How Can I Get My Cat to Not Scratch My Furniture?!
I get this question a lot from new cat owners. First it’s important for you to know and understand that a cat needs to scratch something. It’s an inherited trait from before cats were domesticated. My cats often scratch right before bed and when they wake up. It’s kind of like how we stretch, although they do that too! It’s one way cats can communicate too.
Why is my cat scratching?
1) To release tension (which means your cat will be happier).
2) To sharpen their claws.
3) To mark their territory.
4) To communicate with you
Here is a story of our cat scratching on her post to communicate to us-
We were returning from a Thanksgiving break trip and came home to our cat so happy to see us that she greeted us at the door and jumped straight into my son’s arms.! Then after a long snuggle by the door she jumped down and went straight to the living room cat scratching post right by us and did an extra, extra, long very enthusiastic scratching session while we watched on. It was obvious to all of us that she was telling us in her own language how frustrated she had been that we left her (we had family check on her every day) and how hard it was! Then she settled down to check out all of our bags like a relaxed curious cat.
Know that your cat isn’t trying to ruin your furniture or upset you. This is part of who she is.. Don’t worry though, there is a solution! The solution is to provide plenty scratching opportunities on cat scratching posts!
Here is Why:
If you want your cat to be happy and relaxed from releasing tension through scratching.
If you don’t want your cat to get frustrated and end up ruining your furniture or belongings.
if you don’t want them to turn to other marking territory habits like peeing.
If you want peace between you and your cat that fosters closeness.
Some FAQ about scratching posts:
Does it Really Make a Difference to Provide Cat Scratching Posts?
Yes! I can say it has been worth the investment. Our cats are happy kitties and we are happy humans because they haven’t ruined our furniture!
How Many do I Need?
Our Siberian cats love to be in whatever room we are in so that’s why I have a post always available where we are too.
I bought three posts and one tree to start, then I added more over time.
Where do I Have my Cat Scratching Posts?
I have a cat scratching post in my living room area and a small cat tree in the corner of my living room.
In my dining area I have a cat scratching post because our cats gather around us while we eat.
In our bedrooms I have one simple scratching post each.
In my bathroom I have a couple cardboard scratchers because my cats like to hang out with us in the bathroom when we’re getting ready.
In our family room we have one large scratching post on one side, and a big cat tree on the other side because our cats like to hang out together while we (they) are watching TV.
You can Also Train Your Cat to not Scratch Your Furniture. Here’s how I Successfully did it. She has Never Scratched our Furniture Since!
We got our cat scratching posts before we brought our first kitten home.
We trained her by clapping our hands and telling her “No scratchin" and picked her up and placed her on the scratching post rubbing her claws on the post and said this is where you can scratch and praised her when she latched on and scratched.
Then we rewarded her with a treat.
The key is to be consistent!
Another kitten took a little longer but not much and another followed the others example and it’s been that way ever since.
All of our little kittens in our litters that are only with us for 12 weeks get the same training and it works but that doesn’t mean we don’t have to remind them now and then.
What you Want to look for in a Cat Tree and Scratching Posts:
Really tightly wrapped posts.
A wide enough base so they don’t topple over. When a post has a nice wide base or even a cubby hole base it will be much more stable for your cats when they are jumping on and off.
Also, when it comes to scratching posts, aim for as tall as possible so your cat can stretch up and scratch at the same time. Doesn’t that sound satisfying?!
Don’t Worry This Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune!
I did some research online and I found some well- priced but good tall posts ALL on amazon and below are the two well priced ones I started with.
Mecool 34” Tall Cat scratching Post Premium 16”L x 16”W x 34”H
This is an affordable basic cat scratching single post.
It comes in 5 colors!
It’s one of the highest at 34” but simple posts. It’s stable and has lasted for years although I’ve changed out the posts.
The below post replacements fit perfectly.
PEEKAB Cat Scratching Post Premium Sisal Scratch Post With Interactive Toys…
This post is an attractive natural wood with Jute posts.
It’s fun for kittens with a dangling ball, two feathers on both sides of the top and a track with a ball on the base!
I got this mostly because I realized that when I replace the posts it looked more finished if the cat scratching post had a screw on lid at the top of it. It comes in two heights but I got the tallest one!
You can make this post taller when its time to replace the posts with the below replacements.
Do I have To buy all new scratching posts once these get ratty looking? No! There is a solution for that!
It is true if your scratching posts are used by your cats like you want them to be, they’re going to get worn out over time.
At first, I redid my own posts after they were scratched to death and became a eye sore but I found it more time consuming then I thought it would be.
I did more research and found some good replacement post that I screwed into my bases. the links are below.
I also have two quality trees and they’re both dark colored, sisal rope. I found that the dark sisal doesn’t show scratching wear as much.
Plus the cats mostly climb the trees and nap on them. The single posts get much more use and those are the ones I have needed to replace the posts for the most.
Replacement Posts for the First two Cat Scratching Posts:
PETUOL 4pcs M8 Cat scratching Post replacment 15.7 x 3.1” Sisal Pole Cat Tree (cream)
PETUOL 4 pcs M8 Cat Scratching Post Replacement, 15.7”H x 3.1” Cat Tree Replacement Post Jute Pole in grey (but looks light brown)
Other Pricier but Good Looking and Sturdy Cat Scratching Posts I Have Been Happy With:
Ahomdoo Cat Scratching Post, 16”L x 16.1”W x 34”H
I got this post for my living room because my cats like to sit on the top perch and look out the window.
The posts are thicker at 4.3” around which makes it more stable when they scratch on it.
it one of the higher cat scratching post at 34” tall.
It’s aesthetically pleasing with neutral colors that blend with my white windowsills.
The posts are tightly wrapped, smooth white sisal that are still looking good after two years.
TRIXIE Pepino Cat Scratching Post 22.8’L x 22.8”W x 35”H
This cat scratching post looks impressive with posts that are even more substantially larger around which makes it really sturdy.
It’s also tall with a soft seat at the top that is great for curling up for a nap although my cats prefer it without the pillow.
It’s pricier but the rope is tightly wrapped dark charcoal gray that has lasted a long time.
The Cat Trees I Have Been very Happy With are:
Pet Pals Handmade Paper Rope Natural Bowl shaped With Perch Cat Tree ( Lookout Tower) 18'.5“ x 18'.5“ base and 28.5
This is a small, light colored, attractive cat tree for my sons room.
It has a 18.5” x 18.5” wide base and is 28.5” tall. The base has a large cubby hole and a cream sisal tightly wrapped post with a dangling feather and a wonderful basket on top.
My sons cat sleeps every night in the top basket right beside his bed. The kittens have loved the cubby hole in the bottom.
PETEPELA Cat Tree with Litter Box Enclosure Large 56.7”H
Even though this cat tree says large it has a low profile.
It comes in a beige wood with cream fabrics or black with charcoal gray fabrics
It’s a decent height but not too tall and fits perfectly in the corner of my living room.
The base is a really good size at 19.7” x 20.8”
I’ve loved the hidden litter box compartment at the bottom which gives it a sturdy base.
My kittens and cats have loved both the hammock and the top perch.
TRIXIE Bovina Cat Tower for Large Cats 55.5”H
This cat tree is perfect for large cats! And even several large cats together.
It has a wide base sturdy base that’s 23.6” x 23.69 wide. And thick around posts.
Its not your tallest tree at 55.5”H but its large because it’s wide base supports a huge top perch and a very large Hammock on one side and another large platform on the other side.
It has a scratching type ramp at the bottom and a very thick dangling rope in the middle.
It’s a a soft quality cream fabric with dark charcoal tightly wrapped sisal posts. This cat tree has held up very well and all my cats have loved it!
To Sum it all up…
Your cat is going to be less frustrated and happier if you provide cat scratching posts for her to use!
You are going to be happier too because your furniture isn’t going to be ruined!
