Every cat owner's home bears the marks of their feline overlord – whether it's your favorite furniture or your own arms. Maybe you've wondered why cats scratch their paws all over the place. We recently wrote about why do cats like to scratch in your home. Yes, the conclusion is that we can't stop cats scratching furniture because it's not just a physical need for them, it's also psychological.
What's done is done, but here's the twist: If you can't stop your cat from scratching everything in sight, train them to scratch the right things instead. Soldaypet cat scratching pad is a great choice. The removable design allows you to adjust the position according to the cat's habits, and the natural materials are safe and non-toxic for both humans and cats. Here we will share five ways to train your cat to sharpen its claws on the scratch pad instead of furniture:
1. Make the Scratching Pad Irresistible
Cats are picky—if the pad doesn’t appeal to them, they’ll default to your furniture.
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Rub catnip or treats into the pad to attract them.
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Use interactive play near the pad—drag a wand toy across it so they associate scratching with fun.
2. Discourage & Redirect Strategy
You can’t just tell a cat not to scratch the couch—you have to make it unappealing.
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Temporarily cover furniture with double-sided tape, aluminum foil, or a plastic mat (cats hate these textures).
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As soon as you notice that cats are destroying furniture, stop them.
3. Teach the "Scratch Here" Command
Yes, cats can learn cues—just like dogs!
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Gently place their paws on the pad and mimic scratching motions.
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Say "scratch here" in a calm, encouraging tone. This demonstration can help your cat understand what the pad is for. Reward immediately when they do it on their own. Positive reinforcement helps your cat associate the pad with good things, making them more likely to use it consistently.
4. Set Up a Cat-Only Scratching Zone
Location matters. If the pad is hidden in a corner, they’ll ignore it.
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Place it near their favorite nap spot—cats love stretching and scratching after waking up.
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Try vertical vs. horizontal positioning—some cats prefer one over the other.
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Observe where your cat likes to scratch and place the scratching pad in those locations.
5. Be Patient—But Consistent
Training takes time. If your cat reverts to furniture:
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Never yell or punish—this creates fear, not learning.
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Reapply deterrents and refresh catnip on the pad.
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Stay persistent—most cats adjust within 2-4 weeks.
Final Thought:
By providing a high-quality, modern scratching pad (like the Soldaypet Cat Scratching Pad) and using these training methods, you’ll protect your furniture and keep your cat mentally stimulated.
Ready to try? Share your success stories (or challenges!) in the comments—we’d love to hear what works for your feline!
About Us: Soldaypet is where love for pets meets reliable craftsmanship. Founded in 2021, we are a small company dedicated to building harmony between people and pets by providing fun and safe pet products. Shop our 100% love pet products here.
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