Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

stop cats from scratching furniture

If you have a kitty, then you’re probably fully aware that it doesn’t matter how many toys you’ve given your cat; they still want to scratch up your furniture. It’s okay. It’s happened to the best of us. You’ve provided your cat with the most enticing scratching post or tree you can imagine, but they don’t seem interested. If you’re wondering how to stop cats from scratching furniture then you’ve come to the right place! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can help you understand why your cat is scratching and how to help them stop!

How To Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

First, you’re probably wondering why our cat wants to scratch and why they won’t use their brand new cat tree! Well, the most obvious reason your cat keeps scratching is because they’re trying to remove the outer layer of their claws. Maybe they’re too sharp and the outer layer is likely dead. You can help them out by cutting their nails. Check out our post on that here! Great, but what if your cat is still headed toward the furniture? Here’s a few tips to help them stop scratching:

  • First, you can usually prevent your cat from scratching things you don’t want them to scratch by putting gentle sticky tape, foil, or sandpaper on them. Your cat won’t like the texture. You can also put an unfavorable odor on the objects with cotton balls. You can buy these at most pet stores.
  • Cats will often choose to scratch things as a way of marking their territory. If possible, try not to hide the scratching posts and cat trees in the corner of the room. Your cat might be choosing your couch because it’s the center of attention. A little rearranging of your room’s layout might be just the thing to get your kitty to stop scratching.
  • To help your cat get used to scratching something acceptable, put it at the same height they usually scratch and place it near an object they tend to scratch. So if your cat is scratching the corner of your armchair, put your scratching posts near the chair and ensure it’s at a similar height where they usually scratch. Once your cat is used to the new scratching post or tree, you can start to move it away little by little, but it’s often best to keep it in a close spot. You don’t want your cat to return to old habits.

Cat Still Scratching? Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

If your cat continues to scratch, there might be a deeper behavioral or even health issue with your kitty. It’s best to talk to your vet. The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can help you understand why your cat keeps scratching. Give us a call at 856-662-2662 to schedule an appointment or to speak with a vet on why your cat might continue to scratch.

Adopt Double for Less Trouble!

Cat Clinic At Cherry Hill adopt two cats

Our cats keep us endlessly amused with their adorable, zany behavior. Games of chase with strings, laser pointers, and jingly toys are great fun not only for the cat owner, but for the frisky feline himself. All of that activity gives him good exercise and ample mental stimulation. However, you can’t always be in the house to keep kitty entertained. Whether it’s the daily grind of going to work, trips to the grocery store, or other day-to-day errands, these frequent absences quite often leave pets bored, lonely, and inactive. And while it’s not necessary to get a sitter for the few hours you’re away from home, no one wants to leave their pet all alone for long–that’s why we at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill strongly urge those looking to add a new four-legged family member to adopt two cats instead of just one!

Safety in Numbers

Although our feline friends tend to have the reputation for being independent, low-maintenance pets, they really aren’t total recluses–they need social interaction just like we do! When left all by themselves in the house, some cats might try to liven things up by getting into things they shouldn’t or becoming destructive. “No one’s around to play? Well, these curtains look like they could be fun…” They also run the risk of consuming things that aren’t meant to be consumed (in which case you should immediately take them to your Cherry Hill cat veterinarian).

When there’s a buddy around, the companionship of an extra kitty will keep your cat happy and occupied. They can even keep each other in better health! Cats that reside with a fellow feline typically live longer, are ill less often, and are kept in good shape from all of the playtime and exercise. There’s also the obvious benefit of getting to watch the hilarity that ensues during their rough and tumble antics!

Adopt two cats Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

The Cat Veterinarian Cherry Hill Residents Trust

However many kitties you end up adopting, we highly recommend bringing your cats to the veterinarian twice per year to keep the dynamic duo healthy and happy for years to come. The doctors at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill provide full-service veterinary care exclusively for cats, which means you don’t have to worry about other large or noisy pets spooking your feline friends in the waiting room. You can also rest assured that your beloved companions are in the very best hands–we care about them as much as you do! Book an appointment for your furry family members by contacting the office and speaking with one of our friendly staff; we can’t wait to meet them!

Summer Vacation Time: Caring for the Cat

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The day of departure for that long-awaited vacation has finally arrived! You busy yourself stuffing an extra tube of sunscreen in your suitcase, making sure all of the windows in the house are shut and locked, and printing out your boarding pass. You’re grabbing the car keys and checking the time when suddenly you hear a questioning “meow” at your feet. What have you planned for your cat while you’re away? Will he stay home with a sitter, or have you arranged to leave him at a boarding facility? If there’s one thing that you should avoid doing at all costs, it’s leaving him home alone with just a bowl of food and water—even if it’s only for a couple of days.

Why can’t my cat be left home alone?

Although cats have a reputation for being largely self-reliant and capable of getting along well on their own, there are quite a few issues that could arise if you were to leave your pet alone in the house for an extended period of time. First and foremost, our feline friends are notorious for disliking sudden and unexpected changes in their daily lives. When he notices your absence, your cat will likely feel stressed and anxious, possibly exhibiting out-of-the-ordinary destructive behaviors. This could also be a result of boredom, as cats enjoy and require adequate stimulation throughout the day. If you aren’t around to play with him, don’t be surprised if you come home to find shredded rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom or clawed up curtains.

What about his feeding schedule? Left with only a bowl of food and stale water, your pet could overeat and get sick; on the other hand, he could be too upset to eat at all. A cat that is accustomed to getting fed at a regular time twice per day will not make a smooth transition to this kind of change.

Make sure your cat is cared for.

Your kitty might be an independent spirit, but he still relies on you for food and love. When you’re not around to fulfill those requirements, make sure that someone else is! It could be a neighbor or a professional pet sitter—as long as he or she is reliable and responsible. Your other option is to leave your four-legged friend at a reputable boarding facility or pet lodge. If you are in need of a recommendation, feel free to consult your trusted cat veterinarian! The experienced and caring team at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill would be happy to help you determine the best course of action as you plan your summer getaway.