Why wont my cat use the scratchboard I bought instead of the couch?
By apples99
@apples99 (6556)
United States
November 4, 2010 6:18pm CST
I love my cat but I cant stand it when he scratches the furniture ahhh! now there's so many snags on the couch that I have to buy a new couch but I dont want to buy another couch only to have the new one ruined too.
Anyone know why my cat wont use the scratch bored I got him? and what can I do to stop my cat from this annoying behaviour? I've tried a few other things to stop him it worked for a little while but he keeps scratching the furniture still I really dont want to declaw him he will be defenceless if he accidentally gets lost out side, what do you sagest? please thanks.
6 responses
@imphavok (320)
• Canada
4 Nov 10
I can totally understand your pain! I have two new cats that are killing my furniture
You could try getting a catnip scented spray and spray the scratching post. That will make it more appealing.Or sprinkle the post with catnip.
Perhaps try one of the larger climbing posts for cats.
Good luck!
@Hopeforsure2010 (5)
• United States
5 Nov 10
I would get the cat declawed. It would be for the best for the owner and the Cat. I believe a happy cat makes a good cat.
@onlywan (182)
• Philippines
5 Nov 10
there is a product that you can put on the claws of the cat, it looks like a protector. I've seen it being used in a tv show because the owner has the same problem as yours. it can be removed and also can easily be attached. its better than declawing your cat. or maybe you can just buy new furnitures made of iron or steel if you like. but kidding aside, that is the only thing I can suggest. Btw, i forgot what the actual item is called
@Chispa514 (871)
• Montreal, Quebec
4 Nov 10
There is a spray that you can buy that repels them from scratching furniture. I'm not sure what it's called though, sorry, but they sell it at Walmart.
As for why he won't use the scratchpad, maybe he needs some time to get used to it. My cats didn't use the pad I bought for them till nearly 2 months after I bought it. Give it time. I know your couch is in jeopardy, but don't worry, look in to getting that spray I mentioned, and things should be fine. I've heard that the spray really works.
@magtibaygom (4858)
• Philippines
5 Nov 10
I have a suggestion for you: Try buy a sack, a plastic sack or a canvass sack, then fill it with scratch clothes or papers, then tie the opening of the sack then place it beside the furniture. Next time your cat will feel the itch in its claws or nails, instead of scratching the furnitures, it will just scratch the sack.
@rosegardens (3034)
• United States
5 Nov 10
Put catnip on it. As for worrying if your cat might get outside, if he has never been out before he will not wander far from the house. I have two that I used to let out, and only when I was out. They are not allowed out of the yard. The minute they step over the boundary they get scolded and if they continue on they get put in the house. There have been times when I carried groceries in and they got out, when I am not outside with them and putting the groceries in the house they want to come in! They won't wander out of the yard without me being outside with them.
@Hopeforsure2010 (5)
• United States
5 Nov 10
For a situration like this I would say take him to get declawed. I had a cat that use to like to do that too and I got him declawed and that was so much better. Now the cat is more happier and I'm too.
