Training a cat not to scratch the couch

I'm getting a new couch soon and I want to make sure Bud does not scratch the couch, but I also want him to understand he can go ON the couch to nap, hang out with me, etc.

I was looking at those Ssscat mats...can they be draped over the arms of a couch, and wrapped around the corners? Those are the problem areas. Bud doesn't scratch the pillows or scratch when he's lounging on the couch, he scratches when he walks by, and sometimes he scratches the very lowest part of the couch while he's laying down.

I'm also going to try sticky paws. He might not tolerate that. He's extremely stubborn and wouldn't even tolerate a collar. There's also citrus spray, but that hasn't deterred him from doing things before, and I don't want to create a situation where he feels he can't go anywhere in my apartment. Like I said, I want him to understand he's welcome on the couch, but that he shouldn't scratch it.

Any suggestions to help/supplement this effort?

Oh, and almost forgot...he has one of those huge "ultimate scratching posts" in the living room a few feet away from the couches. The only reason it's not closer to the couches is because Bud likes to climb on the platform at the top of the scratcher and watch the outside through the sliding glass doors leading to the balcony. Should I get another scratcher?

My furniture is scratch free.

Here is what I did.



You can't even see it, there is a square of clear contact paper, sticky side out on the ends of my couch and loveseat.

Use good double sided tape to attach.

Thanks for sharing. So do you keep that on permanently, or is it a temporary thing so the cats get used to the idea that scratching the couch = not fun? Have you tried double-sided tape or sticky paws as well?

I made an agreement with my boy. He can only scratch his own couch and not mine. So far the other single recliner is safe.
I told him if he does that, I'll paint his claws pink :lol3:

Oh how I wish I could make those deals with Bud lol. Thankfully he has not done anything quite like your photo. Mostly it's just "runs" in the fabric created by his claws and when he hoists himself up from the floor.

Plan said:

 
Thanks for sharing. So do you keep that on permanently, or is it a temporary thing so the cats get used to the idea that scratching the couch = not fun? Have you tried double-sided tape or sticky paws as well?

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Double sided tape is fine and the same idea, but will cost you alot more than the contact paper will, I find the clear at the local dollar store so dirt cheap.

The tape found at pet supply stores is small and costly.

You should be able to pull it off once he learns not to scratch, I did, but once a new cat was allowed to come in at night to sleep during the winter, I had to put it back on for a reminder.

If you provide a tall scratch spot where it is okay to scratch to their heart's content, and it is stable and won't move they are happy not to choose furniture.

Plan said:

Oh, and almost forgot...he has one of those huge "ultimate scratching posts" in the living room a few feet away from the couches. The only reason it's not closer to the couches is because Bud likes to climb on the platform at the top of the scratcher and watch the outside through the sliding glass doors leading to the balcony. Should I get another scratcher?

Click to expand...

That's a good question. Does he actually use that post? If not, you need to figure out what's the difference between that scratching post and the couches? Is it less stable? Smaller (in the length of the scratching area), vertical vs. horizontal?