Cat scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for felines, serving to maintain claw health, stretch muscles, and mark territory. This innate habit can damage household furniture and belongings. Understanding which materials cats avoid scratching helps homeowners protect items and redirect their pets’ instincts.
Materials Cats Generally Avoid
Cats generally avoid scratching surfaces that offer little tactile satisfaction, are too smooth, or create an unpleasant sensation. Smooth, hard materials like metal, glass, ceramic tiles, and polished wood are undesirable. They do not allow a cat to properly sink its claws in or shred the surface, making them unappealing for scratching.
Certain fabrics are also less likely to be targeted due to their texture or weave. Microfiber is a tightly woven synthetic fabric with a soft, sleek texture, making it difficult for claws to snag. Velvet, with its directional nap and smooth surface, also deters scratching. Other tightly woven synthetics, such as nylon, offer a smooth surface cats find unappealing.
Plastic and acrylic surfaces are generally hard and smooth, similar to glass or polished wood. They offer no purchase for claws and no satisfying shredding action. Cats often bypass slippery surfaces or those that create an uncomfortable sensation under their sensitive paw pads.
Strategies for Surface Protection
Protecting furniture involves using covers made from materials cats avoid or creating barriers. Cover targeted furniture with throws or slipcovers made from tightly woven fabrics like microfiber or velvet, which are less appealing for scratching. These covers shield the underlying material.
Physical barriers also deter unwanted scratching. Applying double-sided sticky tape to areas a cat frequently scratches creates an unpleasant, sticky sensation on their paws. Aluminum foil is another option; its crinkly noise, slippery texture, and cold feel can be off-putting. Sandpaper or other rough textures also deter cats because the coarse material irritates their sensitive paw pads.
Cat-safe deterrent sprays can also protect surfaces. These sprays often contain scents cats dislike, such as rosemary, peppermint, or citronella, making the treated area less attractive.
Providing Acceptable Scratching Outlets
Redirecting a cat’s natural scratching behavior to appropriate objects prevents furniture damage. Scratching is an instinctual activity that helps cats maintain claw health by shedding old claw sheaths, stretch their bodies, and mark their territory. Providing suitable alternatives is essential.
Scratching posts made from materials cats enjoy, such as sisal, corrugated cardboard, or wood, are highly effective. Sisal offers a rough, durable surface that mimics tree bark, allowing claws to slide through while shredding. Corrugated cardboard is a favorite due to its shreddable texture and natural scent. Wood posts provide a durable option, similar to what a cat would use in the wild.
The orientation and placement of scratching posts are important. Cats often prefer both vertical posts, which allow full body stretching, and horizontal scratchers. Vertical posts should be sturdy and tall enough for a cat to stretch fully, ideally at least 28-32 inches high, to prevent wobbling. Place scratchers in high-traffic areas, near sleeping spots, or close to previously scratched furniture. Encourage use with catnip, treats, or positive reinforcement to solidify appropriate scratching habits.