Help! My cat is scratching the couch, how do I stop this?

Are you familiar with this scenario? Or do you want to avoid at all costs your brand new sofa becoming your cat's favorite scratching post? Cats scratch, and that's perfectly normal, but does it have to be exactly where you don't want it? Read some tips below.

Why does the cat scratch?

It might be good to first understand why cats feel the need to scratch. Scratching is normal, natural cat behavior. Cats scratch for several reasons, namely the following:

• Territory marking: A cat's paws contain scent glands, and by scratching things, scents are released that mark its territory. It is important for the social structure of cats to use this communication method. Even if you only have one cat in your household, she will feel the need to communicate information in this way.
  
  
•  Claw maintenance: Regular scratching helps remove the outer sheath of the nails, keeping the claw healthy.
  
  
• Stress relief: When a cat is stressed, she also scratches to release scent. Smelling her own scent feels familiar and safe.
  
  
• Stretching: Securing her claws and stretching on a scratching post provides extensive stretching of the muscles and tendons in a cat's body, from toes to neck and shoulders.

 The right place to scratch

It is now clear that your cat has a natural need to scratch. The trick is to get him to scratch at your scratching post, scratching board, or other scratching object instead of your sofa. Therefore, it is recommended to provide multiple scratching places in your home in the material your cat prefers.

Moreover, the location of the scratching post is also important. If the scratching post is not in the right place or is not long enough, your cat will still prefer to use your couch. Therefore, pay close attention to the following points when choosing a scratching post:

• Place it near the door or by the cat's sleeping place. This way, he can stretch after a nap and it is also good for his need to mark.
  
  
• Does your cat prefer to scratch horizontally or vertically? Try both options.
  
  
• Make sure the scratching post is long enough for your cat to stretch. 
  
  
• Does your cat prefer the fabric sofa, wooden table leg, or wicker carpet? Choose a scratching post in the material your cat prefers to scratch.
  
  
• Provide multiple scratching posts and boards, in different places, large and small.
  
  
• Cats love stability to really let loose. Therefore, make sure the scratching post is stable.
  
  

No! Or not?

Prevention is certainly better than cure. It is very difficult to unlearn cat behavior, and cats scratch no matter what; you can't completely stop them. Therefore, it's best to start with a scratching post as early as possible. Reward your cat when he goes to the scratching post and when he scratches there. Try not to punish your cat when he scratches the sofa; he will get even more stressed and... scratch! You can make the scratching post extra appealing by sprinkling some catnip on it.

Good luck!