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What really works to stop my cat from scratching and climbing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 months and 9 days old | 10 lbs

I am looking for a spray or something to keep my cat from climbing and scratching on certain places/ furniture in the house. What do you recommend and know that really works?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on January 7th, 2017

You can try double-sided sticky tape on surfaces that you don't want her to scratch or climb on - most cats don't like the feel of it on their paws, and will avoid these areas. But, it's also very important to provide her with alternatives for scratching and climbing or else she will continually try to use your furniture and countertops, as these are both normal behaviors for cats. She needs tall cat trees and high ledges or other resting places to climb up to and lay on, as well as a variety of good surfaces for scratching - scratching posts should be tall and sturdy, ideally with a rough texture such as sisal rope rather than carpet. Most cats will readily leave your things alone if you are providing appropriate alternatives :)

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