Monday, March 25, 2024
HomeMust ReadWhat To Put On Leather Couch To Stop Cat Scratching

What To Put On Leather Couch To Stop Cat Scratching

When It Comes To Furniture Cat Owners Should Keep It Simple

How to Stop Your Cats From Scratching Furniture

Finally, Tamalpais NatureWorks recommends modular furniture made of wood and steel joinery. William Callahan calls it the worlds healthiest and easiest to maintain furniture for people and pets.

If a kitty destroys a table leg, just put a new one in its place, Callahan said.

None of this furniture is upholstered, making it easy to clean and repair.

Stop Your Cat From Clawing Your Furniture

Cat obsessed with scratching? Don’t worry. It’s natural. And necessary. Scratching helps your cat keep his nails clean, healthy, and sharp stretches his shoulder and neck muscles and de-stresses him.

Your pet also scratches as a way to mark its territory. A cats paws contain scent glands, and scratching allows them to release their unique smell in your home. It’s the preferred alternative to peeing as territorial marking.

When your furry friend digs his claws into your favorite recliner or sofa, though, its time to seriously consider ways to save both your furniture and your pet. It’s not at all a hopeless quest. You can try several tools and strategies to steer your kitty away from your prized possessions and maintain mutual respect between the humans and animals in your home.

One of those strategies, however, is not ! Declawing doesn’t just mean a long-term manicure. It’s a full amputation of the cats digits up to the first joint. The painful procedure can create complications, risking your cat’s health. Though once acceptable, declawing is now banned in many countries and U.S. cities because it has been deemed inhumane.

Better alternatives include using positive reinforcement, herbal or citrus sprays, scratching posts, and other deterrents.

Try these seven tips for keeping your cat from scratching your furniture, courtesy of petmd.com, the Humane Society, and Jackson Galaxy, a cat behaviorist and host of the TV show My Cat from Hell:

Also in Purrr Blog

Remove Dead Outer Layers Of Claws

When cats feel that their claws are becoming too long or maybe a bit dirty, they will begin to scratch rougher surfaces like concrete, brick or timber to file their claws down a little. Similar to dogs, cats will scratch their claws in order to file down their nails. They can feel when their nails are becoming a little too long so they will seek out a rough surface like concrete or stone to claw. Repetitive scratching will gradually file down your cats nails to their desired length which is why in most cases you will not need to trim their nails for them because they take care of it themselves. After all, cats are famous for being on top of their hygiene in comparison to dogs at least!

Don’t Miss: Talking Kitty Cat 47

Your Thoughts On Cats Scratching Leather

Do you have any tips, tricks, or stories about cats scratching leather?

Do you have a leather sofa at home? Has your cat ever tried to claw it up? Which section of the couch does your cat like to scratch?

Have you ever tried to repair a leather sofa thats been damaged by cat scratches before? Have you tried anything in terms of prevention? What worked? What hasnt?

Please leave your thoughts and experiences in the comments below Im sure every pet parent in this boat will be grateful for the advice!

Dig KittyClysm? Check out all the other blogs I pen & photograph.

Elises Favourite Tip

One of the most frustrating problems Ive had to deal with as a pet parent is staying on top of my cats desire to play. While this is typically hard to do, toys like these that allow cats to play by themselves make the job one heck of a lot easier.

The hits in my household are ridiculously affordable: cat springs, ball track toys, & kick sticks. I have a slew scattered around the house, so when my cats get bored, even if Im busy or not even home, my furries are able to actively play.

How To Keep A Cat From Scratching Furniture

How To Keep Cats From Scratching Leather Furniture

Though it might feel like it sometimes, your cat doesnt scratch your furniture or carpets to upset you, she scratches to clean the exterior sheath of her nails, remove cuticles and to sharpen her clawsthink of it as a feline manicure! While you cant stop your cat from scratching, theres a lot you can do to protect your furniture and redirect your cats behavior. Here are our top tips for keeping your cat from scratching your furniture.

Don’t Miss: How To Keep Cats Off Outdoor Furniture

Fixing Cat Scratches On Furniture

  • Prepare the damaged area by thoroughly cleaning any grime or dirt off with a cleaning product specifically designed for cleaning leather. Any professional leather care service can recommend a quality brand, often sold in their stores.
  • Trim the loose fibers by clipping with scissors as close to the base of the pilling as possible, being careful not to cut, puncture or cause further damage. Any shorter hairs left behind will not affect the feel and look of the end result, nor the quality of the repair.
  • Apply glue specifically made for binding leather by putting a small amount onto a sponge and rubbing it right into the damaged area. Allow time for the first coat to dry, and re-apply 7 to 9 times to ensure a long-lasting, strong repair.
  • Use fine sandpaper to lightly smooth the area treated with the leather glue. Take your time and use a gentle touch to avoid roughing up the repair. A proper sanding job will produce an even, smooth surface to provide the base for the rest of the repair process.
  • Remove any sandpaper residue to prepare for the heavy filler, a sort of leather putty, application. Using a palette knife, spread the filler in a thin layer on top of the scratches. Allow the filler to dry for 20 to 25 minutes, inspect your work, and reapply an additional layer if needed to fill in gouges, deep scratches, and holes.
  • Also Consider: A Machine

    If you’re using a repellent to keep your pet off the furniture, provide them with a cozy alternative to catnap on, like this machine-washable cat bed. Filled with down alternative, this 20-inch round bed is covered in super-soft suede-like material and has a non-slip bottom with traction. The bed’s available in six colors, including green, yellow, and gray.

    Rave review:“My boys love this bed! I only purchased one bed at first because I wanted to be sure they’d both like it. My cats weigh 12-14 lbs. They have plenty of curl up room. For a newly purchased bed it might help to spray it with liquid catnip. This coaxes the cat to inspect/roll or lay in it.”

    Also Check: How To Clean Up Cat Puke

    Homemade Cat Deterrent Spray

    by Jessica

    This is our sweet Macy Grace. She’s one of our two cats, and that lovely piece of furniture is my new couch, and their new favorite scratching post. I am not pleased. I get it though…cats need to scratch. Let’s not pretend like Macy Grace and Pearl don’t have scratching posts…they do. They’d just rather help me break in the new couch I guess. Also, Pearl has decided that she prefers the area behind Matt’s chair to her litter box . She’s angry at us for bringing in Macy, and that’s just too bad. We love them both…they are our babies, but the nonsense had to stop. I decided to try some things out.

    At first, I tried making a spray using lemon and eucalyptus essential oils. They worked, but after doing some research, I realized that those essential oils were not safe for cats and dogs. So, I had to find one that was safe to use that would be annoying enough to them that they would stop using my furniture as a scratching post and that would deter them from using our living room floor as a litter box. I tried this new cat deterrent spray recipe made with rosemary essential oil, and it is working! The cats aren’t scratching my couch or urinating on our carpet…WIN!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase a product using one of the links I provided, I will receive a small commission.

    To Mark Their Territory

    TIP for How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching the Furniture

    When a cat scratches any surface, sweat travels from their paws down their claws and into the surface that they are scratching. This sweat contains pheromones that cats sensitive noses can smell. By scratching, cats mark their territory as then other cats who smell this scent will know to stay out of this area and find their own space.

    While this is a common reason for cats to scratch in the wild, it is less common for domesticated cats. However, if you live in a multi-cat household, your cat may be scratching your leather furniture to tell your other cats to stay away.

    Even if you have one cat in your household, your cat may feel like they dont have their own space. Cats need to have a private area that they feel is theirs and theirs alone. If your cat feels like they dont have this private space, they could be scratching to mark their territory in an attempt to create an area for themselves.

    Also, if your cat has already marked your territory on your couch, you will need to clean this scent away so that they know it isnt their scratching zone after all.

    Read Also: What Breed Is A Calico Cat

    Can I Stop My Cat From Scratching Leather

    The good news is that you can train your cat to stop touching your leather furniture. In fact, you can likely do so in just a few quick steps! Well explain what you can do to keep your sofa safe. Then, youll no longer have to wonder will cats scratch leather pieces of furniture in your home. Lets begin!

    Viiler Cat Scratcher Pad Velcro Backing Table Chair Couch Leg Wrap

    I didnt actually know these types of products existed until I started researching the types of things out there that work as scratch guards for this post.

    If youve got a cat who likes to scratch chair, table, couch, or sofa legs, this is probably the best bet a wrap you can easily place, take off, and replace whenever you want.

    Read Also: What Was Gargamel’s Cat’s Name

    Cat Parents Should Pick Chenille Versus Microfiber

    Mike McCann of Wholesale Bar Stool Club says thin microfibers, which are often the least expensive items, are easily torn up by cats with claws.

    Microfibers are meant to be easily cleaned of stains and spills, not endure punctures or last for extended periods of time, McCann said.

    He said he believes that with cats, a chenille fabric is best: It is more durable and will withstand more abuse from animals. It may be a little harder to clean, but it will outlast its cheaper microfiber counterpart.

    This contradicts the advice of Kuni Furnitures Elmore above.

    Dont Allow Your Cat On The Furniture

    How To Stop Cats From Scratching The Furniture In Your ...

    Obviously, if the cat is unable to touch the leather, it cannot damage it. This is easier said than done, of course. Cats tend to go wherever they please, and it isnt easy to maintain a close eye on your furniture at all times.

    The good news is, you can train a cat to stay off certain furniture with a reasonable success rate. It wont be 100%, but it can give your leather a better lifespan. To train your cat not to jump on the furniture:

    • Provide an alternative lounging spot for your cat thats near the furniture.
    • When your cat jumps onto the leather, pick it up or shoo it off gently.
    • Try not to frighten the cat, as it may dig in its nails as a reflex.
    • Once the cat is off the leather, place it in the designated spot.
    • Reward your cat with praise, chin scratches, and a treat if possible.
    • When you see your cat using the designated spot without your help, reward and praise it.

    Over time, your cat will realize it can obey you, receive good things, and still get a prime lounging spot. It doesnt need to sacrifice much. Staying off your leather recliner is a small price to pay.

    Of course, your cat may revert if youre not watching. It may also need its training updated every few months. However, it does slash the amount of time the cat spends on your furniture by a wide margin.

    Also Check: What Was Gargamel’s Cat’s Name

    Day Three Make Your Leather Couch Unattractive To Your Cat

    Now that your cat has a few alternative areas to scratch, you can add a couch cover to make your leather furniture a less attractive option for your cat to scratch. You can tuck your couch cover tightly around the scratched area to block access, and spritzing a light citrus scent will further repel your cat.

    Cat Scratching And Homemade Spray

    Here is how you can make a cat scratching furniture spray homemade with citrus-based ingredients to keep your cat away from specific objects.

    Mix 10 drops of citrus-scented essential oils in a spray bottle such as orange or lemon into 8 oz of lukewarm water. Citrus based scents strongly repel cats, and you wont find them anywhere near an object sprayed with the scent. If the scent of citrus fails to produce a desirable effect, you can also try using lavender, eucalyptus, and cinnamon oils. Experiment with different scents before you find which scent is the most effective.

    Shake the mixture thoroughly before applying it to your furniture. Spray a small portion on the back of your furniture to see if the spray will inflict any damage. If it is safe, you may apply it to all the areas that your cat likes to scratch.

    Apply the cat deterrent spray on your furniture on a daily basis while encouraging your cat to make use of its scratching post. Once your cat gets accustomed to its scratcher, you can minimize the amount of spray and eventually stop the action completely.

    While spraying, make sure that you are not over spraying as it can produce an overwhelming scent your cat detests, making it feel like an unwanted pet at home. Over spraying can also lead to surface deterioration and bleaching. So whatever spray you use, whether it is from the market or homemade, ensure that it is safe for your furniture.

    Recommended Reading: Little Alchemy How To Make Cat

    Block Your Kittys Access To Off

    Close the door to the room with off-limit items if you cant watch over her at that time. Confine the kitty in a room with its necessities and remove the valuable objects that may tempt it to scratch.

    Youll be correcting its behavior and your valuables in the process. And, once it gets to learn to scratch only the posts, you can gradually give it its freedom around the house.

    Will Cats Scratch Leather Furniture & How To Save It

    How To Stop Cats From Scratching Furniture

    If youre a cat parent who also loves your furniture, this is likely a common cause of stress. Cats are scratchers, its in their instincts. If you plan on purchasing a new couch, its important to know will cats scratch leather furniture.

    Truth is, cats will scratch almost anything. Leather or not, theyll put their claws into it. So, instead of wondering will cats scratch leather sofa, you should do what you can to protect it. Here is some information you might find interesting, as well as what you can do to keep your furniture safe.

    Don’t Miss: What Was Gargamel’s Cat’s Name

    What Is The Best Cat Scratch Deterrent

    The 8 Best No-Scratch Spray for Cats:

  • Comfort Zone Spray & Scratch Control Spray Best Overall.
  • Pet Organics No Scratch Spray Best Value.
  • Petsvv Cat Scratch Deterrent Spray Premium Choice.
  • SEGMINISMART Cat Scratch Deterrent Spray.
  • SmartyKat Scratch Not Training Spray.
  • Natures Miracle No-Scratch Cat Deterrent Spray.
  • Cat Scratch Guard For Leather Couch

    Various kinds of scratch protectors are available which not only prevent the furniture and other stuff from scratching but also from other harms done by peeing and vomiting.

    If your cat scratches too much and everywhere does she do, sometimes, it is not possible to use protectors everywhere, you have to simply train her for not scratching the important i.e. carpets, furniture etc.

    cats can also feel easily irritable because for protectors as they cant get the feeling they think they should get when they try to scratch the furniture protected with sheets

    Panther Armor Furniture Protectors from Cat Scratch

    Panther armor protector pack has 8 sheets that can be cut into any size you wanted.

    Their premium vinyl sheets are hardly visible and highly strong. Your cat will not like to scratch a furniture which has this kind of protector sheets.

    The surface properties of these sheets will not keep any lint, fur or dust.

    Further, there are twist pins as an attaching medium other than adhesive. So, these are more likely to stay long time.

    You can check more info in this.

    ROLIAT Anti-Scratch Furniture Protectors

    This set offers 6 sheets as a pack.

    Strong materials that will last long even under heavy scratching.

    Roliat protector pads has adhesive to attach them into your furniture.

    The build quality is seeming good even there are flexible.

    Further, there are latex free and non-toxic plastic which is good sign for pets health.

    Check out more info using this .

    Don’t Miss: Untippable Cat Water Fountain

    How Do You Make Cat Deterrent Spray

    • Fill the spray bottle ¾ the way up with water.
    • Add a few drops of dish liquid.
    • Now, add 10 drops of rosemary essential oil.
    • Replace the lid and shake well.

    Macy got a little nosy and wanted to check it out…she didn’t stay long…I don’t think she was too pleased with me.

    Simply spray a bit wherever you want to keep the cats away. I only used it on the corners and arms of our sofa and the area behind Matt’s chair where Pearl has been frequenting. We’ve been using it for a week and it works great. They don’t seem bothered by it, they just avoid the areas where we sprayed it. They still jump up on our laps on the couch and are happy go lucky as usual…lots of purring and loving going on around here, and now mom is happy too! It’s all natural, so there is no worry about hurting your cats at all!

  • cats that like to scratch up your furniture and urinate in unwanted areas? Find my Homemade Cat Deterrent Spray HERE! This stuff works

  • 50 Best DIY Hacks for the New Year – DIY Joysays:
  • cats? Check out my Cat Deterrent Spray to keep your cats from urinating in certain areas and scratching your

  • 31 Brilliantly Clever Cat Hacks – DIY Joysays:
  • your furniture getting clawed to shreds? Make your own cat deterrent spray using water, essential oils, and dish liquid. Its easy to make and will stop your cat from

  • 25 DIY Essential Oil Sprays You Need In Your Home Right Now – DIY & Craftssays:
  • RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular