Cats scratch furniture for a variety of reasons, including:
1. Marking territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws, and scratching allows them to leave their scent behind.
2. Sharpening claws: Scratching helps cats maintain their nail health and keep their claws sharp.
3. Stretching and exercising: Scratching allows cats to stretch their muscles and flex their joints.
4. Relief from stress or anxiety: Scratching can be a calming and soothing behavior for cats.
5. Instinctual behavior: In the wild, cats scratch trees to create hiding spots, escape routes, and vantage points.
6. Texture and sensation: Cats may enjoy the feel of scratching certain textures, like wood or fabric.
7. Attention seeking: Cats may scratch furniture to get a reaction from their owners.
To prevent cats from scratching furniture, provide alternative scratching surfaces like scratching posts or pads, and trim your cat's nails regularly. You can also try covering furniture with double-sided tape or aluminum foil to deter scratching.
