How do I get my cat to stop scratching my new sofa?

I bought a sofa last month and my cat has already shredded one corner. I have a small scratching post but she ignores it. I don't want to declaw (not that I would, and I know it is a bad idea). What actually works for redirecting scratching in a small Bangkok condo?

3 answers

1. Most helpful for the asker

   OBOliver Bennett· 3 weeks ago

   Put the post right next to the sofa corner she likes, tall and sturdy enough that it does not wobble. Rub some dried catnip into it, and cover the sofa corner temporarily with a throw or double-sided tape. After a few weeks she started going to the post by herself, and now the sofa corner is left alone except for the occasional cheeky scratch.

   Helpful40Helpful
2. KSKritsada Somboon· 3 weeks ago

   Reward her with a treat each time she uses the post. And don't punish the sofa scratching, as that only teaches her to scratch when you are out. Patience matters, since a new scratching habit needs a few weeks to build. In the meantime, protect the sofa so the old spot loses its appeal.

   Helpful30Helpful
3. CDClaire Dubois· 3 weeks ago

   Cats prefer the angle and texture they like. Mine hates carpet but loves sisal rope, and horizontal cardboard. Offer a few types and see. Also trim the nails every two weeks. It also helps to put the post in the room where she spends her time, because cats like to scratch right after they wake from a nap.

   Helpful21Helpful