How to Stop a Cat from Scratching the Couch

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: To put an end to this immediately

   This is a temporary measure.
   
   The cat can be reintroduced to his entire domain after these other steps have been accomplished.
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   Step 2: it is necessary to put something solid - like a door - between your cat and the couch (or any other item he is scratching inappropriately.

   Something like an end table, a chest, a wall, or even a cinder block or two.
   
   Again, this doesn't have to stay there in the long run.
   
   It is just to end the destruction immediately. , Not just any scratching post.
   
   It needs to be as tall as what he is destroying now.
   
   So measure up to the highest point of the damage.
   
   This is probably going to be somewhere around 24"
   
   and it wouldn't hurt to go up to 35" or even 48" when you get your cat's new post.
   
   The post also needs to be stable.
   
   This means that the base needs to be EITHER at least 60% of the height of the post (for a 24" post, the base should be at least about 14 1/2" square), or made from heavy material, like 5/8" to 3/4" panel.
   
   Finally, this scratching post should be wrapped with 3/8" Brazilian sisal rope.
   
   It can be wrapped on the top half with this rope.
   
   Not recommended: hemp, jute, or manila.
   
   Totally carpeted scratching posts could be considered, but this 3/8" Brazilian sisal rope is very long-lasting, and cats find that they can really sink their claws into it for a satisfying scratch that is likely to be repeated.
   
   Carpet, like corrugated cardboard (sometimes used for scratching pads), will leave a big mess on the floor, and will also need to be replaced frequently.
   
   Many sisal rope scratching posts can last upwards of 8 years.
   
   Many scratching posts are made with 1/4" sisal rope.
   
   In addition to having a shorter life, they are typically prone to being too loosely wrapped to be of much use.
   
   There are cheap "traffic cone" scratching posts sold in all the major pet supply stores, and they are bound to be ignored by the cat. , But after being shown by your vet the proper way to do this regular bit of cat maintenance, it can become routine.
   
   The best time to clip a cat's claws is when he is relaxed and sitting
   - maybe even sleeping
   - next to you.
   
   Many times, this task can be accomplished swiftly without disturbing the cat. , If the cat generally sits with you while you watch TV, put it at the entrance to this room.
   
   Other high traffic areas are just inside the room where the cat is fed, at the entrance to the room where his litter box is, and near a window where he likes to sit & watch birds. , An effective method is included as a source, here. , Water is terrifying to a lot of cats, and it's just not necessary to intimidate your cat in any way for any reason.
   
   This also applies to striking, yelling at, or otherwise imposing your substantial size advantage on your critter. ,,, He'll also appreciate a loving scratch on the top of his head for being a good cat.
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   Step 3: If there is no way to isolate the cat

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   Step 4: it would be best to put something heavy (heavier than the cat) up against the damaged furniture.

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   Step 5: An essential piece of cat gear is the scratching post.

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   Step 6: Clipping your cat's claws is something that takes some getting used to.

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   Step 7: After getting the Brazilian sisal rope scratching post (best to get 2 or 3) set up

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   Step 8: it should be placed in a high traffic area.

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   Step 9: The best way to teach a cat to use a scratching post is to help him discover the post on his own

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    Step 10: with the aid of a simple piece of string.

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    Step 11: Spraying a cat with water is not a desirable way to deter him from improper scratching.

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    Step 12: While catnip can be a nice addition to a cat's diet and can make him silly and wacky

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    Step 13: this harmless herb alone will not show a cat how to use a proper scratching post.

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    Step 14: Once the cat has established a habit of scratching on the sisal rope scratching post

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    Step 15: he can be reintroduced into the entire house

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    Step 16: and obstructions can most likely be removed.

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    Step 17: It's always a good practice to make gentle

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    Step 18: soothing

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    Step 19: and encouraging sounds when your cat is scratching his post.

Detailed Guide

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