Cats seem to have a vendetta against furniture. Why are they such determined furniture destroyers?
The carnage does not end with the furniture, as cats will also go after your upholstery, carpets, and anything else they can sink their claws into, leaving you wondering what you could have done to warrant such treatment from your pet.
Nevertheless, cats do not scratch up your stuff for fun (well, maybe a little); they have valid reasons for doing so. In this article, we shall discuss why cats scratch furniture, in addition to providing you with solutions to this problem.
The 3 Reasons Why Cats Scratch Furniture
Your cat does not scratch your furniture because they hate you.
The various reasons for this behavior boil down to one thing: instinct. Scratching is instinctual to the Felidae family, which comprises all animals colloquially known as cats, from the mighty tiger to your kitty.
Cats scratch for several important reasons, some of which include:
1. Nail Grooming
A cat needs to keep its claws sharp. This is because their claws act as digits or fingers, too. They use them to grab things, fight, and communicate through scratching. However, unlike typical nails, claws do not grow continuously.
Instead, the newer, sharper claw grows inside the older, withering claw. Therefore, to expose the new claw, they must remove the older claw, acting as a sheath or husk. Scratching is the most effective way of doing that.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
2. Communication
Scratching lets your cat send an important message to other cats, like “This scratched item is mine, and nobody should touch it.” As you already know, cats are territorial. Even among siblings, if one cat claims something, the others try not to cross that boundary. This is why a cat will never use another’s bed or favorite toy.
Scratching also allows cats to scent mark their territory, thanks to the sweat glands on their inner paws.
3. Exercise and Stress Relief
You will notice that cats tend to combine scratching with stretching. This is not coincidental, as combining these movements allows cats to effectively target the muscles in their forelimbs and spines.
Scratching also acts as a form of stress relief, explaining why cats tend to scratch more when distressed.
As you can see, cats do not mean any harm when they scratch; they are simply following their instincts. However, why do they prefer furniture?
The reason is simple: your couch or table is a sturdy surface. As mentioned, cats love combining scratching with stretching. As such, the surface should be sturdy enough to bear the cat’s weight. Additionally, fabrics feel great against the cat’s claws.
How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching Your Furniture
Frustrated with their pet, some owners resort to declawing theircatst. However, declawing is an inhumane practice banned in most countries, including the United States. Declawing is not only painful but also handicaps the cat. According to the Humane Society, declawing a cat is akin to cutting off a human’s fingers at the last knuckle.
Fortunately, there are simpler but more effective solutions to this problem. They include:
1. Buying a Cat ScratcherAss the name suggests,a cat scratcher is a tool designed specifically for scratching by cats. As such, itgives your cath a scratching surface that feels natural to them. However, these toys can vary significantly in quality, so it’s important you know what you are buying.
The Hepper Hi-Lo Modern Cat Scratcher is a functional and stylish design that makes it the ultimate scratching spot for your cat – and a superhero in the battle against furniture destruction. Unlike most cat toys that end up being ignored, this one's a crowd-pleaser for both cats and their hoomans.
With its 3 configurations, thick textured cardboard, and solid birch plywood frame, it encourages your cat's natural scratching instincts, so they stay away from your precious furniture, rugs, and curtains, among all other things they shouldn't scratch. The Hi-Lo is like your home's mini guardian, keeping it safe while looking super sleek and trendy.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
2. Use Anti-Scratch Tape
The sticky nature of anti-scratch tape is extremely annoying to cats. Simply place strips of this tape on your furniture, and your cat will start looking elsewhere. Here is a good and affordable anti-scratch tape.
3. Use Vinyl Guards
Vinyl is not a good scratching surface, which is why installing clear vinyl panels on your furniture would be an excellent idea.
Conclusion
When you decide to share your living space with any pet, you must learn everything you need to know about them. This way, you will know what to expect from the animal. Unfortunately, most new cat owners make the mistake of assuming that caring for cats is a breeze, only for the animal to wreak havoc on their furniture.
The good news is that you do not have to stop your cat from scratching. The solutions provided in this article should help you and your cat to find a happy medium.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
- 1 The 3 Reasons Why Cats Scratch Furniture
- 2 How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching Your Furniture
- 2.1 1. Buying a Cat ScratcherAss the name suggests,a cat scratcher is a tool designed specifically for scratching by cats. As such, itgives your cath a scratching surface that feels natural to them. However, these toys can vary significantly in quality, so it’s important you know what you are buying.
- 2.2 2. Use Anti-Scratch Tape
- 2.3 3. Use Vinyl Guards
- 3 Conclusion
