Ever wondered why your cats scratch the furniture?  Cats use claw scratching mainly to mark their territory (by secretions from glands found at the nail base), basically saying “this is mine!”  However it also serves to stretch the muscles and maintain the claws in good condition.  They may also scratch to get their owners attention.

Scratching is normal behaviour for cats, so we need to provide some outlet for this behaviour so reduce the risk of more destructive behaviours don’t occur out of frustration.  Cats prefer vertical surfaces that are stable and high enough for a full body stretch. They also prefer certain textures including sisal rope, rush matting, carpet, cardboard, leather and soft wood.  Unfortunately our furniture often has just the right texture, and it doesn't take long for a cat to wreck your new furniture!

Horizontal scratching posts can also be used such as durable cardboard blocks.  Scratching surfaces should be positioned near sleeping areas and at the entry to the house (where new smells are brought in).  This is more likely to encourage your cat to scratch (mark their territory) on the post provided and not your furniture.

Scratching posts or blocks can be made more attractive by applying a new product called Feliscratch (from the makers of Feliway).  Feliscratch encourages cats to scratch by leaving a scent (pheromone) similar to those left by the glands beside that cats claws, as well as creating a visual line to scratch on.

You can discourage your cat from continuing to scratch your furniture by temporarily covering affected areas with something like tin-foil (which they don't like the touch or sound of) or sticky paper such as Sticky Paws.  Alternatively you can try placing scratching poles temporarily in front of these affected areas, to break the habit.  It may help to spray new furniture with Feliway so that the cat doesn't feel the need to mark it as part of their territory.

We must remember that scratching is a normal and healthy behaviour for cats and providing the opportunity to scratch in the correct place is important for a happy cat.