As much as we love our Maine Coons, one of the biggest challenges of cat ownership is dealing with their natural instinct to scratch. Scratching is a normal and healthy behavior for cats, but it can be destructive to our furniture and belongings. In this blog, we'll explore some effective strategies for stopping your cat from scratching furniture.
1. Provide an alternative scratching surface!
One of the easiest ways to stop your cat from scratching furniture is to provide them with a suitable alternative. Scratching posts and pads are available in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can find one that your cat will enjoy using. Encourage your cat to use the scratching post by placing it in an area where they spend a lot of time, such as near their favorite sleeping spot. Below you will see my favorite scratching post. This is perfect for big cats like Maine Coon cats, it is 34 inches tall, and my cats love it. Click on the picture to purchase it.
2. Use positive reinforcement
Cats respond well to positive reinforcement, so when you catch your cat using their scratching post, be sure to reward them with treats, praise, or playtime. This will help reinforce the idea that scratching the post is a good behavior. This is my favorite cat's snacks, they are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside along with the delicious chicken flavor, made my cat go crazy for these treats. Click on the image to purchase those delicious treats.
3. Make the furniture unappealing
Another way to stop your cat from scratching furniture is to make it less appealing to them. Try covering the furniture with aluminum foil or double-sided tape, as cats typically don't like the feeling of these materials on their paws. You can also try spraying the furniture with a citrus-scented spray, as cats tend to dislike the smell of citrus.
4. Trim your cat's claws
Regularly trimming your cat's claws can help reduce the damage caused by scratching. Use a pair of pet nail clippers to carefully trim the tips of your cat's claws, being careful not to cut the quick (the pink part of the claw that contains blood vessels and nerves). If you're unsure how to trim your cat's claws, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer for guidance. This is one of the top-quality professional cat nail clippers on the market. Click on the image to purchase your clipper.
5. Nail caps
Another effective strategy to stop a cat from scratching furniture is to use nail caps. Nail caps are small, plastic caps that are glued onto a cat's claws, covering the sharp tips and preventing them from causing damage. They are safe and humane, and most cats quickly adapt to wearing them. To use nail caps, you'll need to purchase a set in the appropriate size for your cat. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can find one that matches your cat's fur or personality. To apply the nail caps, first trim your cat's claws as you would normally. Then, gently slide the nail cap over the claw, using a small amount of adhesive glue to hold it in place. Be sure to check the nail caps regularly and replace them as needed. While nail caps can be a useful tool in preventing furniture damage, they should be used in conjunction with other strategies, such as providing an alternative scratching surface and using positive reinforcement. Remember, scratching is a natural behavior for cats, so it's important to provide them with an appropriate outlet for their scratching instincts. By using a combination of these strategies, you can help your cat develop healthy scratching habits and protect your furniture at the same time. Those are my favorite nail caps. Soft Claws nail caps for cats were both developed by a veterinarian, these are vinyl nail caps and covers that work great for problem cat scratching. Click on the image to purchase them.
6. Use deterrents
If your cat continues to scratch furniture despite your efforts to provide alternatives, you may need to resort to using deterrents. These can include products such as motion-activated sprays or noise-making devices that startle your cat when they attempt to scratch. Alternatively, you can try using a cat pheromone spray, which can help reduce your cat's desire to scratch.
In conclusion, stopping a cat from scratching furniture requires patience and persistence, but it can be done. By providing an alternative scratching surface, using positive reinforcement, making the furniture unappealing, trimming your cat's claws, using nail caps and using deterrents, when necessary, you can help your cat break the habit of scratching your furniture and enjoy a happier, healthier relationship with your Maine coon cat.