What can I spray to stop my cat from scratching?

Quick Answers

Some quick solutions to stop cats from scratching include:

• Trim your cat’s nails regularly to minimize damage from scratching
• Provide appropriate scratching posts and surfaces so your cat has an acceptable place to scratch
• Use synthetic pheromones like Feliway to calm your cat and curb the urge to scratch
• Use sticky tape, aluminum foil, or plastic sheets to cover and protect furniture
• Consider soft plastic caps for your cat’s claws
• Try deterrent sprays designed to stop cats from scratching like citrus or pepper sprays

Why Do Cats Scratch and When to Worry

It’s normal for cats to scratch objects in their environment for many reasons:

• To remove outer nail sheaths
• To mark their territory by leaving visual and scent cues
• To stretch their body and flex their feet and claws
• When they feel anxious or want attention

However excessive, destructive scratching can signal an underlying issue. See your vet if your cat is scratching or licking themselves bald, since it may indicate fleas, allergies or other skin conditions. Immediately address aggressive or distressed scratching that seems outside of your cat’s normal behavior.

Trimming Your Cat’s Nails

Trimming the sharp tips off your cat’s nails regularly is an effective way to minimize damage from scratching. Follow these tips:

• Introduce nail trims slowly with positive reinforcement like treats
• Only trim the clear sharp tip, avoiding the pink quick which will bleed and hurt
• Use cat-specific nail trimmers, not human ones
• Aim for about once every 2 weeks to keep nails blunt
• Ask your vet or groomer to demonstrate proper technique

Providing Appropriate Scratching Surfaces

It’s important to provide cats with acceptable scratching posts and surfaces to redirect them from furniture. Consider:

• Vertical scratching posts, minimum 3 feet tall
• Angled cardboard scratch pads
• Woven sisal rope scratching mats
• Corrugated cardboard boxes and scratch pads
• Untreated wood planks mounted on walls at an angle

Cats prefer materials they can really dig their claws into like sisal, cardboard, carpeting, wood. Place scratching posts near sleeping & feeding areas.

Using Synthetic Feline Pheromones

Synthetic pheromone products like Feliway help reduce scratching by creating a comforting, familiar environment for cats. Pheromones are chemical scent signals that cats use to mark their territory. Using synthetic versions around the house mimics those cues and provides reassurance. Feliway comes as both a spray and diffuser plug-in. Use it around doors, windows, cat beds, scratching posts. It may curb scratching and other anxious behaviors like territorial marking.

Protecting Furniture with Aversives

You can use various “aversive” surfaces and textures to protect furniture and make areas undesirable for scratching. Effective options include:

• Two-sided sticky tape – cats dislike sticking to the tape
• Aluminum foil – crinkly sound startles cats when scratched
• Plastic carpet protectors or runners – placed upside down with knobby parts facing up
• Sofa/chair scratching deterrents – rough plastic surfaces

Use on furniture corners, chair legs, sides of couches. Apply smoothly with no overlaps or loose areas to paw at. Works best along with providing more suitable scratching spots.

Soft Plastic Claw Caps

These are plastic caps that fit over your cat’s existing nails secured with non-toxic glue. They blunt the nails so scratching does no damage but do not interfere with normal extension and retraction of claws. Have your vet or groomer apply them properly every 4-6 weeks when they start growing out. Use cat-specific brands like Soft Claws. Take care not to inhibit your cat’s ability to grasp, scratch normally and defend itself if outdoors.

Anti-Scratch Sprays and Deterrents

Specialized anti-scratch sprays apply an unpleasant scent, flavor or sensation to discourage scratching. Effectiveness varies by brand. They include:

• Citrus scents – cats dislike the smell
• Bitter apple sprays – bad taste when licked
• Pepper sprays – irritating but harmless
• Menthol sprays – cooling then itchy sensation

Follow directions closely and reapply frequently. Never use powerful human products or oils that are toxic for cats. Test fabrics carefully first for staining or damage. Sprays work best along with adding appropriate scratching posts and surfaces.

When to See the Vet About Scratching

Consult your veterinarian if excessive or destructive scratching persists despite efforts to redirect the behavior. It may signal an underlying medical issue.

See the vet if scratching is accompanied by:

• Signs of skin problems – bald patches, scabs, licking/biting at source of irritation
• Aggression or acting out of character
• House soiling outside the litter box
• Changes in appetite or activity levels
• Stress behaviors like hiding more

The vet can check for sources of discomfort or illness and provide guidance on addressing behavioral causes through methods like medication, synthetic pheromones, environmental changes. Don’t declaw cats to stop scratching – this painful process should be avoided.

When to Consult a Cat Behavior Expert

If your cat’s scratching remains an issue after addressing medical causes and environmental improvements, seek help from a cat behaviorist. Certified specialists can identify factors contributing to problem scratching like:

• Stress and anxiety
• Conflict between household cats
• Lack of appropriate outlets for natural scratching urge
• Attention-seeking behavior

Experts will design a customized behavior modification plan which may involve:

• Synthetic feline pheromones to reduce stress
• Prescription anti-anxiety medications
• Gradual desensitization to triggers
• Consistent positive reinforcement training
• More exercise and playtime

With patience and consistency, the specialist can help curb destructive scratching and promote a harmonious home.

Conclusion

Scratching is normal cat behavior but unwanted destruction of household items must be addressed. Start by trimming sharp nails, providing scratching posts and using deterrents. If excessive scratching persists, rule out medical issues with your vet. Ultimately, a cat behavior specialist can tailor an effective plan to meet your cat’s needs and protect your home. Consistency, time and creating suitable outlets for natural scratching behaviors are key.