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Scratching is a natural and necessary behavior that helps cats shed outer claw layers, mark territory, and get a full body stretch. The problem is - your couch is the purr-fect scratching material.
Give Them the Right Alternative
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 wall-mounted 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.
Make the Couch Unappealing
Reinforce Paws-a-tive 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 fear 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 from having more fringe than you'd like. If not, and anyone asks, just tell them it's an exclusive designer fabric. No one has to know the "designer" has four paws and sleeps 18 hours a day.
