Cat Academy

Things to Do to Fix Cat Scratches on Leather Couch

Have you ever come home, ready to relax on your cozy leather couch, only to find it covered in scratches from your mischievous cat? It’s a bummer, but don’t freak out. There are ways to fix cat scratches on your leather couch.

Why Do Cats Love to Scratch Furniture?

It isn’t because they hate you or they’re trying to be mean. Scratching is one of a cat’s primal instincts, and they do it for a few reasons:

To Mark Their Territory

Scratching is a cat’s way of marking its territory. When a cat scratches a specific place, it leaves a scent on its paws. This scent is called pheromone, which is like a unique cat language. Once the cat stamps its scent on its territory, it’s telling other cats to back off from its spot.

To Trim Their Nails

Cats’ claws constantly grow like our nails. However, they can’t clip their fingernails like we can, so they turn to scratching. Scratching on a rough surface removes the old, dull outer layer of their claws, revealing the sharp, new claw underneath.

Sharp claws are crucial for cats. They help them climb their favorite spots, like the top of your bookshelf or, in this case, your precious leather couch. They’re also useful for hunting, even if it’s just pouncing on a feather cat toy. Their sharp claws even help them defend themselves in fights.

To Feel Good

Stretching our muscles makes us feel relaxed. That’s how scratching works for cats. They scratch after a nap or an extended rest period. It’s their way of stretching and flexing their muscles, making them feel less stiff. Scratching also promotes healthy blood flow in their paws, making them feel good.

Sometimes, cats scratch more if they’re bored, stressed, or anxious. Unfortunately, your leather couch can be extra tempting due to its smooth texture and enticing smell.

How to Prevent Cat Scratches in Leather Couch

The best way to keep cats on leather couches away is to do the following:

Give Them Proper Scratching Outlets

Give your cat plenty of places to release their scratching urges. Sisal scratching posts and cardboard houses are excellent options. Strategically place them near your cat’s favorite spots or wherever they tend to scratch up your furniture.

Clip Those Claws

Another way to prevent cat scratches on a leather couch is to clip their claws. Believe it or not, trimming their nails is as easy as pie. Just be patient, start slow, and don’t cut too deeply. Search online for instructional videos on how to do it.

Try Claw Caps

These tiny covers are like mittens but for cat’s claws. They come in different colors and are safe for your beloved feline. The caps cover the sharp edges of your cat’s claws, protecting your furniture and anything else your fur baby loves to scratch.

However, these caps don’t last forever, so you might need to replace them regularly. And some cats won’t enjoy wearing them, so they will try to pull them off. If your precious feline is bothered by the caps, stop using them and try other methods.

Detract With Scents

Cats have sensitive noses, and some fragrances we find pleasant might be unpleasant to them. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are at the top of their list. Try placing orange peels, lemon slices, or a spritz of diluted citrus essential oil near areas your cat likes to scratch. Be careful not to put too much, as strong citrus scents can also overwhelm people.

Besides citrus fruits, cats aren’t fond of lavender and peppermint. Like the citrus scent, diluted essential oils or strategically placed sprigs of herbs can be an effective deterrent. Be warned, though. Essential oils can be harmful to cats if they ingest them, so use only diluted forms and keep them out of your cat’s reach. If you’re not comfortable with essential oils, use commercially available sprays with cat-repellent scents.

Apply Double-Sided Tape

Cats don’t like sticky texture on their paws, making them excellent deterrents. Apply double-sided tape to a furniture leg or any inconspicuous area where you don’t mind it being a little sticky, and see If your cat avoids it. Replace the tape regularly, as it’ll lose effectiveness in time. Also, never leave those sticky tapes unattended, as your cat might chew on them, which could be a choking hazard.

How to Fix Cat Scratches in Leather Couch

First, assess the damage—is it super bad or a little rough? It’s best to hire a professional furniture repair service if it’s a major tear. They have the right tools and experience to make your couch look brand new.

For minor scratches, try these quick fixes:

Use Olive Oil

You’ve read it right. The same stuff you use in the kitchen can help with cat scratches on a leather couch! Olive oil is a natural leather conditioner. Here’s how to use it:

Grab a clean cloth and damp it with a small amount of olive oil. Make sure it’s not too wet, as excess oil can damage the weather.
Gently rub it on scratched areas in a circular motion. Don’t press it too hard, as it can cause further damage.
Let it sit for about an hour to soak in. Doing so will allow the oil to seep through the couch’s surface and help with the healing process.
Wipe off excess oil with a clean part of the cloth. Repeat the process if the scratches are still visible, but don’t overdo it.

This trick works best with light scratches. For deeper ones, you might need something stronger or get professional help. Also, test the olive oil on a small or hidden area before applying it all over the scratched surface. That way, it won’t be an eyesore if you see discoloration or damage after applying the oil.

Take Advantage of the Repair Kits

These kits contain dyes and filler to match your leather and disappear cat scratches. They can be found in some home improvement shops and online stores.

When using repair kits for leather couches, read the instructions carefully. They’ll tell you how to mix the colors, fill the scratches, and make your couch look as good as new. As any repair tactics, this doesn’t work like magic. Be patient and take your time—rushing could make things worse.

What if the Cat Scratches on the Leather Couch Are Bad?

Sometimes, quick fixes may not be sufficient. If that’s the case, you may do the following tricks:

Creative Covers – Blankets, throw pillows, or slipcovers can hide those ugly scratches and give your precious couch a fresh look. If your cat starts scratching the cough again, its claws will target the cover, not the furniture!
Patch It Up – If there’s a small tear, a leather patch might be the answer. But rather than doing it yourself, hire a professional instead! Yes, it’s just a tiny tear, but getting their professional service ensures the patch blends seamlessly and looks fantastic. Remember, though, that this only works for small holes or tears. If the tears are all over the couch, this may not be the perfect solution, as it will look awkward.
Reupholster the Furniture – If you love your leather couch, getting it reupholstered can make it look as good as new. It’s like giving your leather furniture a whole new skin! Through this method, you can use the same leather or choose a different material that’s more scratch-resistant. However, reupholstery can be expensive. Only choose this tactic if you want to keep the couch for a long time.

Keep Your Couch Beautiful

Once you’ve fixed it, keep preventing more! Give your cat a comfortable cave bed where your fur baby can curl up and nap. Make sure the bed is spacious enough for them to stretch out comfortably. If possible, choose a bed that they can use all year. That way, you won’t have to replace them whenever the season changes.

Another way to prevent cat scratches on a leather couch is to use positive reinforcement. Whenever you see your kitty using its scratching post or another approved scratching outlet, praise, pet, or give it its favorite treat. Cats are clever creatures, so if you reward them whenever they scratch in the right places, they’ll be less interested in scratching your scratch.

Don’t punish your fur baby if you catch your cat scratching your leather furniture. It’s not that your kitty is a meanie—it’s in their instincts. Just be patient and give them better options. Show them what you want them to do.

Don’t Give Up on Your Couch

Cats and couches are a recipe for disaster, but with patience and effort, you can prevent cat scratches on your leather couch and live peacefully with your furry friend. Remember, your cat scratches for a reason—they’re not trying to piss you off. And don’t worry about those scratches; you can fix or hide them. So, be creative, be patient, and enjoy your fluffy purring companion and luxurious couch!