23 December, 2019 By: Tatum Stafford
Here are a few reasons scratching helps our feline friends - and how to discourage them from using your couch as their scratching toy.
Why do cats scratch?
- Exercise
Cats think of scratching like we think of yoga - because while scratching, a cat will stretch their entire body from its claws to its paws.
- Grooming
When a cat scratches, they're also sharpening their nails and helping to remove their nail sheath. This is a practice of good hygiene that helps prevent damage or ingrown claws.
- Marking their territory
As cats have scent markers in between the pads of their paws, when they scratch they leave behind their scent to show others they're in the area.
- Stress relief
Cats will also scratch to relieve stress - though if your cat is excessively scratching or licking itself, this may be indicative of health or behavioural issues and may require medical attention.
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How to stop cats from scratching furniture
The first step in the deterrent process for cats scratching furniture is to direct your pet to a 'scratch-friendly' location to make your furniture seem less appealing. A great way to do this is with a scratching post. They come in all sizes and materials and can be placed in any corner of the house.
Another way to deter your cat from the furniture is to place double-sided tape or products such as 'Sticky Paws' over the places that they have been scratching. Your cat won't like the feeling of the tape against their claws, so this will effectively deter them from scratching your furniture.
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