How to Redirect Your Cat’s Scratching
Protect your furniture while supporting the natural scratching behavior your cat needs.
LOLena OrtizFeline BehavioristUpdated August 19, 20265 min read
A calm, safety-first approachThis guide provides general education. Contact your veterinarian when symptoms are painful, persistent, or unusual.
- 1
Notice their preferences
Watch where, when, and how your cat scratches. Some prefer tall vertical posts while others choose flat cardboard surfaces.
- 2
Place a better option nearby
Put a sturdy scratching surface directly beside the furniture your cat uses. It should be tall enough for a full-body stretch.
- 3
Make the new spot rewarding
Use play, praise, and treats around the new scratcher. Catnip can help some adult cats investigate.
Good to know: Never punish scratching. It can increase stress without teaching your cat where to scratch instead.
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