DOES YOUR CAT SCRATCH?

HOW TO STOP A CAT SCRATCHING FURNITURE?

How to stop cats from scratching

1

Clean all marks made by your cat scratching

  • With warm water and soap
  • This removes the 'territory messages' left by your cat's paws on the object
2

Stop cat scratching with FELIWAY Optimum

  • If your cat is already scratching in inappropriate areas, use FELIWAY Optimum
  • FELIWAY Optimum is scientifically proven to help reduce stress-related scratching
  • Its message of enhanced serenity provides reassurance to your cat so they no longer feel the need to scratch and mark their territory
3

Redirect your cat's scratching with FELIWAY Classic Spray

  • Spray the area where your cat scratches with FELIWAY Classic Spray (after cleaning the area first)
  • This leaves reassuring messges so your cat no longer feels the need to scratch in the area
  • Place a scratching post close by to encourage your cat to use this instead
  • Clinically proven to be effective
4

Follow scratching post “golden rules”

  • Sturdy and should not wobble when being used
  • Tall enough, should allow your cat to fully stretch when scratching
  • Place post near areas of unwanted scratching. Or place it near where your cat sleeps
  • One scratching post per cat

We recommend:

FELIWAY Optimum Starter Kit

The most advanced FELIWAY solution to help solve the common signs of stress in cats:

  • Scratching,
  • Urine spraying,
  • Tension and Conflict between cats,
  • Hiding,
  • Reactions to changes.
BUY NOW

FELIWAY Classic Spray

FELIWAY Classic Spray helps to soothe your cat during travel and provides additional help at home.

  • Transporting in a cat carrier
  • Vet visits
  • Targeted action on marked areas (urine or scratching)
BUY NOW

As seen on TV

Recommended by vets

+ 1 million Facebook likes

+ 25 years of expertise

Testimonials

Find out how FELIWAY helped these cats to stop scratching:

Scratching

Gomette

Here is Gomette. She is 3 years old. She is very playful and cuddly. I found a new job to which I have to devote more time. I think she reacted badly to being home alone. As I was not there, she decided to show me her displeasure. She started scratching my leather couch.

See the video

FELIWAY Classic

Scratching

Cassius

Cassius Disco was a stray cat. When we adopted him, we quickly became attached to him. But when we moved, he was very disturbed by all the works. Then, when the baby arrived, tensions increased. He started to scratch everywhere, to bite and he even settled in our baby's bed.

See the video

FELIWAY Classic

Scratching

Sunny & Star

Sunny and Star love to scratch rugs and carpets. There was a time when I spent more time at home, which coincided with the urge to do some work and redecorate the house. There has been a lot of change and I was afraid that the urine marking and scratching behaviors would return.

FELIWAY Optimum

Why do cats scratch?

Scratching is a natural need for all cats. When scratching, they mark their territory. This territory marking is both visible (the scratched lines) and invisible! Indeed, cats leave “territory messages” coming from their paws, that only other cats can perceive.
When cats are uncomfortable they will scratch more, and this can become an issue if this happens on your sofa, walls, doors or furniture!
In many cases, scratching in your home is in fact your cat’s way of coping with something stressful. It is particularly true for kitten and newly adopted cats, who are discovering their new home.


How can you tell if your cat's scratching is related to stress?

  • Your cat is scratching in many areas in the house (on furniture, sofa, chairs...)

  • Your cat is scratching near windows and doors

  • You have 2 or more cats

  • There are many cats in the neighbourhood (other cats living close to your home)

  • There have been recent changes in your home (like new furniture or moving furniture around)

THINGS TO TRY AT HOME TO STOP YOUR CAT RUINING YOUR FURNITURE

There are many anecdotal ways to stop cats scratching furniture. Some of these involve homeopathy or old wives tales.

Cats scratching is normal and essential for cats. It helps them tell other cats that it is their territory.

Also it is an indicator of a cats feelings, if your cat is feeling uncomfortable then the may scratch more and in more places.

What ever the reason for the scratching a cat needs to scratch especially when they first wake up in the morning.

So placing a scratching post near their bed is ideal.

Other solutions to stop cat scratching include adding various ingredients (which cats do not like) to water and spraying on furniture. Just be careful that the ingredients you use do not damage your furniture.

The alternative the these home remedies is to use a scientifically proven product like the products in the FELIWAY range.

To read more our article on alternatives or home remedies to stop cats from scratching the furniture.

SHOULD I TRIM MY CAT'S NAILS?

When nails are not maintained, they can become a problem for your cat. Cats are generally able to maintain their claws effectively when they have something to scratch. Scratching objects come in many forms; cardboard, rope, etc, as posts, pads and vertical or horizontal orientation. If your cat is not interested in a scratching post, offer them another sort and consider where it is located. Check out our article on caring for cats' claws for more information.