Give them something else that they would rather scratch. Most scratching posts aren't tall enough for cats, so you'll need to find or make something that is. I made a floor to ceiling post and have the lower 4 feet wrapped in sisal rope. They never touch the furniture because scratching and climbing the pole is much more fun!
By
10/23/2008
Much easier solution. Pet stores sell covers for the claws. They don't hurt, aren't dangerous and a single application lasts about three months. They are teensie (individual claw size) little blue plastic slippers that go on with the same type of glue used for false eyelashes. The vet recommended them and they work very well.
By Sharon (Guest Post)
10/23/2008
I mix some Dawn dish detergent with enough water to make it thin and sprayed it on the spots my cats liked to scratch. They hate the taste and never wanted to get that nasty stuff on their paws again! Problem solved at our house with 4 cats.
By vicki (Guest Post)
10/22/2008
I received feed back from here before about cats scratching the furniture and they suggested using citrus spray that you can use on furniture "sorry I forget the name" but any kind that is fabric safe, just as long as it smells like citrus. The house smells good and the cats hate it. I spray it on the side arms of couch and the back top and they do not come near the couch anymore. Good luck