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Cats scratch furniture for many reasons such as territorially markings where they make a piece of your furniture a part of them by leaving their scent. They scratch to keep their body in shape and sometimes for the sheer pleasure of scratching. To get your cat to stop scratching your furniture you need to redirect them to more suitable objects. There are many ways to prevent indoor cats from scratching furniture.

Choosing the proper scratch post

Your first approach to prevent your cat from scratching your furniture is to give your cat a good alternative in the form of a scratching post. Try to purchase a scratch post that is at least twenty eight inches high which gives kitty lots of space to cover. The texture on the covering of your scratch post is also very important. Every cat has its own likes and dislikes with material, what may work for one may not necessarily work for the other. Try to choose a scratch post that has several different type materials such as wood, cardboard, carpet and even some sisal textile incorporated into its making. This will give your cat several options to scratch on.

Placing the scratch post correctly

Don't try to place your cats scratching post in an inconspicuous corner. Bring it into where your cat seems to scratch the most. Place the post directly in front of this piece of furniture whether it's the couch or your recliner. When it is placed secure it to the floor. If your cat does use it and it topples over you will have a difficult time in getting him to use it again. Once the scratch post is in place there are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to use it.

Things you can do to encourage your cat

Treats are a wonderful distraction so if you notice that your cat is getting ready to attack your furniture once again, go get the treats. Place a few on top of the scratch post to get your cat use to the feel of it in under her paws. If he starts to scratch wait until your sure he is finished and reward him with more treats and lots of praise. Catnip sprayed on the scratch post will certainly get your cat interested in the scratch post. Have more than one scratch post available. When cats wake up from a sleep the first reaction is to stretch those lazy muscles so have a scratch pad close to his bed. You have to capitalize on every opportunity you can while teaching your cat to use his scratch post. Soon you will be seeing a difference in his preference for scratching and his scratch post will become his favorite place.

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