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A black cat with green eyes sits beside a couch cushion with chewed and clawed fabric and stuffing. 6 / 26

A Black Cat Sat Beside the Couch Cushion He Redesigned

AI imageblack catcouch cushionliving room

A glossy black cat named Salem sits beside a couch cushion that has clearly seen some action. The fabric has been clawed and chewed, with stuffing pulling out of the frayed corners. His green eyes look toward the camera with a small, almost smiling expression, and his whiskers are neatly in place. A blanket and a pile of clothes lie on the couch behind him.

Cats scratch furniture for several good reasons. It stretches their muscles, sharpens their claws and leaves scent marks from glands in their paws. A soft cushion is easy to dig into, and the texture can feel very satisfying. Many cats will return to the same spot again and again, because it carries their own scent and tells them it is a good place to scratch. Giving a cat several scratching options around the house, in different textures such as sisal rope and cardboard, lets him choose a favorite.

To protect your couch, place a sturdy scratching post close to the furniture your cat already likes. Choose one that is tall enough for a full stretch, and reward your cat for using it. Double-sided tape on cushions can discourage scratching. If your cat chews fabric instead of scratching, mention it to your vet, since swallowed material can cause problems.

Salem looks rather pleased, a dark little bandit with a tiny smile. The cushion has a new, more rustic look, and he seems to think it is an improvement.

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