pretty convenient place to do it.
It's also one method of marking their territory. Cat paws have sweat glands with specific scents that are released when they scratch. This offers both a visual and scented mark of their space.
Finally, they sometimes scratch as a way to stretch. You've probably noticed this as they've arched or lowered their backs while scratching.
Using a Cat Scratcher
Since cats scratch instinctively, cat scratchers are a great solution to help stop your cat from scratching your furniture. Cat scratchers come in many forms for convenient placement. Some are even designed to fit over your furniture! They will have contouring shapes that fit in areas that your cat already views as its territory while protecting chairs, sofas, and tables from damage. Others also act as a resting place.
Essential Oil Sprays
Some essential oils - especially lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, and peppermint - offer health benefits through aromatherapy, a pleasing scent for humans, and a horrible odor for cats. In other words, some fragrances that we enjoy tend to annoy cats.
Even better, it only takes a small amount to repel cats. Their sense of smell is more potent than ours, so a few small sprays that are undetectable to us are all that's necessary to keep cats at bay.
Help Your Cat Reduce Stress
Cats also scratch hard surfaces to help reduce stress. Many pet owners don't know this, but even house get cabin fever. Spend more time playing with them in ways that get them moving. They'll release stress more easily and feel less inclined to scratch your furniture.
Even better, it only takes a small amount to repel cats. Their sense of smell is more potent than ours, so a few small sprays that are undetectable to us are all that's necessary to keep cats at bay. We recommend spraying small amounts around the corners of your furniture to prevent possible damage and to avoid an overwhelming smell.
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