How to Pick Furniture That Cats Won't Scratch
Cats love to scratch things, that’s just part of being a cat. However, when it comes to your furniture you probably don’t want to take that risk, right? Luckily there are lots of ways to keep your feline friends from ruining your furniture and carpets. By investing in the right kind of furniture, you can stop cats from scratching it and keep them from doing so. It may seem like an uphill battle at first, but with the right tricks you can win this one. Here is everything you need to know about picking furniture that cats won’t scratch.
Finding the Right Furniture for Your Cats
Cats scratch because their claws are a form of self-grooming and expelling of energy. They are also used for marking their territory and can be a sign that your cat is bored and would like some extra stimulation. Now, if you have a kitten, you can try to train them to use a scratching post instead of your furniture, but if you have an adult cat, it’s going to be much harder. You can try to redirect their scratching habits by using synthetic or real plants as an alternative to your couch. They are sturdy enough to withstand scratching, and they can also be replaced easily if they get destroyed. And if you have multiple cats living in your home, you may need to be extra careful with your selection. It’s best to pick furniture that is sturdy and can withstand lots of scratching. Choose fabrics that are tightly-woven and have a dense weave for the best results.
Soft Coated Furniture for Cats
If you have long-haired cats, you may want to consider soft-coated furniture, especially if you have a Persian or Siamese. These breeds of cats get wild with the scratching, and are notorious for chewing up your furniture. Soft-coated furniture is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a fabric-type of material that is very forgiving and easy to clean. It’s opaque, so it’s nice and dark too, which is great if your cat likes to nap during the day. Soft-coated furniture is easily found at most department stores, and it comes in a variety of colours, textures and patterns.
Declawing Cats
If you have a cat that keeps scratching your furniture, you may want to consider getting them declawed. This is a serious decision, and one that you must think long and hard about before doing. If you live in a place where declawing cats is illegal, you are not allowed to do so. However, if you are in a place where it is allowed, you should talk to your veterinarian about it. Now, declawing is not simply removing a cat’s claws. It is actually a form of amputation. Veterinarians will remove the end bones from the cat’s toes, making it impossible for them to scratch anything with their front paws. Declawing is not without its risks and should only be considered as a last resort.
Material That Won’t Be Scratched By Cats
Fabrics that cats aren’t likely to scratch are cotton and silk. These are woven fabrics are durable, but they aren’t prone to be scratched. There are also synthetic fabrics that are very resistant to being scratched. These include polyester, acrylic, and even wool. If you’re looking for a particularly durable fabric, you can try denim. It is tightly woven, and it’s very easy to clean.
Using Double Sided Tape
Double sided tape is a great option for keeping cats from scratching furniture. However, you must be careful with this method because you don’t want to harm your furniture. It is best to select a non-slip rug that won’t damage your floors. You can use double sided tape on the bottom of the rug, and it will keep it in one place. This will prevent your cat from scratching it and it will help you avoid buying expensive furniture.
Using Sprinkling of Calcium Chloride
If you want to deter your cat from scratching your furniture, you can sprinkle some calcium chloride where they usually scratch. Cats don’t like the feeling of this, and it is harmless, so it is a safe option to use. Calcium chloride is a salt-based mineral, and it is non-toxic to humans and pets. However, if you have small children in the home, it is best to keep them away from the area where you have sprinkled this mineral. Calcium chloride also comes in a gel form, which is an even better option for keeping cats away from your furniture. You can either put it on the surface of your furniture, or you can sprinkle it on a non-slip rug.
Don’t Forget the Scratch Posts!
Scratch posts are a great way to redirect your cat’s scratching behaviour. You can find scratch posts made out of many different materials, such as cardboard, carpet, and wood. The best kind of scratching post is one that is tall with sisal rope, which cats love to scratch. You can also try adding a scratching post to your furniture. There are many ways to do this. You can use a piece of wood and attach it to the side of your couch with nails or screws. You can also glue a piece of carpet onto a board and attach it to the side of your couch. You can also place a scratching post beside your couch, or on whichever surface your cat likes to scratch. This will help you keep your furniture from being destroyed, and it will keep your feline friends happy too!
Conclusion
Cats are finicky creatures, so you have to be careful when choosing the furniture items in your home. You can’t just buy any piece of furniture and expect your cat to leave it alone. You have to be careful with your selection, and make sure it’s sturdy enough for a kitty’s scratching. You should also keep in mind that kittens are going to scratch more than adult cats. If you don’t want your furniture being destroyed, you can try a few different methods to keep them from scratching. You can use soft-coated furniture, use double sided tape, sprinkle calcium chloride, add a scratching post to your furniture, and train your kitten to use a scratching post.