Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and as such, they should not be punished for it. That said, they shouldn't use your furniture as scratching posts, and this intel will show you how to prevent your cat from destroying your furniture. But first, a basic explanation of why cats scratch. It is a lot more than just shedding the outer layer of their nails, or sharpening them - the scratching act also serves as an outlet for emotions as well. Yes! Cats feel. Whenever they're happy, or stressed, they scratch to relieve themselves. Cats also scratch to mark territories. This will explain why they never use a scratching post you specifically bought for them and placed at the corner of the room. Simply put, your cat doesn't like the location. Last but not least, cats scratch to stretch their muscles on their backs.
Speaking of scratching posts, every household with a cat should have one. Especially if kitty is a fully indoor cat. However, not just any scratching post will do - an ideal scratching post should be tall (at least the length of the cat, standing up), covered in a rough material like sisal, and sturdy. Nothing deters a cat away from a scratching post like an unsturdy base. Imagine her going at it happily and all of sudden it fell over with a crash! It will frighten her and never again will she use it.
The next important thing is location. If you think you can place the scratching post in a corner of a room/laundry room/toilet room, you're sadly mistaken. As mentioned earlier, cats scratch to mark territories. And they mark worthwhile territories!
Place it next to the sofa she is currently sinking her nails into. Lots of cats don't know what a scratching post is for, so educate her. This is important though - NEVER lift and place her paws on the scratching post. She/He won't like it and will not appreciate your obvious hint. Instead, you can try taking her plaything - anything with copious amount of her saliva on it, and rub it vigorously all over the scratching post. What this will do is to transfer her smell over. Another thing you can do, is to show her like mama cat. Run your nails lightly over the scratching post while she's watching. And hopefully, she'll join in.
If that still won't work, try dangling her favorite toy and have a mini-game beside the scratching post. She will swat, bat, and chase the toy and accidentally land her paws on the scratching post.
If you have any catnip, it's time to break it out! Catnip is a type of herb that puts cats into a 'happy' or euphoric state, and does not harm the cat. However, catnips should be used sparingly (once a week) to prevent it from losing its effect. Spray it (if in spray can form) or sprinkle it (if in loose herb form) on the scratching post, and watch her go crazy! Catnip works on 80% of the world's cat population, so keep in mind it might not work on your cat.
If you spot kitty still scratching your sofa, it's time to throw your sofa out. *LOL* Just kidding! No, what you can do, is to apply double-tape on the edges or where she scratches the most. Cats dislike sticky feeling on their paws. If that won't work, bring in reinforcements. Squirt her with a spray gun set to stream and say "No!" loudly.
And after she has 'migrated' over to the post, you can start moving it slowly and inch by inch to your preferred spot.
With patience and consistency, your cat will behave in no time.
