Living in Whisker City means being a civilized feline. Cats of all walks of life are living modern lifestyles, complete with clothing, technology, and furniture.
Yet, despite all of our advancements, natural instincts can still kick in from time to time. Instincts like killing mice and presenting them to our loved ones, sitting in boxes for no apparent reason, and scratching our furniture.
According to our unauthorized poll of Whisker City residents, around one in five cats admits to scratching their furniture on occasion. For most of these cats, scratching is a minor issue. For others, the cost of destroyed home goods is too much to bear.
So, that begs the question: Is there a way to get a cat to stop scratching the furniture? Let's find out!
Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?
Cats can scratch furniture for multiple reasons, including stress, claw maintenance, and instincts. Scratching can help keep a cat's leg muscles in shape and remove the claws' outer layers, keeping them fresh and sharp. This habit can also be a sign of undue stress, and the cat is trying to calm itself down.
We've all done it at one point or another. Maybe you're watching a movie, or maybe you're just eating at the dinner table. Sometimes, you do it without noticing. Other times, you may know you're doing it but can't help yourself.
If you were to go into every house in Whisker City, we bet that most dinner tables and couches would have at least a few claw marks on the edges. Kittens, elderly cats, everyone does it.
But why?
Sure, the immediate answer is "because it feels good." There's no better feeling than putting your claws out, digging it into some nice upholstery or wood, and just going to town. The feeling is indescribable, and yet it's also universal. The feeling of removing old claw material, tensing your muscles. It's heaven.
But there's a time and a place. Yes, we can't always run over to a scratching post when the urge arises, but if we give into our deepest impulses, we're no better than dogs. Is that what you are? A drooling, yelping, mutt?
We didn't think so.
How Can You Stop a Cat From Scratching the Furniture?
Cats need to scratch on occasion, so there's no way to get them to stop scratching altogether. Instead, the best option is to provide tall, sturdy (not wobbly) scratching posts that are covered in thick rope. Rope is perfect for cats because they can dig their claws in deep without hurting themselves. Place these posts in areas where your cat likes to spend time so they're always nearby. Also, you can use cat nip to make the post more desirable.
For many residents of Whisker City, a home scratching post is a natural part of life. Who hasn't grown up with a massive, rope-covered post in the living room? Some apartments and homes even have pre-installed posts as a perk for new renters.
But is a scratching post enough to curb the habit? We have posts at home, and yet our couches and tables still become victims on a regular basis. So what's the answer?
Cat scratching furniture.
Imagine having a cat scratching couch or dining table. A piece of furniture that makes scratching so undesirable that you have no choice but to run to the post when the urge arises. These couches use tightly woven fibers that make it nearly impossible for claws to get through. No satisfaction, no desire.
But there's another way to make scratching a post even more enjoyable. However, as of this writing, this option is still very much illegal in Whisker City, so pretend like we're whispering it into your ear.
Cat nip.
What Does Catnip Do To Cats?
Catnip triggers an olfactory response in cats, which can be similar to arousal. Both dried and fresh catnip have a strong odor, thanks to the volatile oil Nepetalactone. One sniff is enough to trigger the reaction, and it can make cats playful and more likely to scratch whatever is close by.
Yes, the Green Fairy. The 'Nip. The Scourge of Whisker City. We've all heard the stories about catnip, and we all know that most of them are at least partially overblown. One free hit turns decent cats into degenerate prowlers? Kitten, please.
According to science, catnip can be a natural way for cats to calm down and relax. It can also make scratching far more enjoyable.
You can see where we're going with this.
If you're trying to break a bad habit, punishment is usually not the answer. Instead, a reward-based system can yield far better, more effective results. So, putting a little catnip on top of a scratching post can do the job well. Just take a sniff and let the 'Nip do its work.
Not only can you scratch your heart out without remorse, but the feeling is more intense. No couch or wooden table can match the sublimity of scratching a post while "high" on catnip.
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Cats like catnip because it makes them feel good. Most cats have a pleasant, euphoric response to smelling dried catnip. If your cat eats fresh catnip, it will feel more drowsy and potentially fall asleep. Too much cat nip can cause nausea, so it's imperative to monitor your cat if you keep fresh plants around the house.
Although sprinkling the Green Fairy on your home's scratching post can be an incredibly effective way to stop scratching the furniture, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, the effects wear off after about 30 minutes to an hour. After that, you become desensitized to the scent, so it won't affect you for a while. Just make sure you have the time to let it wear off before you have to do anything else.
Second, using catnip too often makes it less and less effective until you won't feel anything at all. So, don't rely on catnip as an everyday fix, but only on occasion.
Finally, dried catnip is the best for scratching posts. While you can use fresh, the plant tends to get into the rope fibers and it's hard to pull it out afterward. Also, you shouldn't really scratch where the catnip is. Instead, smell it and scratch a different part of the post.
Cat Crack to the Rescue
Does catnip help reduce furniture scratching? Does catnip calm cats? You bet it does! Cat Crack can be the solution you're looking for to keep your feline's claws away from the furniture. Our all-natural catnip offers plenty of health benefits, and it can help keep your house clean and destruction-free.
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