Cat Versus Couch? Not Anymore!

Y’all know that my black cat Steve (below) is the reason I ended up creating the Woven Mending Tutorial. If it weren’t for his - ahem - creativity, I never would have thought to mend my sofa in the first place. As grateful as I am for his “inspiration,” I’m not exactly eager for him to continue destroying my stuff. That’s why, just in time for the tutorial release, I’m thrilled to present some great training advice from cat behaviorist Heather Alvey of Felidae Behavior! Read on for her tips!

-Sarah

A clip of Steve doing what he does best

From Heather:

Hey there! So, you're looking forward to Sarah's awesome tutorial on fixing your furniture, but you're worried that your cats might ruin all your hard work by scratching on it. Don't worry, you can actually teach your kitties to scratch in a better place, like a scratching post!

First things first, let's understand why cats scratch. It's totally normal for them and serves a few important purposes. First, it helps them take care of their claws, keeping them healthy and sharp. Second, scratching lets them stretch their bodies and get rid of extra energy. And third, it's a way for them to mark their territory and leave their special scent behind.

If your cat is scratching where they shouldn't, I’ve got some tricks to help you out!

1. Make their current scratching spot unavailable or less tempting. Cats will always go for furniture when it’s their easiest option and they have no incentive to try anything else. Start by covering their favorite spots with things they don't like, like the rough side of a carpet runner, a shower curtain liner, a blanket, bubble wrap, or sticky tape. These things will make it less fun for them to scratch there.

2. Get them a new scratching surface they'll love. Cats have different preferences, so try to figure out if they like to scratch vertically (like on a post) or horizontally (like on a mat). Also, pay attention to the material they prefer, such as carpet, sisal, or cardboard. Find a scratching post or mat that matches their style and make sure it's big enough for them to stretch out comfortably. If you’re not sure what your cat’s preferences are, look at what they’re already scratching for clues!

3. Put the scratching surfaces in important areas of your home or close to where your cat already scratches. It might take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect spot, but remember, it's all about what your cat likes and cats like their scratchers in or on the way to their core territory rather in the far corner of the basement.

4. Actively attract your cat to the new scratching spot. For this, you can use some fun tactics. Sprinkle a bit of catnip on the scratching surface, drag an interactive toy across it, or even leave treats on it. If you have old scratching surfaces that your cat used to like, use these tricks to get them interested in using those again too. And remember, lots of praise and treats when they scratch in the right place!

5. Distract your cat from furniture. If you catch them heading towards an off-limits spot, dangle a toy, or toss something like a ping pong ball nearby. Then, gently guide them to the new scratching area and give them a reward when they use it.

Keep in mind that this might take a bit of time and patience, but with these strategies, you can help your cat learn the right scratching habits.

Oh, and if you want one-on-one help, I am offering a special discount on my Destructive Scratching Package. Just mention that you found me through Sarah's tutorial to get a 10% discount. 

Happy furniture repairing and happy cats!

- Heather

About Heather

Heather Alvey is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and owner of Felidae Behavior Consulting.  She has over twenty years of experience working with cats.  She’s worked with hundreds of clients across the US and Canada, both virtually and in-person on just about any cat behavior you can imagine. She uses the science of positive reinforcement in behavior modification to help kitties and their people.  When she’s not reading about, training, or working with cats, she enjoys knitting, reading, hiking, and biking.

Learn more about Heather and the help she can offer at Felidaebehavior.com and on Instagram at @felidae_behavior.

NoCo Style: Thread Space →

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A 2019 interview where I talk about doing things my own way.

Voyage Denver: Meet Sarah Neubert →

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In this 2019 interview I talk about the basics of my practice, but I also get into some important stuff about mental health, my upbringing, and non-traditional career paths.

Weave: A Fiber-Based Podcast

In March 2018 I spoke with Gist Yarn in an early episodes of Weave: A Fiber Based Podcast. The Weaving Kind is no longer with us, but there’s still a lot of good stuff about weaving as a meditative practice, plus some juicy stuff about my religious upbringing!

Weaving as Meditation →

“I’ve found that by investing a little more into my time at the loom, I’ve increased my mental and emotional dividends exponentially. In my experience, it’s about three things: consistency, intention, and method.”

A couple years ago, I wrote about weaving as a healing practice for the mind. It’s all still true, and I think weavers, artists, and neuroscience nerds alike will enjoy reading it!

Field Notes: Warp and Weft Magazine →

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I was interviewed by Warp and Weft Magazine for their Field Notes series in 2018. I talk in-depth about my weaving practice, including how I got started, my process, materials, and thoughts on weaving as a career. A good read for anyone who’s curious about the ins and outs of my work!