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The best cat scratch deterrents to protect your furniture

PawTracks Contributor
By

A couch or stand-alone scratching post might help your cat fulfill its natural desire to scratch so your furniture is protected. But more than likely you’ll need a good cat scratch deterrent to preserve a favorite chair or couch. There are many to choose from, but these high-performing cat scratch deterrents rise to the top.

Cat deterrent sprays are one way to address scratching and the associated furniture damage. The sprays can be applied on furniture to create an invisible liquid shield that helps deter a cat from scratching in that area. There are other products to try as well, such as deterrent tape. These leading and effective cat scratch deterrents just might solve your scratching problem.

Furniture Defender Cat Scratch Deterrent

Best Overall

Need one of the best cat scratch deterrents available to address a recurring issue? Then try the Furniture Defender Cat Scratch Deterrent. Installed on portions of furniture, the scratch guards are made of high-quality, pliable, flexible, double-polished, thick, and clear vinyl. The guards are designed to hold firmly in place on upholstered furniture with included screw pins and blend in well.

Related

FELIWAY Cat Calming Pheromone Spray

Best Spray Cat Deterrent

There are many deterrent sprays available, but a high-ranking one is the FELIWAY Cat Calming Pheromone Spray. It’s clinically proven to curb stress-related unwanted behaviors, such as by reducing scratching and urine spraying. The spray is effective on 90% of cats, and results are possible in as few as seven days.

Sofisti-Cat Scratch Deterrent Tape

Best for Marking in One Area

If there’s one particular area where your cat loves to scratch, address it with the Sofisti-Cat Scratch Deterrent Tape. Since cats dislike sticky paws and surfaces, the double-sided tape is designed to teach a cat where it shouldn’t scratch. The clear anti-scratch cat tape is safe both for a cat and fabric furniture, so it’s ideal for use on couches, armchairs, and drapes.

To stop your cat from scratching your chairs, sofa, or love seat, get an effective cat scratch deterrent. These proven and safe-to-use deterrents can help change your cat’s bad behavior fast.

Topics
Bengal cats: What to know about these quirky descendants of Asian leopards
Bengal cat breed facts that may surprise you
A Bengal cat lies on a white floor and bathes their forelimb

With their striking rosette coats and low-maintenance grooming needs, Bengal cats are already one of the most desired breeds in the world. Once known as Safari cats, the breed went through a name change in the 1970s to reflect its fascinating heritage. But what is living like a Bengal cat actually like? Are they as feisty as their Asian leopard ancestors?
We'll explore the Bengal cat's personality in depth, covering everything from a brief look into their history, the most common Bengal personality traits, and any breed-specific requirements that may hinder your quest to adopt one of these lovely cats.

Bengal cat history
While some cat breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau, can trace their lineage as far back as 10,000 B.C.E., the Bengal cat is a relative newcomer on the scene. The Bengal cat was first bred deliberately in California in the 1980s, after cat breeder Jean Mill crossed a domestic shorthair (a black tomcat) with an Asian leopard cat. Asian leopard cats, a breed of dainty wildcats hailing from Southeast Asia, are also known as Felis bengalensis -- hence the aforementioned name change from Safari cat to "Bengal cat," -- a nod to this hybrid breed's wild ancestor.
However, there may be another reason for the switch that led to the newly dubbed Bengal cat. When the breed's name was changed in 1974, the man responsible was named William "Bill" Engler -- B. Engler. Some believe he drew inspiration from his own name.

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Can cats suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can?
What you need to know about your cat's mental health
A blue-eyed white cat sprawls out on top of a rug with a forlorn expression

As it turns out, man's best friend has quite a lot in common with humans. Just like us, dogs can suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year." With such staggering numbers, it's easy to understand why the self-help industry is booming. But what about cats? Are our feline family members similarly affected by mental health issues?
While dogs are typically more expressive regarding their moods, cats can be more difficult to read. A dog suffering from depression may refuse to play with his favorite toy, but what behaviors can you expect from your feline friend? Do cats suffer from depression and anxiety the way some dogs do? We'll take a deep dive into the world of cat mental health, so we can answer the question once and for all.

Can cats have mental illnesses?
In her 2014 book "Animal Madness," Dr. Laurel Braitman writes, "There is not a branch of veterinary science, ethology (the science of animal behavior), neuroscience, or wildlife ecology dedicated to investigating whether animals can be mentally ill." While we can't read our cat's mind, we can use their typical behavior to gauge sudden personality changes that might ring a few alarm bells.
Two commonly diagnosed mental issues in cats are obsessive-compulsive disorder -- often abbreviated as OCD -- and cat anxiety. In cases of OCD, you may notice your cat excessively grooming the same location on her body, which can lead to redness, swelling, skin irritation, and even hair loss. However, excessive grooming is also a symptom of anxiety, though anxiety is often accompanied by additional concerning behaviors, such as decreased appetite, incessant yowling, and even drooling.
Details are scant regarding exactly how many cats suffer from mental health issues, but the fact remains that your frisky feline can be affected by OCD, anxiety, or depression. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that cats can even have autism.

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Do cats get separation anxiety just like dogs do?
Here's how to help your cat cope with separation anxiety
Anxious calico cat lying in the cat bed of a cat tree

As many of us begin to return to work and school after years of pandemic-related remote work or study, you may notice your fur babies are behaving strangely. Although it's a fairly well-known fact that dogs can suffer from separation anxiety when their human family members leave for work or leave the house at all, not everyone knows that our cats can suffer the same issue.

Cat separation anxiety occurs less frequently than it does in dogs, but that doesn't make it any less distressing to witness. Do you think your cat has separation anxiety? Then you've likely noticed unusual behavioral changes. But try not to worry -- there are many solutions that can help reduce your cat's anxiety.

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