Photo by Malaya Sadler on Unsplash

If you're a proud cat owner and you also happen to love your leather furniture, you've likely faced the challenge of preventing your feline friends from using your leather couch or chairs as a scratching post. The good news is - there are effective ways to discourage them from ruining your beloved leather upholstery. Based on some of our own experiences and friendly sharing from some of you out there, here are some strategies to help protect your leather furniture and keep your cats happy and healthy.

• Provide other alternatives: Cats have a natural instinct to scratch because they need to keep their claws healthy and sharp. To redirect this behaviour away from your leather furniture, provide them with other appealing alternatives. For example, invest in a sturdy cat tree, scratching posts, or cardboard scratching pads. These scratching areas can help satisfy your cat's scratching needs.
• Choose the right material: When selecting cat furniture or scratching posts, consider their materials. Cats have preferences for the texture of the surfaces they scratch. You could try different materials such as sisal, cardboard, or rough carpet to discover what your cat likes best. By offering a variety of textures, you can cater to your cat's individual preferences.
• Use catnip and other attractants: To make the scratching areas more enticing, sprinkle some catnip or use cat attractant sprays on them. Cats are naturally attracted to these scents, which can encourage them to use the scratching posts and avoid your leather furniture.
• Cover your leather furniture: In the short term, consider covering your leather furniture with slipcovers or furniture protectors. This will provide a barrier between your cat's claws and your precious upholstery. These covers are usually easy to clean and maintain. (Make sure they are fabric so that your leather can breathe at the same time.)
• Trim your cat's claws: Incorporate regular claw trimming into your cat's grooming routine to effectively minimise the damage caused by scratching. Taking this proactive approach to claw care will help not only to protect your furniture but also contribute to your cat's overall well-being and happiness.
• Create a cat-friendly environment: Transform your home surroundings by strategically placing accessible alternatives such as cardboard, scratching posts, or textured carpets around your house. These options provide your cats with attractive choices for their scratching needs while safeguarding your leather furniture.

Preventing your cats from scratching your leather furniture doesn't have to be a daunting task. Giving them suitable alternatives, training them (well, not easy we know), and using various preventive measures, you can protect your furniture and keep your feline friend content.

Remember, patience and consistency are key when trying to modify your cat's behaviour. With the right approach, both your leather furniture and your cat can coexist harmoniously in your home.