I bought a new sofa a few weeks ago and my cat won't stop scratching it. I've already tried putting a blanket over it and he scratches even more. Do I need to buy a new scratching post or is there something I can do to discourage him?
Put a vertical scratching post right next to the couch, like literally leaning against it, and rub some catnip or cat spray on the scratcher to get his attention over there. At the same time, remove the blanket because that's really the opposite of what you want - it makes it more fun to scratch. If he keeps going for the couch, use double-sided tape (the sticky kind) on the arms and back, cats hate that sticky feeling. A new scratching post definitely helps, but the real secret is making it clear what the "right" place to scratch is by offering better options than the couch.
Aluminum or pepper spray really works well if you spray it on the areas where he attacks the most. Spray a bit on the sofa (test it first on a hidden spot so you don't damage the fabric) and he'll start avoiding it because he hates the smell and taste. You have to reapply it from time to time, especially after you wash the sofa, but it's pretty effective.
What a lot of people don't try is combining this with a daily play session before those times when he normally attacks the furniture. If you tire him out properly with a toy, a laser, or a rope, he'll be calmer and less inclined to scratch. And yes, a proper scratching post helps, but the secret is placing it in a spot where he's already predisposed to scratch - if you put it by the window or in one of his favorite corners, it's much more likely to work than if you stick it in some random place.
There's one more thing: cover the sofa with a blanket made of rough fabric or even aluminum foil for a week or two. Cats hate the feeling and the noise, and they often give up. Once he loses the habit, you take it off and the spray keeps working as a long-term deterrent.
The problem with putting stuff on top of the couch is that he gets even more interested, like it's a challenge you know. Try a two-pronged approach: put the scratching post right next to it (doesn't even have to be new, a used one with his scent on it already does the trick) and use double-sided tape or those transparent plastic sheets that stick to the couch - cats hate the texture and will give up fast.
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