How to stop your cat scratching furniture and leaving fur everywhere

Want to stop your cat scratching furniture? (iStock/PA)

Sharing a home with a cat is utterly pawsome. Is there any greater validation than a cat choosing to snuggle on your lap? And when you’ve hit snooze a few too many times, a few whacks of a paw against your eye sockets will get you going for the day.

For all their charms, however, as with all pets, they will be taking up space and leaving their mark on your stuff. Claws, fur, litter trays and the occasional hairball are part of the package.