It’s normal for cats to scratch anything they can get their claws on, so it is no surprise that furniture can often be on the receiving end of the pawing. Giving your cats alternative items to scratch is the most ideal approach to keep them occupied with other scratching surfaces. Keep reading to learn additional steps you should take to protect your furniture, particularly leather couches or sofas.
Here are a few ways you can protect your furniture from your cats:
1. Keep their claws trimmed or clipped
Managing your cat’s claws is one approach to forestall scratching. Regardless of whether you take your cats to a vet center to have their paws managed, or you handle yourself, the procedure will greatly reduce their ability to tear the leather. If you decide to have your cat declawed, make sure you follow the proper procedures to keep them healthy and happy after the procedure.
2. Cover the couches and sofas when the cat is in the room
It’s extra important for you to cover your leather furniture as cats are particularly drawn to leather. They can sink their hooks into the leather and immediately ruin an expense piece of furniture. You can check out our article here where we review our favorite couch covers to protect from cats.
By placing a thick plastic cover over the outside of your furniture, the cat will not be able to touch the leather. This is certainly more of a short term solution in case you have a visiting cat or in case you only have to bring the cover out on occasions when the cat is let in the room.
3. Buy a scratching post
For cats that consistently need to be scratching, putting a scratching post in their living area should satisfy this desire. Make certain to place them in areas where your cats ordinarily play.
Scratching posts are a decent option, especially when they stand out enough to be the center of your cat’s attention.
If your cat is initially apprehensive around using the scratching post, add a toy or cat nip on the platform to grab their attention.
4. Provide more toys as distractions
Having a strong commitment to playing with your cat and giving them enough toys to stay entertained is a very helpful way of diverting your cat’s attention away from your expensive furniture. Your cat may be focused on your leather furniture because of the absence of other play alternatives.
5. Put the scent of vinegar near or on the couch
We have a great article about this topic that we will link to here. But it is true that cats hate the smell of vinegar and the strategy can be very helpful in keeping them away.
What not to do:
- Don’t force your cat to use a scratching post. Let them become accustomed to it naturally, otherwise you may frighten it and have it grow an aversion to the post.
- Don’t punish your cat if you see them on your couch. They will not understand why they are being punished and your relationship with it may be in danger if you treat it poorly and it doesn’t know why. Instead, reward it when it scratches other objects or toys.
