Does your couch have more fringe than fabric? Here is a quick-and-dirty guide to redirecting your tiny tyrant and save your furniture.

Scratching is a natural and necessary behavior the helps cats shed outer claw layers, mark territory, and get a full body stretch. The problem is that your couch is the purr-fect scratching material.

1. Give Them the Right Alternative

   This is the most crucial step. Your cat is scratching because it meets their needs; it's sturdy, tall, and made of satisfying material. Seriously, can you blame them?

   • Offer Variety: Do they like to scratch horizontally (like on a rug) or vertically (like the side of your couch)? Try both tall, sisal rope post or space-saving wall scratcher. Many cats love corrugated cardboard scratchers.

   • Location, Location, Location; Place the new scratcher directly in front of the spot they usually attack. Cats scratch to mark territory in high-traffic, visible areas, so don't hid the post in the back room! There are lots of great stylish cat-scratchers on the market.

   • Make it Irresistible: Paws-down, Cat Crack catnip is the way to go. I wouldn't even shop around. Rub some into the scratcher and grab your camera for some great videos.

2. Make the Couch Unappealing

   • While your cat is learning to use their new scratcher, make their old favorite spot (your couch) totally un-fun. You don't need punishment; just texture they hate (think nails on a chalkboard).

     1. Double -sided Tape: Apply sticky, double-sided anti-scratch tape to the corners they target. Cats hate the tacky feel on their paws

     2. Covers/Deterrents: Temporarily drape a blanket or place a vinyl carpet runner (spikey side up) near the area.

3. Reinforce Paws-ative Behavior

   When your cat finally uses the scratcher instead of your couch, give that overlord a treat, a quick pet, and some praise.

   Don't yell or spray water when they scratch the sofa; this will only teach them to rear you or scratch when you're not looking. Instead, gently pick them up and redirect them to the post.

It takes consistency, but by providing an alternative, you'll likely save your couch. If not, and anyone asks, just tell them it's an exclusive distressed fabric. No one has to know the "designer" has four paws and sleeps 18 hours a day.