Do Maine Coons Scratch Furniture?

Key Takeaway:

• Maine Coons, like other cats, scratch furniture. 83.9% of owners reported this behavior.
• Cats start scratching as early as 8 weeks old, as it’s a natural behavior.
• They scratch to mark territory and express emotions like excitement or frustration.
• Offer alternatives like scratching posts and toys to redirect scratching behavior.
• Use deterrents such as protective covers and anti-scratch sprays to protect furniture.
• Train cats through play and positive reinforcement.
• Avoid cruel and illegal practices like cat declawing. It is forbidden in the US, including New York and Maryland.

However, let’s learn in more detail why Maine coons have such behavior. Moreover, how can you save your favorite furniture from them without harming it?

Do Maine Coons Scratch Furniture?

According to a survey, 83.9 % of cat owners have said that Their cats scratch house items daily. They usually like to scratch fabric sofas, chairs, and other furniture. Most Kittens at 8 weeks old start to show such scratching behaviors.

Maine coons also have this habit. They like scratching furniture. There are many causes Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture. Some prime reasons for Maine coons such behavior are: 

• By scratching, cats leave behind scent marks from glands in their paws. The gland releases pheromones hormone which is the reason for that scent. However, this is actually a signal of their ownership of a particular area. They do this to leave their territory and message other cats that they own this site/area. This is one of the main reasons for their scratching.
• Cat scratches furniture to stretch their legs, shoulders, and back muscles. Many cats especially like scratching once they wake up after a nap. This is a nice technique for cats to extend their claws and paws. And it likely feels good as well.
• Scratching engages multiple muscle groups. This promotes flexibility and mobility. This is like a comfortable exercise for them. 
• Cats scratch to lessen boredom and release pent-up energy. This serves as a natural outlet for their instincts to hunt and play.
• Scratching is a normal cat behavior. This behavior stems from their natural desire to keep their claws healthy. They remove their dead nails by scratching and letting the new nails grow. 
• Scratching helps cats remove the outer coating of their claws, maintaining their sharpness and health.
• Scratching can also serve as a form of stress relief for cats, helping them relax and unwind.
• In some cases, Maine coon kitten behavior, such as excitement or frustration, can come out through scratching furniture to express emotions.
• They get furniture that is convenient and comfortable to scratch. Furniture is high and sturdy, allowing cats to bury their nails in and scratch with great force. So they practice a lot with it.

How to Stop Cats From Scratching Furniture?

Scratching is a frequent activity in Maine coons and other felines. But sometimes, such behavior may damage expensive or cherished goods in your home. To keep safe and maintain your feline as well as your furniture, you can check the tips below:

1. Redirect the Cat

You can provide alternatives to prevent your cat from scratching your furnishings. For this, you can pick Cat Tree, Scratching Posts, Scratching Pads, Cat Scratcher Lounge, Interactive Toys, etc. 

You need to place items near furnishings that your cat enjoys scratching. Then, strategically direct it to scratch these alternatives instead of your furniture. 

2. Trimming Cat’s Claws

You need to trim your cat’s claws regularly. You can use a cat nail cutter for this purpose. This is the easiest way to prevent your cat from scratching. This will remove the sharpness of claws and even remove the dead shells. Thus, it will lessen the damage to furniture. 

But beware of your coon’s pink quick. It is the sensitive area of a cat’s claws where blood vessels and nerves are attached. You can cut only the white part. 

3. Cat Nail Caps

Nail capping for cats is another quick way to prevent scratching. These are plastic material caps, and you need to stick them to claws with glue. 

But some cats feel irritated to wear it and want to remove it by chewing. It may even fight with you while wearing it. So, if your kitty doesn’t want to, try any other ways. 

4. Spend Time and Play

As Maine coon’s scratching may be for boredom also, spending time with it and playing can be a good way. Play and try to engage with other scratching toys. 

You need to pick a time regularly for your kitten. This may lessen boredom, frustration, loneliness, and stress also. 

5. Teach It by Play

You can teach your Maine coon by playing a yes/no game. For example, while it is near to your furniture and up its claws on furniture to scratch, say it to no.

Then, show the Scratching Posts or toys and say yes. Thus, this will learn by the time what it should be scratched. As kittens adapt to scratching behavior at 8 weeks of age, learning such things can be more effective. 

But if your cat is older, no issue starts from today. Over time, it will get adopted. 

6. Reward Good Behavior

Gently instruct your kitten never to scratch the furnishings. Direct it to different toys or scratching posts. While it drives itself, reward it for this behavior. They will get inspiration.   

7. Limit Their Access 

You can restrict the area where you are not available, and it can damage your furniture. While you let it alone, try to keep it a restricted place where it just has its belongings. 

How to Protect Your Furniture From Cats Maine Coon?

To protect your furniture from Maine coon’s scratching, you can follow the below tips. 

• Aluminum Foil: Cover the surfaces of furniture that cats tend to scratch with aluminum foil. The texture and noise of the foil can deter cats from scratching.
• Protective Covering: Protective coverings such as blankets or thick plastic sheets shield furniture from scratching. These coverings provide a physical barrier against claw damage.
• Cats anti Scratch Spray: You can apply anti scratch spray for cats to furniture surfaces to deter cats from scratching. These sprays emit odors that cats dislike. So, your cat may feel discouraged from scratching. You can make your homemade cat repellent with simple homemade ingredients. 
• Double Sided Tape: You need to place double-sided tape on furniture surfaces where cats scratch. The sticky texture of the tape is unpleasant for cats to touch, dissuading them from scratching.
• Horizontal Scratching Surface: You can offer horizontal scratching surfaces such as scratching pads or boards as alternatives to furniture. Cats may prefer these surfaces for scratching and be less inclined to target furniture.
• Cotton Balls With a Strong Citrus Smell: Place cotton balls infused with citrus scent on or near furniture to repel cats. Cats typically dislike citrus odors, which can discourage scratching behavior.
• Noisy Objects: Attach noisy objects like balloons or bubble wrap to furniture surfaces to startle cats when they attempt to scratch. The unexpected noise can deter cats from repeating the behavior.
• Vinyl Panels: Install vinyl panels on furniture edges or surfaces to protect against scratching. These panels provide a durable barrier that cats are less likely to damage.
• Upside Down Rug: Place rugs upside down on furniture surfaces prone to scratching. The unfamiliar texture of the rug’s underside may discourage cats from scratching.

Read More:

• Why Does My Maine Coon Bite Me?
• Can Maine Coon Cats Be Indoor Cats?

Things Owners Should Never Do to Stop Cats From Scratching

I know it’s a big issue that your Maine coon scratches your cherished or exclusive furniture. But your coon is an innocent pet. This is its natural behavior. So, it’s not its fault. Keep patience, and you can follow the above tips to prevent it. But never try the below acts. 

Cat Declawing

Declawing is a cruel and painful surgical procedure. Under no circumstances should owners consider declawing their Maine Coon cats. 

This procedure comprises the amputation of the cat’s toes at its first joint. It can lead to chronic pain, behavioral issues, and long-term health problems. Owners should explore humane alternatives to manage cats scratching furniture behavior. 

Yelling or Hitting the Cat

Yelling at or physically punishing a cat for scratching furniture is ineffective and counterproductive.

Cats do not perceive punishment in the same way humans do. And such actions can damage the bond between the cat and its owner. Instead of punishment, owners should focus on positive reinforcement and redirection techniques to encourage desired 

Squirting Water at the Cat

Using a squirt gun or spray bottle to deter scratching behavior by spraying water at the cat is not an effective or humane method.

It can create fear and anxiety in the cat, leading to further behavioral problems and a breakdown of trust between the cat and its owner. 

Using Sticky Substances or Tape on the Cat

Applying sticky substances or tape directly onto the cat’s fur or skin to deter scratching is ineffective, cruel, and potentially harmful.

It can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and distress to the cat. Furthermore, it can potentially lead to fear or aggression.

Ignoring the Scratching Behavior

Ignoring scratching behavior is not a proactive answer; it should be addressed. Cats scratch as part of their natural behavior.

So, if left unaddressed, it can cause substantial damage to home items, including furniture. Ignoring the behavior may also lead to frustration and stress for the cat and the owner.

Restricting Access to Essential Resources

Restricting access to scratching posts and other essential resources can lead to stress and behavioral issues in cats.

Provide multiple scratching surfaces and encourage their use through positive reinforcement to meet their natural scratching needs and promote their well-being.

How To Discipline A Maine Coon Cat?

If you want to know How to train Maine coon, you can simply follow the below tips. Check them at a glance

• Provide scratching surfaces covered in preferred materials.
• Encourage positive behavior with praise and treats.
• Redirect the cat to the scratching post when scratching furniture.
• Use deterrents like tape or citrus spray on furniture.
• Start training early and be consistent.
• Maintain bonding through regular play sessions.

FAQs

Final Verdict

So, Do Maine coons scratch furniture? Maine Coons, like other cats, have a natural tendency to scratch furniture. Understanding why they do it and providing appropriate alternatives like scratching posts can help redirect this behavior. Avoiding harmful methods like declawing and using positive reinforcement techniques are key to managing scratching behavior effectively.

You May Also Like to Read:

• Do Maine Coons Get Along With Dogs?
• Why Are Maine Coon Cats So Big? 
• Can a Maine Coon Kill a Human?
• Types of Maine Coon Cats
• Is My Cat a Maine Coon Quiz?