Scratching is one of a cat’s instincts. Cats love to scratch in the same way that we humans, love to doodle, whistle, and finger-drum. But while it is therapeutic for them, it can be bad for our homes.
Destructive scratching is one of the most common problems of cat parents. And the best no scratch spray for cats is the perfect solution for pet owners having problems with their cat scratching their belongings.
At times, even if we strategically place a scratching post in each corner of our house, our feline friends would always choose our expensive leather couch.
So, it’s always great to try other safe, effective, and tried and tested solutions. However, just like with other pet supplies, it can be overwhelming to choose the best spray that can address this issue.
And to some extent, these products also sound too good to be true. That’s why we’ve done our best to find the finest and most trusted anti scratch cat sprays on the market today.
Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?
There are several reasons why cats love to scratch almost everything they can get their paws on. And number one on the list is that it’s simply part of a cat’s behavior because it is how their ancestors behaved in the wild. Cats would always scratch on multiple surfaces to soothe themselves.
In the wild, cats would scratch on trees to keep their paws and nails healthy. They would also scratch to keep their nails sharp, which is helpful when they are hunting prey for their next meal.
Moreover, our cat’s ancestors also have sharp claws with the help of scratching to protect themselves from animals that are up in the food chain. Hence, their scratching behavior was crucial for their survival – both in finding food and protecting themselves from dangerous predators.
Another reason why cats scratch is to deposit their scent and mark their territory. When they scratch on trees or objects, the sweat from their paws travels to the surface that other cats can smell. The scent acts as a signal for them to stay away and look for other areas that they can claim as their own.
Additionally, considering a cat’s naturally inquisitive behavior, we can also say that your feline buddy loves to scratch on your new couch out of curiosity. And aside from all these reasons, a cat that is feeling vulnerable would also find it soothing to scratch inside your home.
Most often, you would find scratches on your doorways and open spaces because these are the areas where cats feel more at risk. Some reasons that can make cats feel vulnerable are being with unfamiliar people, moving to a new house, or having a new pet.
To help your feline companion destress, make sure that he has plenty of spaces in your house where he can curl up and hide. This helps in making him feel safer and more secure. And don’t bother buying a new expensive cat tree or cat condo – an old box or cardboard works perfectly well.
at a glance: our top 5 picks for best no scratch spray
What Are The Other Ways to Deter Cats From Scratching Furniture?
Using a no scratch spray for cats isn’t the only way to get your pets to stop scratching your brand new couch or other expensive furniture.
It’s advisable that before you go on a shopping spree for the best sprays to deter cats from scratching on off limits areas, you should first ensure that you’ve prepared a place for them to satisfy their scratching needs.
Having said this, one of the best ways that can help your cat from scratching on your furniture is to place some scratching posts and scratch pads in areas where he is usually at. If you notice that he isn’t using what you’ve bought, then, they might not be the right size or shape.
Observe the areas where your cat loves to scratch. Does he love scratching on vertical posts or flat surfaces? Once you know what your cat likes, you can buy some pet supplies that mimic his favorite hangout.
Another way to deter cats from scratching on your furniture is to give them enough exercise every day. So, spend a couple of minutes a day playing with your cat with his favorite wand or laser pointer. You can do this just before mealtime, so your cat would have more appetite to eat.
Best No Scratch Spray for Cats
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Comfort Zone Spray & Scratch Control
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Feliway Classic Calming Spray
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SmartyKat Scratching Deterrent Solution
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Pet MasterMind Claw Withdraw Scratch Deterrent Spray
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Petlinks Scratch Stop Deterrent Spray
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Bodhi Dog 3-in-1 Cat and Kitten Training Spray
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Emmy's Best Pet Products Stop the Scratch Max Strength
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NaturVet Pet Organics No Scratch Spray
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- Comfort Zone Spray & Scratch Control
- Feliway Classic Calming Spray
- SmartyKat Scratching Deterrent Solution
- Pet MasterMind Claw Withdraw Scratch Deterrent Spray
- Petlinks Scratch Stop Deterrent Spray
- Bodhi Dog 3-in-1 Cat and Kitten Training Spray
- Emmy's Best Pet Products Stop the Scratch Max Strength
- NaturVet Pet Organics No Scratch Spray
1. Comfort Zone Spray & Scratch Control
Rating: 4.5/5
Stress can cause over scratching behavior in cats, as well other problematic behaviors such as urine marking. With this calming spray you can beat kitty stress and provide a calm, and relaxing environment for your feline companion. This way, he won’t resort to scratching on your furniture or spraying urine on your walls, or rugs.
This spray works by using natural pheromone technology that creates a calm, safe, and relaxing environment for your cat. This odorless spray features a drug-free formula, so it is free from the nasty smell of harsh chemicals.
Spray it at home anywhere your cat scratches or marks to help promote a stress-free environment for your feline buddy. It is safe to use on all types of materials including fabric, wood, leather, and more. It won’t leave a stain or mark, so don’t hesitate to use it on your door frames, walls, trim, beds, and more.
This spray is also great for nervous cats as it helps calm them down, especially during vet trips, or outdoor trips. You can also use it when you are moving to a new house, or if you are introducing a new pet at home.
Pros
- Doesn’t stain
- Uses natural pheromone technology
- Odorless, and drug-free formula
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Great for treating nervous cats
- Safe for your cats, other pets, and your family
- Only works on cats and won’t affect other pets
- Safe to use in fabric, wood, upholstery, etc.
- Helpful during vet visits, introducing a new pet, or moving to a new house
Cons
- Expensive
- Small bottle that runs out easily
2. Feliway Classic Calming Spray
Rating: 4.4/5
Feliway Classic Calming Spray features a synthetic version of a cat’s natural facial pheromones, which help them adjust to challenging situations, and reduce stress-related unwanted or bad behaviors like scratching and urine marking.
This fragrance-free, colorless, and drug-free spray is great for on-the-go use or spot treatment at home. Use it directly in off-limit areas in your house where your cat usually marks with urine or scratches. Before spraying, simply clean the areas to make the solution more effective. You may have to re-spray daily to reduce the likelihood of re-marking.
You can also spray it directly on your cat’s carrier or your car before your vet visit or short trip. Feliway Spray makes travel, vet visits, and loud noise (such as thunder, or fireworks) less stressful for your cat by promoting a safe, calming, and comfortable environment.
Pros
- Drug-free solution
- Fragrance-free and colorless
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Mimics a mother cat's natural pheromones
- Promote a sense of calm
- Makes vet visits, new environment, new pets, travel, and loud noise less stressful
Cons
- Expensive
- Flammable and irritating to the eyes
3. SmartyKat Scratching Deterrent Solution
Rating: 4/5
This easy-to-apply deterrent spray features a natural formula that is made from lemon and eucalyptus oils. It has a pleasant odor for us, humans, but it acts as a repellent for cats.
Our feline friends are not a fan of the strong odor from the essential oils, so, they would rather avoid the areas where you use this spray on.
This no scratch spray is also intended for use as a training aid and deterrent. So, if you use this on your furniture, carpets, and drapes, it’s best to place a scratching post or pads nearby to lead your cat to these appropriate scratching outlets.
Pros
- Affordable
- Water-based and safe to use on most surfaces
- Safe for pets and furniture
- Citrus scent is pleasing for us, humans
Cons
- Noticeable scent
- Wears off faster, so you need to reapply it frequently
4. Pet MasterMind Claw Withdraw Scratch Deterrent Spray
Rating: 4.2/5
PetMastermind Claw Withdraw Anti Scratch Spray is a plant-based, non-toxic formula that deters cats from scratching anywhere inside your home.
It is made with pure, deionized water mixed with an herbal blend of rosemary and astragalus. The scent from this plant-based formula is enough to repel kitties from areas that are off-limits for them to scratch.
It is completely safe to use daily until your cat stops scratching your furniture since it is free from harmful chemicals, parabens, toxins, artificial preservatives, and irritants.
What’s more, this all-natural formula won’t stain. So, you can use it on fabrics, carpets, and other surfaces.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- An all-natural, non-toxic, plant-based formula
- Safe to use on fabrics, drapes, carpets, and other surfaces
- Creates an invisible liquid shield with powerful, ultra-protective properties
Cons
- Doesn’t work with all cats
- Strong odor
5. Petlinks Scratch Stop Deterrent Spray
Rating: 4.2/5
Scratch-proof your home with the help of Petlinks Scratch Stop Spray. This all-natural, non toxic spray is safe for cats and is environment-friendly.
This all-natural formula is made from a botanical blend of naturally-sourced lemon and eucalyptus oils. It releases a non-irritating, pleasant smell for us humans, but is potent enough to deter your feline friend from scratching your furniture.
And since it acts as a training spray, it’s best to have a scratching post or pad nearby, so your cat can have a safe place to satisfy his scratching urges.
Best of all, this cat deterrent spray is made without harsh chemicals and toxins. It is also colorless and is safe to use regularly. So, you can use it on most surfaces around your home, including the walls, furniture, carpets, curtains, and other household decors.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Easy-to-use
- Pleasant smell
- Environmentally friendly
- Made from all-natural ingredients
- Crafted from natural blend of essential oils (lemon & eucalyptus)
Cons
- Some cats like the smell
- May stain some surfaces
6. Bodhi Dog 3-in-1 Cat and Kitten Training Spray
Rating: 4.1/5
Cats are curious and playful by nature. Scratching on surfaces is one of their innate behaviors that we can’t totally take away from them.
However, as pet parents, we can help them redirect their urges and energies to other areas in our house. And one way to effectively train our feline buddies to respect boundaries is by using a deterrent spray such as this one.
With the help of this spray, you can train your cat to stay away from treated areas. By doing so, he will learn to understand the off-limits areas and those that are not. This cat training spray has a strong fruity smell that cats hate.
You can use it safely to keep your cat from scratching on your furniture, fabric, carpet, floors, walls, painted surfaces, and other areas in your house.
You can even spray this non-toxic formula on wires and other surfaces to discourage your cat from chewing on them.
What’s more, this 3-in-1 kitten training spray is proudly made in the USA using locally-sourced ingredients, and eco-friendly packaging. It is also made using cruelty-free production methods and socially responsible practices.
Pros
- Strong fruity scent
- Long lasting & safe formula
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Made from locally-sourced ingredients
- Bitter taste that discourages cats from chewing
- Makes use of cruelty-free production methods
- Eco-friendly packaging
Cons
- Smell is too strong for some
7. Emmy's Best Pet Products Stop the Scratch Max Strength
Rating: 4/5
If you love the smell of lemongrass and rosemary oil, then, you might want to give EBPP deterrent spray a try.
However, as its name suggests, it does have a strong scent which makes it more effective in discouraging cats from scratching your furniture, and other treasured belongings.
This non-toxic formula is made using safe and natural ingredients. So, you don’t have to worry about your cat’s health and safety.
You do have to reapply it though as often as possible since its smell wears out more quickly than the other sprays on this list.
Hence, while it has a large bottle, it can still run out faster, making it a more expensive bottle of cat deterrent than other equally effective and safe options.
Pros
- Non-toxic formula
- All-natural ingredients
- Great for use on drapes, furniture, flooring
- Helps prevent cats from destructive scratching behaviors
Cons
- Very strong odor
- You need to reapply it more frequently
8. NaturVet Pet Organics No Scratch Spray
Rating: 4/5
Naturvet has been serving the four-legged community since 1994, and one of their bestselling pet-friendly products is their Pet Organics No Scratch Spray for Cats.
This easy-to-use, non-toxic, and non-staining water-based spray deterrent is safe both for your pets and your furniture.
Simply spray it on your treasured belongings to keep your cat from scratching them and to train your feline buddies to stay away from off-limit areas.
Pros
- Veterinarian-formulated
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Safe to use on most fabrics, furniture, and other surfaces
Cons
- Scent may be an issue for pet parents with allergies
Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider When Purchasing Anti Scratch Sprays for Cats
Like most of us, you probably don't know anything about cat spray. These companies use clever language to lure you into believing they have an amazing product. But, as discerning pet parents and consumers, how can we know which cat spray to use? Below are some things to consider:
Ingredients
The list of ingredients should be an essential aspect to consider when buying a pet product. If you're unsure about some of the ingredients, it is worth taking the time and effort to find out more about their safety. The best sprays are those that do not contain toxic chemicals or additives. Your pet's health should always come first.
Size
One common disadvantage of buying cat sprays is that they are often found in small bottles. And some products need to be reapplied as often as possible to be effective, which makes them more expensive in the long run even if they are priced cheaper than the other larger sprays.
Nonetheless, if you are still trying out products, we recommend you buy the smallest size so that you can see what they're like. Once you found the one that works best for your home, you can then purchase the larger bottles.
Lasting Coverage
It can be exhausting to spray in the same place in the house day after day. The highest quality sprays are those that you can spray once and will already last for a few days before you have to reapply.
Changes in Behavior
You will know that a spray is effective for your cat and your home if you notice desired changes in your cat's behavior in a short time. When you have been out for months without progress you should start investing in a brand with better reviews.
Safety
Your cat's safety should always be the priority when choosing a cat deterrent spray. There are sprays with harsh chemicals that are being sold in the market and you can buy them online.
However, always take into account that these kinds of sprays will cause health problems for your cats, other pets, and your family in the long run.
Whether the Spray Stains
Sprays that can stain furniture are inefficient. Your cat may have stopped scratching your couch, but it now has a lot of stains. So, it isn't worth it.
The Smell of the Spray
When purchasing anti-scratching spray for a cat, the scent should always be considered. Why would you buy a deterrent in the first place that would simply irritate you? At the end of the day, the scent is largely down to personal preferences and health issues.
Conclusion
The best no scratch spray for cats is of big help for us pet parents, and our feline companions. With the aid of these products, we can co-exist with our cats without restricting them from doing things that satisfy them. As mentioned earlier, scratching is part of feline nature, in the same way, that doodling, and other mannerisms are part of human nature.
By using a pet-friendly cat deterrent spray, we can set boundaries in our home without limiting our cat’s freedom. But again, not all products are the same, and not all cats respond to a product in the same way.
Hence, you may need to try a few no scratch sprays first before you can find the one that works best for your home. You can start with the eight featured products on this list, and we are positive that you will be able to find the best one for your family before you even knew it.