If you're here, chances are you've got a kitty who sometimes mistakes your furniture for a scratching post. We've all been there – you walk in the door, and BAM! Your couch, your favorite chair, maybe even that pricey rattan piece, or your bed looks like it’s been through a battle.
Depending on how bad the damage is, you might be able to fix things up, and hopefully, your relationship with your cat will be okay too (after a few treats, maybe?).
In this post, we're going to talk about some simple ways to fix those scratch marks and get your furniture looking good again.
Reasons Why Cats Scratch Furniture
It’s good to know why cats scratch before we try to fix the damage. This isn't a problem behavior, it's actually how cats naturally maintain themselves.
They scratch to stretch like we do when we wake up. Scratching behavior in cats also helps their claws, allowing them to shed the outer part and keep them sharp. Another reason they scratch is to mark their space, cats have special scents in their paws that they leave behind when they scratch, kind of like saying, “This is mine”. Scratching can also be a way for cats to feel better when they’re bored or stressed, letting out some energy.
They like the feeling of scratching, too – some materials such as natural sisal, just feel good to them. If your cat is scratching a lot, they might need more playtime or something else to scratch. Giving them the right scratching spot can help protect your furniture.
If you're curious to learn more about the reasons behind cat-scratching behavior, check out our previous blog post where we discussed this topic in detail. Here.
Time to See How Bad the Scratches Are
So you've got some scratches, it's a common thing for all cat owners, but before you start fixing it let's take a close look at the damage. This helps you choose the right way to fix it and stops you from making things worse.
First, figure out what your furniture is made of. Is it wood, leather, or fabric? Each type needs a different approach. For example, if it's wood, is it protected with a coating (finished), or is it bare? If it's leather, is it the more natural kind that scratches easily or the kind with a coating that's tougher?
Next, how bad are the scratches? Are they just light marks, or are they deep grooves? Light scratches on wood might just need a special pen or wax. Deeper ones might need sanding and refinishing. Leather scratches can often be fixed with a leather kit. Fabric scratches might need a patch or new fabric altogether.
Remember, stopping the scratching is the best plan! You can protect your sofa from scratches while providing a natural scratching space for your cat with this couch scratcher side table, you can also manage their claws or use little covers on them.
To sum it up, checking the damage is the first step to fixing cat scratches. Knowing what your furniture is and how bad the scratches are will help you decide the best way to repair it. And don’t forget, it's always better to stop the scratches before they happen!
Repairing Cat Scratches on Leather
-
Step 1: Use a leather cleaner to wipe off any dirt or oils from the surface.
-
Step 2: Take a close look, are the scratches just on the surface, or are they deep? If they're light, you might be able to buff them out with some cream and a cloth. But for deeper scratches, we'll need to do a bit more.
-
Step 3: Grab a leather repair kit. It should have color-matching stuff, filler, glue, a sealant, and try to follow the instructions in the kit.
-
Step 4: You need to remove a thin layer of the surface color so the new part sticks well. Use the prep solution from the kit and rub it on gently. This also helps with light surface scratches.
-
Step 5: Glue any loose bits down! If your cat pulled at the leather and left some flaps sticking up, use the glue to carefully stick them back in place, and remember to let the leather dry first.
-
Step 6: Fill in the scratches. Use a spatula or toothpick to put filler into the scratches. Let it dry completely, or use a hair dryer to speed it up.
-
Step 7: Once the filler is dry, gently sand the area with fine sandpaper.
-
Step 8: Now, use the color-matching stuff from the kit to color the repaired spot. Tap it on, don’t rub it in to avoid streaks.
-
Step 9: Finally, protect the repair and apply the sealant from the kit. Dab it on as well, being careful not to create too many bubbles. If bubbles appear, gently dab them out. Once clear of bubbles you can dry with a hair dryer.
Remember, fixing leather takes a bit of time and care. Take it slow, watch some YouTube videos, and ask for help if you need it. It will be worth it!
Repairing Cat Scratches on Wood Furniture
-
Step 1: First, wipe the scratched area with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner, like warm water with a little dish soap. This removes any dirt that could interfere with the repair. Make sure it's completely dry with a clean cloth. If the scratch is deep, you might need to use a special wood cleaner or oil to clean it.
-
Step 2: Use a putty knife to apply wood filler or putty to the scratch. Press it in to fill it completely. For deep scratches, you might need to add a few layers, letting it dry between each. Make sure the filler or putty matches the wood color.
-
Step 3: Once the filler is dry, use sandpaper to smooth the area, making it level with the rest of the wood. Start with rough sandpaper, then go to finer sandpaper until it’s nice and smooth. Be gentle when you sand. Use light, circular motions.
-
Step 4: If your furniture is stained or painted, use a rag or brush to apply matching stain or paint to the fixed area. Let it dry completely. Again, make sure it’s a good color match.
-
Step 5: Apply a protective finish, like wax or varnish, to the fixed area. This helps protect it from more scratches and blends it in with the rest of the wood. Let it dry completely. Applying this to the whole piece of furniture can help prevent future damage.
And that's it! Your wood furniture should look much better.
Final Thoughts
Cats sometimes need a little extra attention around furniture, but with a little understanding, you can show them where it's okay to scratch. As we discussed, scratching is a natural behavior for cats to do, and giving them a natural scratching space or pads is a great way to keep them active and protect your furniture.
If your furniture does get scratched, no worries! With the right tools and a little effort, you can fix it up and make it look great again. Don't let cat scratches stress you out, just follow these simple tips, and you can enjoy your beautiful furniture with your kitty cat.
For those of you who are new here, HI! We're Hilde & Phil, and we're the creators of Cat-e-Corner—a product we designed specifically for cat owners, to help prevent damage and protect their couches from those scratching kitties.
It's also a great way to hide those already scratched areas on your furniture! While we originally thought Cat-e-Corner would be mostly for pet owners, we’ve been amazed by the positive feedback from people who don't have pets. They love its simple, modern design and how it works as a handy side table, keeping drinks, books, or devices close while relaxing on the couch.
It's so exciting to see our product connect with such a variety of people. We invite you to discover more about how Cat-e-Corner can be the perfect solution for you – come explore our website to learn more!
