Scientists pinpoint strategies to stop cats from scratching your furniture

While scratching is a normal feline behaviour, it could be managed by adapting play sessions and offering scratch posts in the right spots, according to the study

Scientists pinpoint strategies to stop cats from scratching your furniture. Picture: Steve Parsons/PA

Providing cats with safe hiding places and plenty of opportunities to play can help to reduce their stress, and save frustrated owners’ furniture from being scratched, new research suggests.

Scientists say they have pinpointed strategies that could save cushions, carpets, and sofas from pet cats.