Protecting Your Furniture: How to Prevent Cat Scratching

Cat scratching behavior requires a renewed, evidence-based understanding of cats' natural needs and behaviors. It's an integral part of a cat's daily routine for valid reasons, including claw maintenance and stretching. Let's explore how to deal constructively with this behavior, while ensuring the cat's well-being and preserving the furniture. 

WHAT CATS LIKE 

But why, regardless of the country, do cats seem to be particularly fond of sofas? To understand this, let's look at the four most important criteria for cats when choosing a place to sharpen their claws: 

• Stability: In nature, the equivalent of a scratching post for a cat would be a tree, which remains stable even when vigorously scratched, unlike some inexpensive scratching posts. A scratching post must therefore be stable enough to support a cat's weight without toppling over, which could deter him from using it again. 
• Height: Cats often arch their backs in a yoga posture after clawing, which helps maintain the elasticity of their spine. This is one of the two main functions of clawing, along with the wear and tear and removal of keratin from the claws. So, it's essential that the scratching post is high enough to allow this stretching. Ideally, its height should be equivalent to that of a bedside table. 
• Type and materials: Cats have varied preferences when it comes to materials. Many prefer sisal or wood, while others are drawn to carpet or cardboard. It's important to find out your cat's preference. If he scratches every carpet in the house, it's likely that this is his material of choice. If you're not sure, opt for sisal. The important thing is that the material allows the cat to dig its claws in and is strong enough for it to climb the scratching post if it so wishes. 
• Location: Scratchers should be placed near the cat's favorite resting areas or where it likes to spend time, increasing the likelihood that they will be used. 

Knowing this, it's easy to understand why the corner of the sofa is often a favorite with cats, as it combines stability, adequate height, and proximity to resting or activity areas. 

TO MAKE HIM LOVE THE SCRATCHING POST 

If you offer your cat a scratching post that meets all the above criteria, she should naturally start using it. You can, however, encourage its use with these few strategies: 

• Using catnip: Sprinkling catnip on scratching posts can make them more attractive to your cat. 
• Play: Encouraging the cat to scratch the scratching post using toys can help establish a pleasant routine. 

ENCOURAGING TRANSITION 

To protect the furniture while your cat gets used to the scratching posts, you can use self-adhesive plastic sheets or double-sided adhesive tape, which are deterrents for many cats. Once the cat has become accustomed to using the scratching post, these protections can usually be removed. It's essential to repair any damage caused by past scratching, as the sight of these frayed areas may encourage the cat to return. 

DECLAWING: AN AMPUTATION 

Canada, like 75 other countries, has passed anti-declawing laws in some of its provinces. This broad ban underlines the fact that declawing is not a solution, but rather a cruel and unnecessary procedure, involving the amputation of the cat's fingers at the third phalanx. 

Understanding that scratching behavior is a normal and healthy part of a cat's life is essential. By providing appropriate means for your cat to express this natural behavior, you can both protect your furniture and meet the basic needs of your feline companion, thus promoting harmonious cohabitation. 

 Daniel Fillion, Feline Behaviorist.