How to Prevent Cats from Destructing New Furniture: Tips and Tricks

Dealing with a new cat scratching your furniture? There are several strategies you can employ to prevent this from happening and encourage your feline friend to use their designated scratching post. Let's explore these methods and ensure your new furniture stays in pristine condition.

Using Protection and Deterrents

One effective way to protect your new furniture is by using corner protectors, which are widely available online from retailers such as Walmart or Amazon. Another is to temporarily cover your furniture with boards or protective covers until your cat learns to use the scratching post.

Another popular method is to incorporate strong-smelling essential oils, sprayed in a mixture of alcohol, to make your furniture less appealing. A simple mixture can be created using 5-10 drops of the chosen oils in 8 oz of alcohol. Common scents include citrus, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and lavender. Spray this mixture onto your furniture, and avoid overusing as it can also be deterrent to your cat. Just one application should suffice for a brief period.

Training Your Cat with Positive Reinforcement

Another crucial aspect of furniture protection is training your cat. Using spray as a deterrent can be effective, but it's important to use the spray appropriately, just once, to teach your cat what is acceptable behavior. Spraying them with water when they scratch the furniture and saying "no" firmly, can help discourage this behavior.

Similar techniques can be used to teach your cat to stay off kitchen counters. Consistency is key, and praising your cat when they stop or use the scratching post can also reinforce positive behavior. Consider giving them a treat as an added incentive.

Enhancing Scratching Post Attraction

In addition to protection and deterrence, enhancing the appeal of your scratching post can also be beneficial. Consider adding catnip to the post to make it more enticing for your cat. By doing so, you increase the likelihood that your cat will prefer the scratching post over your furniture.

For an effective deterrent, you can also use heavy-duty cleaners to remove the scent from the area where your cat has been scratching. For carpets, you may even consider using an extractor to remove deeper odors. Once the smell is removed, place a non-appealing item over the area, such as aluminum foil or double-sided sticky tape, to make it less attractive.

Creating a Permanent Scratching Post

For added durability and appeal, consider building a custom scratching post. A sturdy 4x4 redwood base with quality carpeting, such as indoor-outdoor carpeting or plush carpet with loops, can provide a strong and appealing scratching surface for your cat.

When your cat begins to scratch the furniture, firmly say "no" or "stop" and remove them from the area. Place their paws on the scratching post and encourage them to scratch it. As soon as they do, praise them and give them a treat.

For areas that have been scratched, use a heavy-duty cleaner to remove any residual scent and cover the spot with an unappealing item. Over time, your cat should learn that furniture is not an acceptable place for scratching.

Conclusion

Preventing your cat from scratching new furniture is a combination of protection, training, and enhancing the appeal of the designated scratching post. By using deterrents, praising good behavior, and making the right choices in furniture protection, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your new furniture. Keep training and reinforcement consistent, and watch as your cat gradually learns to respect your home furnishings.