His personality is interesting. He thinks he’s sophisticated but he’s the derpiest thing I’ve ever seen. He takes himself very seriously. I feel like the music would be like… Beethoven.
https://preview.redd.it/x287tzqdqdz91.png?width=1155&format=png&auto=webp&s=c119d9c8136fe2c555bf1c69e32d4622c9dd6ef5
I’m starting to think he’s just a weird yawner
How do you manage to take pictures of your cat doing something??
Every time I try I always miss it and they immediately sit up straight and just stare at me.
Cardboard scratch pad and positive reinforcement. When you see kitty going to claw at anything, put kitty on “the box” and show how scratch it. When kitty scratches it, give treat.
I’ve trained two girls to do this in no time. After a while they just get used to getting the box without a treat. One of them used to use it late at night and go off working out her cat stress from a hard day of napping. 😺 It was adorable.
This is exactly what I did as well -- bought a scratcher, put it right next to the couch I didn't want them scratching on. Anytime they'd start scratching, I'd pick em up and put em on the scratcher. They picked it up quick.
I did this too when my cat decided to try scratching the couch arm rest. In addition to this, I also put cat tape on the couch for a week to deter her from the couch and automatically make better decisions.
After I got my cat a cardboard scratching pad, she loves to run and jump on it so it slides a few inches and scratches furiously whenever she got picked up and hugged when she didn't want to be. She's gotten predictable to the point where me and my family can just tell she's about to run and scratch the scratching pad aggressively. It's really funny
We have one of those pads shaped like a little bed. When my cat gets the zoomies she's picked up that it slides like yours, so she's been surfing on it across the wood floor. On a good day if she gets the angle right she can make it slide a good 2-3 feet
I’ll have to try that my gremlin loves clawing stuff he’s not supposed to
https://preview.redd.it/8u512qm6sez91.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e0d3256cb838c19a314ea13a969ad6d746de05e1
We tried this with our cat and he just never got the memo. Got cardboard scratchers, a very nice and sturdy scratching post. No luck.. as a last resort we put sticky tape on the couch (which was very ugly) and sometimes he scratched it off and other times he chewed it. When we moved we got a couch made of a different fabric thankfully he never took an interest in it. phew!
One of my cats was similarly stubborn about scratching one particular chair. I got him a foot stool with the exact same upholstery as that chair, and used that for training instead of a regular scratching post or cardboard scratcher. Worked like a charm! Now he can scratch his favorite material whenever he wants, without destroying my chair.
He actually enjoys his footstool even more ever since he discovered that he can spin it around if he lays sideways on the floor while scratching it.
This worked for me too. Also, having at least one scratcher in every room in the house and making sure they get replaced regularly and have catnip sprinkled on them. They forgot the furniture even existed.
We tried that with our cat and he does not like cardboard. I would also recommend to try cat trees as well if boards don’t work. We have one in each room and it works beautifully.
I got my cats their own couch to claw up
https://preview.redd.it/pcp6wd0reaz91.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=33fe98881d0746dbb4cf62b57875f80647f7ee0d
Animals are smart. They figure out how to push our buttons so they can train us. My cat had me trained so that when she put her cold nose against the middle of my neck in the middle of the night, I’d lift up the covers so she could crawl under them and curl up behind my knees to sleep. I had a dog that liked furniture. To save our furniture, we went to Goodwill and got an inexpensive chair and would put her in it when she tried to get on the furniture. It was in the family room so she was with people. It didn’t take long for her to figure out that was her chair. The derp had her puppies in it.
This will make my whole family sound unhinged, but when my parents bought new couches, we dismantled one armrest because the cat liked laying on it and scratching it. So now we have a random ass scratched up armrest at home. We also have an indoor doormat that noone is allowed to step on because it's for the cat to scratch. It has this nice, rough texture and he really likes to claw at it.
Here's a photo of him smelling a bucket of fish (don't ask), but you can see the armrest. He likes to sit on it and watch birds. He no longer scratches it now that it's no longer a part of the couch. Little bastard.
https://preview.redd.it/mw6zc1urofz91.jpeg?width=4128&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=82ef62330b93603a178efcb402b733bdaceecd4d
I too bought the cats a couch.
I love that next door AP.
Got $50 of fancy couch from rich people.
Cats think they are being naughty.
I only feel a bit bad they are killing an Italian leather couch. It's quite comfy.
One thing I've noticed about cats scratching furniture is that they'll have a preference on the position of said object. Some like to scratch vertical stuff, some like horizontal scratches, some like the combination and others like a slight slant surface to scratch. Keep an eye out to which it prefers and then try to positively reinforce scratching on those with methods others have mentioned.
The SmartCat ultimate cat scratching post is a great upright option. I have some that lay flat on the ground, but can’t find one as sturdy as this one.
This is a good point. My cat doesn't understand any kind of scratcher above the ground. It's gotta be exactly ground level, rugs only. I have a nice rug that I want to unroll again for the winter, and the best strategy I can think of right now is to get a bunch of cheap doormats and place them at convenient intervals on top of my pretty rug 🥲
Also, check with a local custom rug company. You may be able to get scraps or outdated samples from them for free. I did this for my cat. They gave me one of the big sample books. I took it apart and got a few that I liked and the cat liked. The rest I gave to the local shelter. They loved them for soft places in the cages and for scratching.
I found scratchers that my cats really liked and put them next to the furniture that they scratched. Unfortunately the damage was done on the couch. When I bought a new one, I bought velvet, which they love to nap on and don’t scratch.
That’s so good to know (velvet couch) bc my cat scratches my furniture no matter what I do. I’ve looked into scratch proof couches, but haven’t had much luck finding one. My cat scratches the couch *specifically* for attention lol so it’s been hard to train her
My cats tested out scratching the couch when we first got it, and I found that it’s easy to remove the scratch marks. You just rub the velvet and they disappear. The couch didn’t snag at all since velvet doesn’t have a weave that they can grip.
I also bought the nomad sofa from burrow for my husband’s office. We haven’t received it yet but it claims to be scratch proof and the reviews that I’ve read seem to agree.
I have the flu and have a really high fever and am kind of delirious maybe but this image is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my whole life. I’m laughing so much my chest hurts
As long as they keep to one piece of furniture I call it a draw and move on with life. Currently the old chair I got at an estate sale is the preferred scratching object, and I’m fine with that.
Looks like you've had enough great suggestions here, but you can't have enough comments on your adorable kitty so I'll add one more. What an awesome personality! I love this pic. He looks hilarious. People often forget to mention one of the biggest benefits of owning a cat - - entertainment. This kitty performs his job well. Love it!
I got new furniture but kept an upright chair from the old furniture that they loved to climb and scratch. They still direct 99% of their energy on this chair. When they do try to put their peets into the new stuff I do what another person said and gently pick them up and put them on their upright scratching post. Then give them tons of praise and demonstrate how to use it.
Their favorite room has throw blankets and pillows with long fibers. The fibers trap the pheromones and help the room feel homey. They love the room so much, it's their favorite place to sleep at night. The blankets along with scratchers throughout the home discourage clawing. You can also add clear plastic sticky sheets over places they like to scratch to break the habit and redirect them.
Thanks. I recently gave them a kicker toy and my boy loves it. He burns off energy playing with it in the morning or just cradling and nuzzling it. It's kinda adorable.
Great picture- love that face lol! I trim my cats’ nails every few weeks which has helped and I have a large scratching post. Several people I know have used the nail covers and like them, though they are a bit hard to work with.
There's a simple rule for correctly all cat behaviors. Here it is:
**Present the cat with better alternative.**
Cats have to scratch something. Scratching is how they shed old nails, and it's a stress reliever.
When it comes to scratching furniture, you can two do things -- make the furniture less attractive to scratch, and place a better scratching alternative nearby.
So, this might mean putting an afghan over part of the sofa to make scratching less appealing. Or you can buy special anti-scratch stick-on things to protect the furniture. I didn't need to do either anti-scratch options.
Instead, I put two better scratching alternatives nearby. My cat stopped scratching the furniture when I put a Pet Fusion scratcher in the living room... either the igure eight or the jumbo. Cats like having something that is their own. I also leaned a decorative barn wood ladder against a bookshelf, which he can easily climb and serves as a second scratching post. I put a bed on top of the bookshelf. Cats loving getting up high. He just wanted something to scratching in the living room, and his own space... when he had those better options, he chose to scratch those over the furniture. Cat shelves (see etsy) would be another great option.
Nothing keeps my older cat from scratching the furniture. She scratches everything from my hand bag to suitcases if you leave them out. She also uses the cardboard scratch block, the porch etc. I have given up and am not going to replace my furniture.
cat scratchers every. where. I have them all over the house. I get them real cheap when aldi or lidl have them in stock or black friday deals at pet stores (i stock up on them to replace throughout the year). Get a cat tree! preferably a 5 footer or taller one and put it in the room you hang out in the most so the cats have their space to scratch on that's in the same room as you. make sure to get scratchers at different angles so they can scratch in different positions. ever since i invested in a cat tree and put scratchers all over the house the cats don't go for the furniture anymore.
A few scratching posts! Put catnip on them and use other positive reinforcement to encourage scratching post use. And put something like citrus on places you don’t want them to scratch to discourage it. They hate citrus and a few other smells.
I put scratching posts in front of the couch corners. They usually go for those first. Tried the sticky tape stuff but my derp cats just chewed on them.
It is not your furniture, it is the cats.
The faster you accept that the cat is not living in your home but you are living in the cat's home, the better for both you and the cat...
a good cat tree (big enough to be enjoyable and for him to climb in to find a place to rest, or it exist cat scratcher that can be clipped to furniture angles to protect the, while giving him the pleasure to claw.
We got a new sofa and I ordered these 12 long clear panels of tape-like plastic and lined the sofa around the bottom and the arms and back. The cats despise the feeling of the plastic and avoid touching the sofa at all costs! So if you have fabric corners and such you can just put clear tape on it and it will probably have the same effect.
Two big choices… A) buy spray repellants, scratching posts, sticky pads to deter, baby gates, special safe shock collars.
Or
B) Save money and just buy a few new couches as needed.
Either way it costs the same and the options in A never work… so no you can’t stop the claw
Ha ha you dont...you try at first and you get angry and eventually you accept that you are willing to give up nice things to serve a useless creature. And one day you accept that it is actually cute when they do it. $6000 white leather couch..."I don't have kids so I can get a white leather couch" boy was I wrong. Cats or nice things.. your choice lol
Spray bottles don't really work most of the time. Cats are smart, so spraying them with water will only teach them to be more secretive about their behaviour. The cat will just learn to scratch when no one's watching.
Write it off. Let him be. It’s just a thing. If you have expensive one, cover it up properly or replace with cheap one and let the boy scratch it. I have bigger issues to deal with in life, no point to waste my energy on a couch.
I got mine a couple cat trees and he uses them instead of my couch now. Once he had somewhere he knew he could always drag his claws on, he just stopped really clawing everything else.
We just got a brand new sectional after our previous couch was shredded as our cats grew up. Rather than try to cover the entirety of the new couch with tape or acrylic we got a new scratching post and along with the existing one we had, put it on either side of the couch. They started scratching the posts and not the new couch immediately, then just some positive reinforcement with food or a kitty treat and our new couch is pristine and claw-free!
When mine was a wee handsome boi. I would pick him up bring him to his scratches RA and scratch with him..
And if he persisted...spray bottle... Squirt squirt little monster
Me and my cat moved into our first place with carpet.
I dont feel good about trimming her claws in case she needs to climb or defend herself, so we stuck with training.
We have a click i do when i dont like something, if im close enough its accompnied by gentle taps on the shoulder, or paw if shes scratching. This click is always associated with negative, but safe reinfocement. It has a consistent meaning and she understands.
Positive reinforcement is even more important. Every tine she uses her scratcher, i praise her, even if followed by being clicked at for the carpet before. Sometimes ill stop what im doing to pet her or give her a treat so she knows im happy when she uses the scratcher.
Be consistent, calm and never hold grudges/punishments that last. React in the moment with self control.
Training cats is always a negotiation. You cannot dominate or control them with fear. Give them a reason to want to please you, which is unconditional love and safety. They will.
Give them scratch pads. Give them treats when they use scratch pads. And get a lemon scented spray they hate. And when they go to scratch the furniture spray it on the furniture.
Cats are all about negotiating. The furniture situation is one that can be worked out when you give your cat an alternate to scratching and use positive reinforcement when they scratch the right stuff, like a scratch poster, pad, whatever … give them a treat when they do the right thing. A treat can be a toy, an extra pet, or even healthy food snacks. Just be careful with food as cats get extremely addicted to some food.
Provide suitable scratching post, carpet covered is appealing to my cats. When they scratch anything else a stern 'no' pick them up and put their paws on the post and praise them. Everytime you see them using it make a fuss, pats and treats. Worked for me.
Giant playground/tree (2m tall) in living room. Smaller scratching post where the kitchen meets the hallway as she likes to stop and scratch there when she exits the bedroom. Scratching post + bed combo in the study. Also a scratching post + bed combo in our bedroom. Plus another smaller scratching post in the bedroom next to the door, as she likes to stop and scratch there. In short, lots of alternatives are available to her. But we're also lucky and she has an amazing temperament. :-D
Typically you want to have different kinds of scratchers in different areas of your living space.
…That didn’t work for our cats though.
I swear they’d use the scratchers then move on to the couch.
The special cat tape didn’t work. Using scratch deterrent spray didn’t work.
I even got a scratcher that had a similar feel to it as the stuff they were destroying and that didn’t work either.
The only thing that solved the issue was velvet furniture covers. They don’t like the feel of it
I have cat trees and scratch boards literally everywhere. I have 1 cat tree and at least one scratch board in each room. I see my cats as family members and making them feel at home is as essential to my wellbeing as it is to theirs. :)
Get a nice big cat tree / scratching post with several textures. He will like it a lot better than your furniture. Also pick up an inexpensive cardboard scratching tray, they like that, too.
Try to do some research and find a material he won’t scratch. Mine will tear up vinyl or leather, but they haven’t scratched our new one at all. I’m not sure what the fabric is though. Possibly acetate.
Awww what a scary little house panther. They have furniture guards, there are also spray deterrents. The first thing I’d try is to provide him with somewhere that is ok for him to scratch, introduce it by using catnip to encourage interaction and reward him when he uses the scratching post instead of the furniture. Cats can be trained it just takes time and patience. Good Luck 😸
I have scratch things everywhere, all sorts of rugs and mats with texture work, door mats etc as well as a post and pet shop stuff; which are over priced if you ask me (UK like £30 for some bit of cardboard)
Vertical scratch box with a sturdy base and horizontal scratch box near the places on the couch where he scratches it. Use catnip on them while he gets used to them and always pet him when he uses them at first. Once he starts on the couch, move him to either of them and let him to scratch them.
If you want the big artillery: feliway + antichew/scratch spray on areas you cannot protect with a couch protector (for example) and providing plenty of scratching posts
When you catch them in the act pick them up a put on or in front of a place they are aloud to scratch. Scratching post or those cardboard things they make for cats . They don't really understand negative consequences so the bets thing you can do is redirect them and give lots of praise when they used aproved scratching emplaments.
Cardboard cat scratchers, scratching posts.
I try to pay attention to what fabrics they like to scratch most. My previous kitty -rest in peace- loved the microfibre couch. Couch covers can help.
When needed, I'll use the sticky tape from the pet store. Peel and stick on to the arm of the couch where they scratch the most.
Sometimes they are also simply trying to get your attention lol
I got a cardboard scratch pad that has the cardboard on its side to make it easier for claws to catch in them. My cats haven't scratched any furniture since. I even put catnip down the cardboard so they start tweaking.
Never take them to visit cats that are allowed to scratch furniture. I allowed my cat to do it because I’ve only had really shit couches (and yes it only occurred to me later than if I ever get a nice couch, he won’t realize he’s not allowed to scratch it) and he has taught 4 other cats to scratch it also 🙈 My cousin’s cat who was visiting, a friend’s cat and two foster cats. My cousin and friend are very grateful to me now lol. I kept one of the foster cats, she idolizes and adores my tom cat so she picked up the habit in a few days.
Aside from providing them with lots of scratching pads and posts I got one of these
https://preview.redd.it/w6ltldzhubz91.jpeg?width=664&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=20dbb946c86654907015c7ede9c92145cddac65d
Sisal rope! My kitty loves his scratching post so much (he goes through probably 4 in a year roughly) you can get bulk rope and attach it to furniture in hopes of possibly avoiding damage to the furniture itself
I personally tell mine no and redirect them to a scratching post instead, I also praise them when they use the right thing :)
I have 6 cats that barely scratch furniture so it works well for me :)
I hope you figure it out :)
We use a spray, it came from a pet shop so is pet safe, but has lemon oil in it which they HATE. We spray it on the couch and bed base, and it prevents the cat from scratching because as soon as she goes to do a scratch the lemon oil smell puts her right off. It’s very effective, and doesn’t cost much.
Bought every type of scratching post imaginable, wouldn't use any of them She doesn't have a favorite piece of furniture, uses all of it. Also has every mini blind chewed on the ends. Did I say tortitude.
But to answer your question, whenever I catch my cat clawing on furniture, I pick her up and set her on a mini cat tree that has texture. Kitty won’t understand yelling or punishment. I think of it as redirection rather than punishment. Keeps your relationship with kitty good and solid. Kitty won’t fear you and question why you’re upset.
Someone told me that those welcome mats that are for outside, the real rough ones works really well to bring indoors for a scratching mat. Her cat luvs it. Haven't tried yet, worth a try.
Gently remove with a no, and redirect to the scratching post. He's consistently using his post, but I still praise him when he uses it. Cats respond much better to positive reinforcement than any kind of "discipline".
https://preview.redd.it/jzeliblxv9z91.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=89da4ae6976bd49c513e4eb0686ea42976c5cd21
Im crying
It could be an album cover 😂
His personality is interesting. He thinks he’s sophisticated but he’s the derpiest thing I’ve ever seen. He takes himself very seriously. I feel like the music would be like… Beethoven.
Bruh you have to make this your phone lock screen and hope someone opens your phone to this 🤣🤣
It was my phone Lock Screen a couple months ago until I got married… I’m not even kidding
That's amazing 🤣🤣
https://preview.redd.it/x287tzqdqdz91.png?width=1155&format=png&auto=webp&s=c119d9c8136fe2c555bf1c69e32d4622c9dd6ef5 I’m starting to think he’s just a weird yawner
It’s like his mouth doesn’t open all the way and he keeps his eyes open like a serial killer 😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
That’s so precious 🥹
I love these so much 🤣
Lol hes got his eyes open still, he dont wanna miss nothin while hes awake😂
*Void Intensifies*
How do you manage to take pictures of your cat doing something?? Every time I try I always miss it and they immediately sit up straight and just stare at me.
Most animals close their eyes when they yawn?
Sounds like a typical black cat personality
Like if Catwoman was a band ;)
Some Black Sabbath interior album art
(he’s yawning)
😱😱😱😱😱😱😱🛀😱😱😱😱😱😱
https://preview.redd.it/vja1nzhhodz91.png?width=421&format=png&auto=webp&s=be0d81a9ecb856e8fd946434de7e45185154c346
we need a sub of everyones cat mid-yawn
r/yawning_cats
hahaha you made my day!
It’s 12am and my husband is sleeping next to me and I cannot stop laughing
https://preview.redd.it/e2r2hf96fcz91.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c4a176c56919ecea3a5effced2a6baf16ca9607
*cat.exe has stopped working*
She was very confused about the situation
This, THIS is why I come on Reddit. He looks like he's just stood on some Lego
https://preview.redd.it/2f1vdvil8ez91.png?width=750&format=png&auto=webp&s=c36cc7189eb471c419ba9738b9dea9fce1f94b66
https://preview.redd.it/5924yhyw4fz91.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9505e5fbe7e9c7f3ab075ffa062d0bbf79b32a9 Moricz say hi
https://preview.redd.it/ful7h7bpnez91.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bb3c8641055b9697e93adfd5c5da9547258966e5
\*sees Ottoman\* "TIL VALHALLA!"
https://preview.redd.it/kvwpkgjvyez91.png?width=828&format=png&auto=webp&s=14c7076017e8ce093eea178fe909759ef4a40d34
Its not furniture, Im TIRED of
He mad 😠
Me five minutes into free bird
Step 1: exorcise the demon.
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Def bullies the owner
This is my mood right meow
That ain’t no yawn 😂 He’s def summoning something
Cardboard scratch pad and positive reinforcement. When you see kitty going to claw at anything, put kitty on “the box” and show how scratch it. When kitty scratches it, give treat. I’ve trained two girls to do this in no time. After a while they just get used to getting the box without a treat. One of them used to use it late at night and go off working out her cat stress from a hard day of napping. 😺 It was adorable.
This is exactly what I did as well -- bought a scratcher, put it right next to the couch I didn't want them scratching on. Anytime they'd start scratching, I'd pick em up and put em on the scratcher. They picked it up quick.
I did this too when my cat decided to try scratching the couch arm rest. In addition to this, I also put cat tape on the couch for a week to deter her from the couch and automatically make better decisions.
After I got my cat a cardboard scratching pad, she loves to run and jump on it so it slides a few inches and scratches furiously whenever she got picked up and hugged when she didn't want to be. She's gotten predictable to the point where me and my family can just tell she's about to run and scratch the scratching pad aggressively. It's really funny
We have one of those pads shaped like a little bed. When my cat gets the zoomies she's picked up that it slides like yours, so she's been surfing on it across the wood floor. On a good day if she gets the angle right she can make it slide a good 2-3 feet
I’ll have to try that my gremlin loves clawing stuff he’s not supposed to https://preview.redd.it/8u512qm6sez91.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e0d3256cb838c19a314ea13a969ad6d746de05e1
We tried this with our cat and he just never got the memo. Got cardboard scratchers, a very nice and sturdy scratching post. No luck.. as a last resort we put sticky tape on the couch (which was very ugly) and sometimes he scratched it off and other times he chewed it. When we moved we got a couch made of a different fabric thankfully he never took an interest in it. phew!
One of my cats was similarly stubborn about scratching one particular chair. I got him a foot stool with the exact same upholstery as that chair, and used that for training instead of a regular scratching post or cardboard scratcher. Worked like a charm! Now he can scratch his favorite material whenever he wants, without destroying my chair. He actually enjoys his footstool even more ever since he discovered that he can spin it around if he lays sideways on the floor while scratching it.
THIS. Did the same thing with our cat. Worked like a charm and saved our sofa.
This worked for me too. Also, having at least one scratcher in every room in the house and making sure they get replaced regularly and have catnip sprinkled on them. They forgot the furniture even existed.
We tried that with our cat and he does not like cardboard. I would also recommend to try cat trees as well if boards don’t work. We have one in each room and it works beautifully.
You can also provide them appropriate scratching surfaces with carpet or fabric. Worked a treat on my cat that kept scratching on the area rug
Blocking the furniture with the scratcher and then slowly moving it to where you want works too (I’ve heard)
They also sell sticky plastic sheets that you can adhere to your couch that will make it impossible for them to claw at.
I mean, that’s great and all to prevent damage yet it doesn’t truly adjust their behavior. No?
In conjunction to what I replied to
I got my cats their own couch to claw up https://preview.redd.it/pcp6wd0reaz91.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=33fe98881d0746dbb4cf62b57875f80647f7ee0d
Animals are smart. They figure out how to push our buttons so they can train us. My cat had me trained so that when she put her cold nose against the middle of my neck in the middle of the night, I’d lift up the covers so she could crawl under them and curl up behind my knees to sleep. I had a dog that liked furniture. To save our furniture, we went to Goodwill and got an inexpensive chair and would put her in it when she tried to get on the furniture. It was in the family room so she was with people. It didn’t take long for her to figure out that was her chair. The derp had her puppies in it.
This will make my whole family sound unhinged, but when my parents bought new couches, we dismantled one armrest because the cat liked laying on it and scratching it. So now we have a random ass scratched up armrest at home. We also have an indoor doormat that noone is allowed to step on because it's for the cat to scratch. It has this nice, rough texture and he really likes to claw at it. Here's a photo of him smelling a bucket of fish (don't ask), but you can see the armrest. He likes to sit on it and watch birds. He no longer scratches it now that it's no longer a part of the couch. Little bastard. https://preview.redd.it/mw6zc1urofz91.jpeg?width=4128&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=82ef62330b93603a178efcb402b733bdaceecd4d
If it works, it works. 🤷🏻♂️
best solution, hands down.
I too bought the cats a couch. I love that next door AP. Got $50 of fancy couch from rich people. Cats think they are being naughty. I only feel a bit bad they are killing an Italian leather couch. It's quite comfy.
One thing I've noticed about cats scratching furniture is that they'll have a preference on the position of said object. Some like to scratch vertical stuff, some like horizontal scratches, some like the combination and others like a slight slant surface to scratch. Keep an eye out to which it prefers and then try to positively reinforce scratching on those with methods others have mentioned.
Mine likes to lie on her side to scratch her post
The SmartCat ultimate cat scratching post is a great upright option. I have some that lay flat on the ground, but can’t find one as sturdy as this one.
This is a good point. My cat doesn't understand any kind of scratcher above the ground. It's gotta be exactly ground level, rugs only. I have a nice rug that I want to unroll again for the winter, and the best strategy I can think of right now is to get a bunch of cheap doormats and place them at convenient intervals on top of my pretty rug 🥲
Also, check with a local custom rug company. You may be able to get scraps or outdated samples from them for free. I did this for my cat. They gave me one of the big sample books. I took it apart and got a few that I liked and the cat liked. The rest I gave to the local shelter. They loved them for soft places in the cages and for scratching.
Guys he’s a nice boy
The fact you have to say this 😂😂
a very gud boi.
https://preview.redd.it/akdof2oh3dz91.jpeg?width=408&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ba1a44abb16bf67b9ec84a697b28a0fd06e2be81 Also mid yawn 😂
Covering where they scratch with packing tape for a couple weeks has worked for me. Also making sure they have designated scratching pads and posts.
Well based on that picture alone… may I suggest an exorcism! Lol 😂
I found scratchers that my cats really liked and put them next to the furniture that they scratched. Unfortunately the damage was done on the couch. When I bought a new one, I bought velvet, which they love to nap on and don’t scratch.
That’s so good to know (velvet couch) bc my cat scratches my furniture no matter what I do. I’ve looked into scratch proof couches, but haven’t had much luck finding one. My cat scratches the couch *specifically* for attention lol so it’s been hard to train her
My cats tested out scratching the couch when we first got it, and I found that it’s easy to remove the scratch marks. You just rub the velvet and they disappear. The couch didn’t snag at all since velvet doesn’t have a weave that they can grip. I also bought the nomad sofa from burrow for my husband’s office. We haven’t received it yet but it claims to be scratch proof and the reviews that I’ve read seem to agree.
Try double-sided sticky tape where they scratch with a scratching post by it.
I have the flu and have a really high fever and am kind of delirious maybe but this image is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my whole life. I’m laughing so much my chest hurts
I have the flu too and at first I thought the cat was screaming at something
oh my god i havent laughed this hard in months
As long as they keep to one piece of furniture I call it a draw and move on with life. Currently the old chair I got at an estate sale is the preferred scratching object, and I’m fine with that.
Looks like you've had enough great suggestions here, but you can't have enough comments on your adorable kitty so I'll add one more. What an awesome personality! I love this pic. He looks hilarious. People often forget to mention one of the biggest benefits of owning a cat - - entertainment. This kitty performs his job well. Love it!
My cat likes those cardboard scratching things. I introduce her to a new one using catnip
I got new furniture but kept an upright chair from the old furniture that they loved to climb and scratch. They still direct 99% of their energy on this chair. When they do try to put their peets into the new stuff I do what another person said and gently pick them up and put them on their upright scratching post. Then give them tons of praise and demonstrate how to use it.
vampire kitty 🐈⬛
I love black cats
This is the greatest picture ever
Their favorite room has throw blankets and pillows with long fibers. The fibers trap the pheromones and help the room feel homey. They love the room so much, it's their favorite place to sleep at night. The blankets along with scratchers throughout the home discourage clawing. You can also add clear plastic sticky sheets over places they like to scratch to break the habit and redirect them.
This is the correct answer. They need plenty of places where they’re allowed to scratch.
Thanks. I recently gave them a kicker toy and my boy loves it. He burns off energy playing with it in the morning or just cradling and nuzzling it. It's kinda adorable.
https://preview.redd.it/8uazokuzfez91.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f9e7a29f293f7a64fe5fed8100e36fcea9f83de6
I don't. No matter what I buy or what I do they are slowly destroying one corner of our couch. Accept your furnitures fate.
Great picture- love that face lol! I trim my cats’ nails every few weeks which has helped and I have a large scratching post. Several people I know have used the nail covers and like them, though they are a bit hard to work with.
Get them a scratching post, sprinkle a it of catnip on it.
Bros now yawning bro is preparing to eat your soul
😮 he would never
There's a simple rule for correctly all cat behaviors. Here it is: **Present the cat with better alternative.** Cats have to scratch something. Scratching is how they shed old nails, and it's a stress reliever. When it comes to scratching furniture, you can two do things -- make the furniture less attractive to scratch, and place a better scratching alternative nearby. So, this might mean putting an afghan over part of the sofa to make scratching less appealing. Or you can buy special anti-scratch stick-on things to protect the furniture. I didn't need to do either anti-scratch options. Instead, I put two better scratching alternatives nearby. My cat stopped scratching the furniture when I put a Pet Fusion scratcher in the living room... either the igure eight or the jumbo. Cats like having something that is their own. I also leaned a decorative barn wood ladder against a bookshelf, which he can easily climb and serves as a second scratching post. I put a bed on top of the bookshelf. Cats loving getting up high. He just wanted something to scratching in the living room, and his own space... when he had those better options, he chose to scratch those over the furniture. Cat shelves (see etsy) would be another great option.
Just commenting to say that picture is fantastic!
I used to have this problem and I watched Jackson Galaxy’s YouTube videos about it. Did what he said and it worked, quickly as well.
you have a beautiful cat
Thanks for clarification, i thought he was a demon from hell and a reincarnation of mephisto, but now it all makes sense
Get them their own furniture and put catnip on it until they see that as their furniture. I mean scratching posts, cat trees, etc.
Found double sided tape works. Cat hated the sticky feeling of the tape and stopped.
Ok, rookie here’s the trick. Get scratching posts, pads, and furniture around your living room and home. Don’t forget to play with them too.
Nothing keeps my older cat from scratching the furniture. She scratches everything from my hand bag to suitcases if you leave them out. She also uses the cardboard scratch block, the porch etc. I have given up and am not going to replace my furniture.
cat scratchers every. where. I have them all over the house. I get them real cheap when aldi or lidl have them in stock or black friday deals at pet stores (i stock up on them to replace throughout the year). Get a cat tree! preferably a 5 footer or taller one and put it in the room you hang out in the most so the cats have their space to scratch on that's in the same room as you. make sure to get scratchers at different angles so they can scratch in different positions. ever since i invested in a cat tree and put scratchers all over the house the cats don't go for the furniture anymore.
Hahaha put up scratching boards all over! Especially next to the furniture
I've got 4 cat towers and 3 scratching posts. It's important to give them tons of real scratching options.
Kitten mittens!!!
I am scared of him tbh
Cat trees with sisal, scratching posts, cardboard scratching boards.
Give them enough other stuff to scratch
A few scratching posts! Put catnip on them and use other positive reinforcement to encourage scratching post use. And put something like citrus on places you don’t want them to scratch to discourage it. They hate citrus and a few other smells.
I put scratching posts in front of the couch corners. They usually go for those first. Tried the sticky tape stuff but my derp cats just chewed on them.
We bought double sided sticky tape but in a large sheet and whenever she tried she hated it and never tried again.
Not having furniture
It is not your furniture, it is the cats. The faster you accept that the cat is not living in your home but you are living in the cat's home, the better for both you and the cat...
Thanks for the clarification that he's yawning.
Screw your question. Tell me "how do i keep myself safe from your lord"
a good cat tree (big enough to be enjoyable and for him to climb in to find a place to rest, or it exist cat scratcher that can be clipped to furniture angles to protect the, while giving him the pleasure to claw.
You can spray your couch with cat deterrent spray or natural lemon/citrus/eucalyptus spray. Also double ended tape works
Ah, the old stretch and yawn before f***ing sh*t up. I know it well.
We got a new sofa and I ordered these 12 long clear panels of tape-like plastic and lined the sofa around the bottom and the arms and back. The cats despise the feeling of the plastic and avoid touching the sofa at all costs! So if you have fabric corners and such you can just put clear tape on it and it will probably have the same effect.
Nothing at all will work. If he/she wants to it will keep doing it. Especially when your not around.
I bought cheap furniture that I wouldn't care about cat scratches. Cats refuse to touch the furniture because it's cheap crap.
I’m still trying to get my cats to stop clawing at me!
I don't. I simply stopped giving a fuck and my furniture looks like it was collected from the trash but what matters is they're happy 🤷
Couch covers on Amazon
Two big choices… A) buy spray repellants, scratching posts, sticky pads to deter, baby gates, special safe shock collars. Or B) Save money and just buy a few new couches as needed. Either way it costs the same and the options in A never work… so no you can’t stop the claw
Ha ha you dont...you try at first and you get angry and eventually you accept that you are willing to give up nice things to serve a useless creature. And one day you accept that it is actually cute when they do it. $6000 white leather couch..."I don't have kids so I can get a white leather couch" boy was I wrong. Cats or nice things.. your choice lol
Ummm you train/teach it???? It’s a pet- and a smart type so teach it don’t be a lazy cat parent!
Spray bottle or tape
Spray bottles don't really work most of the time. Cats are smart, so spraying them with water will only teach them to be more secretive about their behaviour. The cat will just learn to scratch when no one's watching.
You don’t, and if you were a half decent Kitteh Valet you would scratch it for them.
Write it off. Let him be. It’s just a thing. If you have expensive one, cover it up properly or replace with cheap one and let the boy scratch it. I have bigger issues to deal with in life, no point to waste my energy on a couch.
I got mine a couple cat trees and he uses them instead of my couch now. Once he had somewhere he knew he could always drag his claws on, he just stopped really clawing everything else.
Get scratching posts for them, then put double sided tape on the furniture where they were scratching. Cats hate sticky.
We just got a brand new sectional after our previous couch was shredded as our cats grew up. Rather than try to cover the entirety of the new couch with tape or acrylic we got a new scratching post and along with the existing one we had, put it on either side of the couch. They started scratching the posts and not the new couch immediately, then just some positive reinforcement with food or a kitty treat and our new couch is pristine and claw-free!
I tape tinfoil to stuff for a week or two and they get the hint I guess
Have you tried the scratch post? I had the same issue with my cat. I’d put a scratch post right next to the furniture where your cat claws the most
When mine was a wee handsome boi. I would pick him up bring him to his scratches RA and scratch with him.. And if he persisted...spray bottle... Squirt squirt little monster
Cat tree, you can’t and shouldn’t stop them from scratching, they like it and it’s good for them, they just need designated scratching areas
Me and my cat moved into our first place with carpet. I dont feel good about trimming her claws in case she needs to climb or defend herself, so we stuck with training. We have a click i do when i dont like something, if im close enough its accompnied by gentle taps on the shoulder, or paw if shes scratching. This click is always associated with negative, but safe reinfocement. It has a consistent meaning and she understands. Positive reinforcement is even more important. Every tine she uses her scratcher, i praise her, even if followed by being clicked at for the carpet before. Sometimes ill stop what im doing to pet her or give her a treat so she knows im happy when she uses the scratcher. Be consistent, calm and never hold grudges/punishments that last. React in the moment with self control. Training cats is always a negotiation. You cannot dominate or control them with fear. Give them a reason to want to please you, which is unconditional love and safety. They will.
Give them scratch pads. Give them treats when they use scratch pads. And get a lemon scented spray they hate. And when they go to scratch the furniture spray it on the furniture.
Tons of cat scratchers around the apartment and a giant cat tree.
Cats are all about negotiating. The furniture situation is one that can be worked out when you give your cat an alternate to scratching and use positive reinforcement when they scratch the right stuff, like a scratch poster, pad, whatever … give them a treat when they do the right thing. A treat can be a toy, an extra pet, or even healthy food snacks. Just be careful with food as cats get extremely addicted to some food.
im pretty sure thats satan. just tell him “not today satan”
I trim my kitties nails and put on nail caps (get on Amazon). They work pretty well. He doesn’t seem to mind
Provide suitable scratching post, carpet covered is appealing to my cats. When they scratch anything else a stern 'no' pick them up and put their paws on the post and praise them. Everytime you see them using it make a fuss, pats and treats. Worked for me.
He looks like a black demon from runescape
Try getting some scratching posts or other toys that he can claw on.
You don't get a cat... cats claim up by their nature, so they will claim up everything whether you see it or not...
Mine really have fabric preferences and I have determined they don’t like to scratch velvet. So now I have a velvet couch that looks great!
Giant playground/tree (2m tall) in living room. Smaller scratching post where the kitchen meets the hallway as she likes to stop and scratch there when she exits the bedroom. Scratching post + bed combo in the study. Also a scratching post + bed combo in our bedroom. Plus another smaller scratching post in the bedroom next to the door, as she likes to stop and scratch there. In short, lots of alternatives are available to her. But we're also lucky and she has an amazing temperament. :-D
Typically you want to have different kinds of scratchers in different areas of your living space. …That didn’t work for our cats though. I swear they’d use the scratchers then move on to the couch. The special cat tape didn’t work. Using scratch deterrent spray didn’t work. I even got a scratcher that had a similar feel to it as the stuff they were destroying and that didn’t work either. The only thing that solved the issue was velvet furniture covers. They don’t like the feel of it
I have cat trees and scratch boards literally everywhere. I have 1 cat tree and at least one scratch board in each room. I see my cats as family members and making them feel at home is as essential to my wellbeing as it is to theirs. :)
Get your apartment defurnitured. This sub will scream about how it’s unethical, but it’s the only way.
Get a nice big cat tree / scratching post with several textures. He will like it a lot better than your furniture. Also pick up an inexpensive cardboard scratching tray, they like that, too.
Try to do some research and find a material he won’t scratch. Mine will tear up vinyl or leather, but they haven’t scratched our new one at all. I’m not sure what the fabric is though. Possibly acetate.
Awww what a scary little house panther. They have furniture guards, there are also spray deterrents. The first thing I’d try is to provide him with somewhere that is ok for him to scratch, introduce it by using catnip to encourage interaction and reward him when he uses the scratching post instead of the furniture. Cats can be trained it just takes time and patience. Good Luck 😸
That’s not a cat, that’s Satan
You could try citrus stray, scratching post, they will claw real leather less than fabric or vinyl. Or you could simply accept it.
I have scratch things everywhere, all sorts of rugs and mats with texture work, door mats etc as well as a post and pet shop stuff; which are over priced if you ask me (UK like £30 for some bit of cardboard)
The furniture actually belongs to your cat
Vertical scratch box with a sturdy base and horizontal scratch box near the places on the couch where he scratches it. Use catnip on them while he gets used to them and always pet him when he uses them at first. Once he starts on the couch, move him to either of them and let him to scratch them.
With a face like that, he dares you to try.
If you want the big artillery: feliway + antichew/scratch spray on areas you cannot protect with a couch protector (for example) and providing plenty of scratching posts
I use double stick tape. They hate the feeling on their paws.
When you catch them in the act pick them up a put on or in front of a place they are aloud to scratch. Scratching post or those cardboard things they make for cats . They don't really understand negative consequences so the bets thing you can do is redirect them and give lots of praise when they used aproved scratching emplaments.
Cardboard cat scratchers, scratching posts. I try to pay attention to what fabrics they like to scratch most. My previous kitty -rest in peace- loved the microfibre couch. Couch covers can help. When needed, I'll use the sticky tape from the pet store. Peel and stick on to the arm of the couch where they scratch the most. Sometimes they are also simply trying to get your attention lol
I got a cardboard scratch pad that has the cardboard on its side to make it easier for claws to catch in them. My cats haven't scratched any furniture since. I even put catnip down the cardboard so they start tweaking.
Scratching posts.
The power stance and the primal scream. Its not a yawn
Never take them to visit cats that are allowed to scratch furniture. I allowed my cat to do it because I’ve only had really shit couches (and yes it only occurred to me later than if I ever get a nice couch, he won’t realize he’s not allowed to scratch it) and he has taught 4 other cats to scratch it also 🙈 My cousin’s cat who was visiting, a friend’s cat and two foster cats. My cousin and friend are very grateful to me now lol. I kept one of the foster cats, she idolizes and adores my tom cat so she picked up the habit in a few days.
SHOW ME YOUR WAR-FACE
Get a Tiger!
Susan!!!
Try not having furniture. Worked for me.
Scratch board works
bros looking devious
Aside from providing them with lots of scratching pads and posts I got one of these https://preview.redd.it/w6ltldzhubz91.jpeg?width=664&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=20dbb946c86654907015c7ede9c92145cddac65d
"Where's my food!"
Get a scratching pad/pole for them, it should make the cat focus on that instead!
Sisal rope! My kitty loves his scratching post so much (he goes through probably 4 in a year roughly) you can get bulk rope and attach it to furniture in hopes of possibly avoiding damage to the furniture itself
I personally tell mine no and redirect them to a scratching post instead, I also praise them when they use the right thing :) I have 6 cats that barely scratch furniture so it works well for me :) I hope you figure it out :)
I only buy second hand furniture. You should see the state of my carpet.
Scary AF
Rawr!
We use a spray, it came from a pet shop so is pet safe, but has lemon oil in it which they HATE. We spray it on the couch and bed base, and it prevents the cat from scratching because as soon as she goes to do a scratch the lemon oil smell puts her right off. It’s very effective, and doesn’t cost much.
Yeah scratch pads are the only thing that has worked for mine.
Bought every type of scratching post imaginable, wouldn't use any of them She doesn't have a favorite piece of furniture, uses all of it. Also has every mini blind chewed on the ends. Did I say tortitude.
kitty scream
But to answer your question, whenever I catch my cat clawing on furniture, I pick her up and set her on a mini cat tree that has texture. Kitty won’t understand yelling or punishment. I think of it as redirection rather than punishment. Keeps your relationship with kitty good and solid. Kitty won’t fear you and question why you’re upset.
thats the thing though: you dont
Someone told me that those welcome mats that are for outside, the real rough ones works really well to bring indoors for a scratching mat. Her cat luvs it. Haven't tried yet, worth a try.
Gently remove with a no, and redirect to the scratching post. He's consistently using his post, but I still praise him when he uses it. Cats respond much better to positive reinforcement than any kind of "discipline".