Scratching is an innate habit cats are born with, and something we as owners find frustrating when they start to scratch up the furniture! Cats scratch for many reasons, including to remove the dead outer layer of their claws, to mark their territory by leaving both a visual mark and a scent (they have scent glands on their paws), and to stretch their bodies and flex their feet and claws.

You don't want your feline to stop scratching completely, rather your goal should be getting your cat to scratch objects of your choosing.

According to the Humane Society, you should be watching out for:

1. What do cats scratch? Most cats are attracted to anything with a nubby, coarse or textured surface, or something they can really sink their claws into.
2. When do they scratch? When they wake up from a nap, when they want to mark their territory or when they’re excited about something.
3. How do they scratch? Some cats like to stand up against a vertical surface; others get horizontal and stick their butts in the air for a good stretch.

Once you've figured out your cat's preferences, you're halfway to the finish line. Scratching behaviour depends mostly on texture, so cover off-limit spots with things your cat will find unappealing on their paws. Many cats don't like the odor of citrus or menthol. In cases with non-fabric surfaces, try attaching cotton balls soaked in cologne or a muscle rub to the places you want them to leave alone.

Below are our top 3 designer cat accessories to help stop your cat from scratching the furniture throughout your home.

LucyBalu Scratch Pad

Finding the right balance between classy interior décor and effective scratching posts can be difficult, however, we think the LucyBalu Scratch Pad has absolutely nailed it!

Conveniently, the Scratch Panel can be affixed to any wall in the home, making it a great place for your cat to dig in their claws while also keeping out of the way. The minimalistic and lightweight frame comes in a range of neutral colours and is made from powder coated sheet metal and Agave sisal, providing sustainability and longevity of the product.

If you don’t want it attached to a wall, the LucyBalu Scratch Pad can be placed against the end of couches or other household items you don’t want attacked by your feline friend. Standing at 60cm and 30cm wide, its shape allows for flexibility in the positioning throughout your home.

Torre Cat Tree

The Torre Cat Tree has been designed with multiple heights in mind and is made from a plywood panel that blends into any room. Functional and stylish, this designer cat tree ignites your cat’s instincts to explore, while keeping away from objects that are yours, and yours alone.

Designer cat trees are also a great designer cat accessory that will aid in sleep and natural climbing habits. Each panel on the designer Cat Tree has scratching felt, allowing your cat to climb their way to the top and perch themselves on the landing platform. Not only can they express themselves with their instinctive nature with this minimalistic design, this designer cat accessory also provides a safe and comfortable space for your feline friend to sleep, much like they would if they were perched in a tree in the backyard.

Volto Scratch Panel

The Volto Scratch Panel is a sleek wall-mounted designer cat scratcher made from an aluminium frame which can be screwed to the wall and fitted with a removable felt scratch panel.

With the ability to be fitted at any height, this designer cat accessory is perfect for any size cat, allowing them to stretch and claw as needed. This gorgeous design will melt into any interior design and will save your couch from the claws! A necessary designer cat accessory for any cat owner out there.

Although not as wide as the LucyBalu Scratch Panel, it stands at 71cm tall and 11cm wide, allowing it to fit into smaller spaces; a perfect corner scratch panel!

If you’re having trouble with your cat scratching, send us an email and we would be more than happy to offer guidance and other prevention methods.