The Scratching Instinct in Cats
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch objects for several reasons. Scratching allows cats to remove the dead outer layer of their claws and mark their territory with scent glands in their paws [1]. Scratching also stretches their bodies and works their foot muscles. Additionally, cats scratch to leave visual territorial markers using their claws. Vertical surfaces like furniture are ideal targets for scratching because they allow cats to get a good grip and fully stretch out.
Since scratching is an innate behavior for cats, they will be strongly motivated to continue this activity. Cats that are not provided with appropriate places and materials to scratch will often turn to furniture, carpets, and other household items. Providing acceptable scratching posts can help divert cats away from furniture, but training and deterrents may also be needed to fully stop furniture scratching.
Using Vinegar as a Deterrent
Vinegar can be an effective deterrent for cats scratching furniture due to its strong smell and taste. When applied to surfaces, the acidic vinegar creates an unpleasant odor that cats dislike. Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, so the pungent smell of vinegar is off-putting to them.
In addition, some cats may try to taste surfaces that have been sprayed with vinegar. Upon tasting the vinegar, they will likely pull away and avoid scratching there again. The sour, acidic taste of vinegar is unappealing to cats.
By using vinegar to make furniture and household objects smell and taste unpleasant, the goal is that cats will avoid scratching there. It provides a passive yet effective deterrent. However, the vinegar smell will also dissipate over time, so reapplication will be required.
Some key tips when using vinegar as a scratch deterrent include:
- Use white or apple cider vinegar and spray it directly on the surfaces you want to protect.
- Let the vinegar soak in for several minutes before letting your cat access the area.
- Reapply the vinegar every couple of days or when you notice the smell fading.
- Focus on applying vinegar to specific tempting scratch zones like chair legs or couch corners.
With repeated and consistent use, vinegar can teach cats to avoid areas that are unpleasant to their senses. However, it’s important to also provide acceptable scratching zones and use other training techniques as well. Vinegar should not be used as the sole deterrent.
Applying Vinegar to Furniture
When applying vinegar to furniture to deter cats from scratching, it’s important to follow some best practices to get the best results. According to sources, the most effective method is to dilute white vinegar with water in a spray bottle in a 1:1 ratio. Lightly mist the areas on furniture where the cat tends to scratch, focusing on corners, edges, and sides of furniture. The vinegar smell is unpleasant for cats and acts as a deterrent.
For best results, experts recommend spraying vinegar daily or every other day for 2-3 weeks to establish an ongoing scent deterrent. After the initial training period, maintenance spraying 1-2 times per week is usually sufficient to keep cats away. Thoroughly cleaning the furniture first provides a blank slate before applying the vinegar. Some tips are to reapply after rain or cleaning, concentrate on frequently scratched areas, and spray additional fabrics the cat is attracted to scratching.
Start with a lighter application as too much vinegar can damage or stain some furniture surfaces and fabrics. Slowly increase frequency and amount as needed. One source suggests mixing in a few drops of essential oils like lavender, citrus, peppermint or lemongrass to help mask the vinegar smell for humans.
Other Smell Deterrents
In addition to vinegar, there are several other smell deterrents that can help stop cats from scratching furniture. Some common options include:
Citrus – Cats tend to dislike the smell of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. You can rub citrus peels directly on furniture or make a spray using citrus essential oils and water. One DIY citrus spray combines lemon juice, rosemary oil, and water.
Perfumes/Colognes – Strong perfumes and colognes with musky scents can deter cat scratching. Spray a small amount onto targeted areas of furniture. However, avoid using perfumes if you have asthma or allergies.
Mint – Minty scents from plants like peppermint and spearmint can repel cats. Use fresh mint leaves or mint oils to create a scratch deterrent spray.
Herbs – Other strong herb scents like eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender may curb scratching. Apply dried herbs or herbal oils directly onto furniture.
Essential Oils – Oils like citronella, lemongrass, and tea tree oil can be diluted and sprayed onto furniture. You can also soak cotton balls in oils and place them around scratched areas.
While smell repellents are easy to apply, they provide only temporary protection. Reapply them frequently to maintain their effectiveness. Proper training and adequate scratching posts are still the best long-term solutions.
Physical Deterrents
In addition to vinegar, there are some other physical deterrents that can prevent cats from scratching furniture. Two popular options are double-sided sticky tape and aluminum foil.
Deterrent tapes like Sticky Paws can be applied to furniture, floors, and other surfaces. The stickiness startles cats when they try to scratch, teaching them to avoid that area. Tapes come in various widths and can be cut to size. They are easy to apply and remove. However, some cats may get used to the stickiness over time.
Aluminum foil is another deterrent cats dislike. The texture and sound foil makes when scratched keeps cats away. Foil can be wrapped around furniture legs or placed on surfaces like counters and shelves. It’s a budget-friendly option but needs frequent replacement as it tears easily. The crinkly noise may also be unpleasant for owners.
Other physical deterrents include plastic furniture covers, cardboard scratchers placed on furniture, and double-sided plastic pet mats with pointy nubs. All these make scratching uncomfortable for cats without damaging furniture or harming cats.
Providing Acceptable Scratching Posts
It is important to provide cats with acceptable and appealing scratching posts. Scratching is a natural instinct for cats – it helps them remove dead layers from their claws, stretch their bodies, and mark their territory with scents [1]. If cats don’t have appropriate scratching outlets, they are likely to turn to furniture and carpets instead.
Cats often prefer vertical scratching posts that are stable, durable, and covered in an appealing texture like sisal, cardboard, or carpet. The posts should be tall enough for the cat to fully stretch and scratch. Multiple posts around the home allow cats to scratch in the rooms they frequent.
Providing appealing scratching posts caters to cats’ natural instincts in a furniture-friendly way. Pairing the posts with positive reinforcement when they are used can train cats to scratch there instead of furniture. Well-placed scratching posts can satisfy cats’ scratching needs and prevent damage around the home.
Trimming Claws
Trimming your cat’s claws regularly can help deter scratching furniture. Cat claws continuously grow and need to be trimmed every 2-3 weeks1. Trimming the sharp tips of the claws reduces damage to household items and furniture. It’s ideal to trim claws when cats are relaxed and calm. Introduce trimming when young and make it a positive routine with treats. Use high quality cat nail clippers for a quick and precise trim.
Trimming only blunts the claw tips and does not remove the inner claw. Cats still retain the ability to grip, scratch, and climb after trimming. However, the blunted claws do not catch and snag on fabric and upholstery in the same way. Cats may still attempt to scratch furniture after trimming, but the damage is greatly reduced. Consistently trimming claws every 2-3 weeks can deter scratching damage from accumulating.
Trimming claws does not prevent scratching behavior entirely, as cats have a natural instinct to scratch. Providing acceptable scratching posts and surfaces is still important. But regularly trimming claws can significantly reduce damage to household furnishings.
Training Cats Not to Scratch
There are several effective training methods you can use to discourage your cat from scratching furniture:
Redirect scratching – When you catch your cat scratching furniture, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise like a handclap. Immediately redirect their scratching instinct to an acceptable scratching post. Praise and reward them when they use the post.
Apply deterrent sprays – Spray surfaces with pet-safe anti-scratch sprays containing citrus or lavender oils. Cats dislike these smells. Reapply frequently at first.
Use sticky tape – Cover furniture with double-sided tape. Cats dislike the sticky sensation on their paws. Apply new pieces regularly.
Trim claws – Keeping claws neatly trimmed reduces scratching damage. Introduce trims slowly with treats to keep the experience positive.
Consider synthetic feline pheromones – Products like Feliway contain artificial pheromones that can reduce stress and unwanted behaviors like scratching. Use as directed.
Be patient and consistent when training cats. It may take time and persistence before you see results. If these methods are ineffective after several weeks, consult with your veterinarian or a professional animal behaviorist for guidance.
When to Seek Professional Help
Most minor cat scratches do not require professional medical attention. However, you should seek help from your doctor or veterinarian if:
- The scratch is deep and bleeding significantly.
- The wound shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus (Healthline).
- You develop a fever or enlarged lymph nodes after being scratched (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
- The cat that scratched you is stray, sick, or its vaccination status is unknown.
- You have a weakened immune system or chronic illness.
- The scratch is on your face, joints, or genitals.
- You have not had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years.
Seeking timely medical care is crucial for serious bites and scratches. Cat scratch disease, a bacterial infection, can develop from a minor scratch or bite (AAFP). Though rare, it causes swollen lymph nodes and fever if left untreated. Let your doctor know if a cat scratch continues to cause pain, swelling, or other worrying symptoms.
Key Takeaways
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch objects in order to remove the dead outer layer of their claws and mark territory with scent glands in their paws. While vinegar can be an effective smell deterrent for cats and prevent them from scratching furniture, it needs to be reapplied frequently. There are also other smell deterrents like citrus, as well as physical deterrents like double-sided tape, aluminum foil, plastic carpeting, or plastic furniture covers that can be used. Providing acceptable and attractive scratching posts is also important, and should be made of materials cats like to scratch such as sisal, cardboard, wood, or carpet. Trimming claws regularly can help minimize damage. With training techniques like positive reinforcement and diversion, cats can also learn not to scratch furniture. In more difficult cases, consulting a cat behaviorist may be needed.