Scratching and clawing is a natural behavior in cats. Unfortunately, within a human’s home environment, it’s destructive. Luckily, many effective remedies exist to deter unwanted scratching. Here are the 10 most effective.
10. Trim Claws
Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed is the first line of defense. Nails that are not as sharp will do less damage. Plus, shorter nails may reduce your cat’s need to use furniture and carpet to file them down. Special cat nail clippers make the job of trimming easy. Make sure not to cut them too short, it can draw blood.
9. Use a Scratching Post or Scratcher
Your cat needs to scratch, so give them something. For cats who like to claw on furniture or carpet, a traditional scratching post will work best. For cats who like to scratch carpets, a scratcher that lies flat on the floor should do the trick. If your cat doesn’t like the one you purchase, try another one. The more the merrier.
8. Use Double-Sided Sticky Tape
Because cats hate putting their paws on anything sticky, double-sided sticky tape makes a fantastic deterrent. Place the tape over areas your cat likes to scratch. Once the cat notices it’s sticky, it will leave the area alone. The downside is the tape can be inconvenient and sticky for you. It can also be unsightly on curtains, etc.
7. Create Homemade Sprays
Giving your cat a little squirt with water might do the trick. Other options are spraying things you don’t want your cat to scratch with something they don’t like the smell of. A water-apple cider vinegar mixture works well. Citrus sprays can be effective. Create by simmering orange or lemon peels with water, straining, and pouring in a spray bottle.
6. Use Ultrasonic Noise Devices
Ultrasonic noise devices emit a loud, high whistle that cats can hear (but not humans). These devices can be placed near any place your cat likes to scratch. They can trigger automatically or via remote control. On the downside, ensure they aren’t so loud they damage the cat’s hearing. Use care, or they could actually make a cat’s behavior worse.
5. Use Kitty Caps, Soft Paws or Soft Claws
Kitty Caps, Soft Paws, and Soft Claws are all products you can apply to your cat’s nails. These remove the threat of damage while allowing your cat to use its claws naturally. Soft Paws, for example, is similar to using acrylic nails and attaches with glue. The challenge is getting the cat to sit still long enough to apply them.
4. Use Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is an effective deterrent against cats because its sound, texture, and reflection frighten them. Cats are more sensitive to high-pitched sounds like that of crinkling aluminum foil when stepped on, moved, or bent. Place foil over your furniture or rug. Foil works great as a deterrent against jumping on countertops and tables too.
3. Use Plastic Protectors
Plastic covers over furniture are a way to protect it from damage from a scratching cat. They work better than other items because they cover the entire couch or chair. Sure, plastic furniture covers are a disparaging stereotype associated with old people. But if you want to save your furniture from cat claws it might be worth becoming a cliché.
Read More: 10 Essential Things Every New Kitten Owner Should Do
2. Use Barriers
Another way of protecting the interior of your home against damage from your cat’s scratching is to limit their access to certain areas. Where possible, shut doors to close off rooms completely. For areas that lack doors, use pet or baby gates, stacked boxes, or other types of tall barriers to prevent a cat from entering.
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1. Use Gentle Scolding
Gently scold your cat to discourage scratching by saying NO sharply or making a hissing noise similar to theirs. This only works if you catch the cat during scratching or when about to scratch. They won’t understand if you do it any other time. Yelling at your cat will backfire, making them frightened, and may break their bond with you.
Read More: How to Discipline a Cat the Right Way
