Scratching isn’t unusual for cats to do. On the contrary, it’s a common and natural thing they do for many different reasons.
Cats scratch things in order to keep their nails sharp and healthy and mark their territory with visual marks and scents released from the scent glands on their feet.
The only problem with this natural behavior is that domestic cats tend to scratch pieces of furniture around the home such as sofas, beds, tables, carpets, etc.
Luckily, you can stop your cat from destroying your home in different ways.
Below, I will share 15 ways how to keep cats off the couch or other pieces of furniture, some of which include crafting natural repellants, covering surfaces with unpleasant textures, click training, etc.
I will also share non-effective methods and explain why they don’t work. That said, let’s learn how to keep your cat off of your furniture in a harmless and painless manner.
How to Keep Kittens Off Furniture: 15 Effective Methods
As I already said, scratching furniture and other things around the home is a normal behavior in cats.
Therefore, punishing your feline friend isn’t acceptable in any case, even if you see it appears as a destructive scratching. Try some of the following methods on how to keep kittens off furniture instead.
Method 1: Start Training Your Pet at a Young Age
Training your cat when it’s still young is more effective because a younger cat is more likely to take training on board. But whatever the age of your pet, you should introduce strict rules and stick with them.
For instance, if you have a young cat and you don’t want it on the sofa, then don’t bring them up onto the couch. Otherwise, they will get used to it, get on it by themselves over time, and eventually start scratching it.
You can start the training with a command in a firm but kind voice and treats. Every time they jump onto your couch, just place them back on the floor and offer a treat.
Now, this method works better with dogs because they’re more obedient. However, as you probably already know, cats aren’t. They’re more independent and stubborn so they don’t respond well to this type of training.
If that’s the case with your furry buddy and they’ve already claimed your sofa, try some of the next methods.
Method 2: Provide a Private Space for Your Pet
If cats have a separate private space where they can hide and rest, covered in their own scent, they will prefer it over your furniture.
Apart from a small cat bed, you should also provide a personal scratching post or cat tree, and cat toys that they can scratch and play with when feeling bored.
To introduce your cat to their space, you can put catnip on their bed or other scents cats like such as thyme and lavender.
Method 3: Purchase or Make a Cat Scratching Post
You can either buy or make a scratching post that your kitten will scratch instead of your furniture. The scratching post will also keep your kitten’s nails smooth, so they won’t put holes in your clothes when holding your cat.
If you opt for a store-bought scratching post, get a high-quality one. Moreover, add extra fabric, cardboard, upholstery, and other scratching surfaces that will keep your pet busy and entertained at all times.
Keep in mind that store-bought scratching posts aren’t cheap so if you’re crafty, you can make a sturdy scratching post with plywood and rope.
Here’s a tutorial on how to make a scratching post: DIY Scratching Post Tutorial.
Method 4: Make Your Furniture Less Tempting
Cats can jump on different pieces of furniture for different reasons. They can relax on a couch near a window or hop on a kitchen counter in search of snacks.
So, you should make your furniture less appealing by removing the inbuilt rewards cats look for when climbing on things.
Moreover, keep blinds closed if you have couches near windows, so your pet won’t be as interested in the couch or other furniture.
Also, remove any excess padding from your couches, sofas, beds, and other pieces of furniture when they’re not in use.
For instance, after watching TV on the couch or bed, remove any pillows or blankets you used. Lastly, keep your counters free of food and other things that your pet may find appealing.
Method 5: Use Plastic Floor Mats
You can easily keep cats off furniture by placing plastic car mats on it when leaving the home.
Most cats find the round knobs on the bottom of these plastic floor mats uncomfortable to walk over, so you should definitely give this method a try.
Method 6: Try Aluminum Foil
You can line your cat’s favorite furniture with aluminum foil as cats don’t prefer slippery surfaces.
Aluminum foil can make a great cat repellant when applied on smooth surfaces such as a table or smaller furniture pieces when not in use.
Method 7: Use a Double-Sided Sticky Tape
If your cat scratches non-fabric surfaces such as tables, kitchen counters, mantels, and so on, apply double-sided tape in criss-cross patterns or stripes. If they find their paws get sticky after jumping on furniture, they’re less likely to jump on it again.
Note: Never use double-sided tape on leather furniture. Otherwise, you will end up with residue that’s almost impossible to remove.
Method 8: Try a Motion-Activated Noisemaker
If the methods above don’t work, buy a motion-activated noise maker and set it up near pieces of furniture that they frequent.
The next time your cat gets on the furniture, the device will release a high-pitched noise that cats despise. They will eventually associate the furniture with the noise.
Method 9: Spray an Apple Cider Vinegar Repellent
Cats hate the smell of apple cider vinegar. Thus, you can mix some apple cider vinegar with water in a clean spray bottle and spray the areas that your cat usually scratches.
Not only will this mixture deter your cat from your furniture but also act as a deodorizer.
Method 10: Make a Citrus Repellent
Cats also hate the smell of citrus, so you can make a citrus spray with some orange or lemon juice and water. Then, spray the spots that your cat jumps on and usually scratches.
Keep in mind that citrus sprays can damage certain surfaces and fabrics, so make a test on a hidden patch before using one on your furniture.
Method 11: Use Aluminum Pans
If your pet scratches kitchen counters, you can place aluminum pans on the edge of the counters they frequent so that when they jump on them, the pans will fall and produce a loud noise.
Cats hate loud noises, so when yours gets surprised by a loud noise when they jump on a counter, they will eventually associate the loud noises with the counters and stay away from them.
Note: If it’s not a hardwood floor, avoid this method. Otherwise, you’re risking damaging your floor.
Method 12: Buy a Clicker and Target Stick
You can train your kitten with a clicker and target stick you can easily find at your local pet shop. And don’t worry. It’s just a long stick that some cat owners use to get their cats on and off things, so it’s safe.
How to Use a Clicker and Target Stick:
Step 1: If you opt for a clicker and target stick, teach your kitten to follow the stick first. Place it near your kitten’s nose and as soon as they begin sniffing the stick, move the stick.
Step 2: When they begin following the stick with their nose, click the clicker. Then, give your kitten a treat as a reward. This will teach your pet it should follow the stick to obtain a reward.
Step 3: Train your kitten to follow the stick for a few days. If everything goes according to plan, you can start training your cat with commands.
Step 4: Pick a command that they will recognize every time it gets on furniture. You can use something like “no”, “get off”, “down”, etc.
Step 5: Every time your cat gets on any surface or furniture, get your stick and say the command while guiding them off the surface or furniture. Then, reward them with a treat.
Over time, your cat will associate your command with treats and leave your pieces of furniture alone and well.
Method 13: “Scare” Your Cat Off Furniture by Making Loud Noises
If you don’t like using a clicker and target stick or motion-activated noisemaker, you can make some noise every time you catch your cat in action. Place some change in a jar or bang some pots that will “scare” them off the furniture.
Keep in mind that this should be a consistent thing, so make noise each time they’re on the counter or furniture, and they will stop over time.
Method 14: Rotate Your Furniture
If there’s a certain piece of furniture that your pet likes and scratches, consider moving it around.
For instance, if it’s in a sunny location in your home, try moving it to the shade. Also, put your cat’s bed in that sunny location so they can still enjoy the sun in their own bed.
Method 15: Avoid Feeding Your Cat on Your Furniture
Some cats don’t like getting on the furniture but they might develop this behavior due to your actions. For instance, if you feed your cat on the couch, they will probably get on it every time they feel hungry in the future.
5 Non-Effective Methods That Can Traumatize Cats
I love my cat but I also love my furniture bought with hard-earned money.
So I can understand cat owners who get easily frustrated when they see their cat ruining their favorite leather couch. However, that doesn’t justify losing your grip and yelling or hitting your cat.
Screaming at your pet or even worse, hitting your pet won’t yield any positive results. On the contrary, your cat can develop negative feelings toward you, and if it’s a vengeful cat like mine, it will go back and destroy your furniture for good.
Showing anger is one of the least effective methods. So, you should avoid it when trying to stop your cat from scratching furniture.
Let’s take a look at other “methods” pet owners shouldn’t practice at any cost.
No-No Method 1: Hitting Your Cat
You should never scare your pet off your furniture by screaming at them or worse, hitting them, which isn’t acceptable in any case.
Remember that your cat is a living being and your couch isn’t. Screaming and hitting aren’t effective methods of keeping pets off furniture.
On the contrary, they can backfire and make your cat or dog angry and even hateful towards you.
Always choose positive reinforcement over punishment. Give your cat a treat every time they get off the furniture to reward their good behavior.
No-No Method 2: Spraying Your Cat With Water
I’ve known some people who have used spray bottles to punish their cats when they got on furniture. They have sprayed their cats with water because most cats despise water.
However, this isn’t a good method at keeping cats away from your furniture. The only thing you can achieve is stressing your cat out, so keep your spray bottle away from your cat.
No-No Method 3: Declawing Your Cat
Some pet owners would rather declaw their cat rather than train it.
In my opinion, cat owners who consider this procedure don’t deserve to own a cat in the first place. Declawing is a disgusting and unnecessary procedure that no cat should go through.
Moreover, if you declaw your cat and they manage to escape, they would be defenseless. Also, a study in 2017 has shown that declawing comes with many different walking and behavioral issues. (*)
Therefore, you should definitely cross declawing out your list of methods of how to keep cats off furniture.
Show Your Furry Friend Some Extra TLC!
The last thing I have to suggest is to play with your kitten daily. The more amused your pet is, the less they will get on your furniture and cause damage.
What’s your favorite method on how to keep kittens off furniture? How do you keep your own cat off furniture?
*image by Wirestock/depositphotos