Do these deterrents hurt or scare cats permanently?
No. The tape-based deterrents work passively by creating an unpleasant texture; cats simply decide the surface is unappealing without fear or pain. The motion-activated spray does startle, which the presenter notes can create minor stress, but it doesn't cause injury. Pheromone sprays are calming rather than aversive.
At a glance
Length
12 min
Channel
Cats
Video from
Sep 2022
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Cat owners struggling with furniture damage and looking for humane alternatives to declawing.
What this video answers
Do these deterrents hurt or scare cats permanently?
Can I use these products on all furniture?
How long do these products last?
Do I still need to provide a scratching post if I use these deterrents?
What if my cat ignores the deterrent and keeps scratching?
Reads the guide aloud in your browser — free, no account.
Overview of the Five Most Effective Cat Scratch Deterrents
The video evaluates five scratch deterrent products designed to redirect destructive scratching away from furniture and toward appropriate surfaces. Scratching is a natural cat behavior that serves important purposes—marking territory, stretching muscles, and maintaining claw health—but when directed at sofas, carpets, or wood, it becomes a household problem. Rather than resorting to declawing, which the presenter emphasizes is harmful and can cause long-term issues, these products help make unwanted surfaces unappealing while you redirect your cat to better alternatives.
The presenter tested or researched each product and consulted with veterinarians and behaviorists to rank them. The top recommendation is KatSupreme Double-Sided Scratch Deterrent Tape for furniture protection, followed by a runner-up sheet version with pins for versatility. Three additional options cover different deterrent approaches: a motion-activated spray for startling, a pheromone spray for calming, and a sisal mat for covering problem areas. Prices range from $16.79 to $49.99, with a special 30% discount available for one of the KatSupreme products.
Key Moments
Key Findings About Each Scratch Deterrent Product
KatSupreme Double-Sided Tape: The overall top pick for upholstery; its sticky surface is unappealing to cats but harmless. Best for fabric furniture; not suitable for leather or faux leather. Covers large areas efficiently; tends to accumulate dust and hair over time. Cost: $17.89 for a 10-pack.
KatSupreme Sheets with Pins: Runner-up option featuring a smooth plastic surface instead of stickiness, attached with upholstery pins for easier removal and repositioning. Works on more surface types than double-sided tape; still incompatible with leather. More expensive at $18.99 for a 10-pack, with a limited-time 30% discount available.
PetSafe SSSCat Motion-Activated Spray: A startling deterrent that shoots compressed air when motion is detected, conditioning cats to avoid the area. The presenter considers this less ideal because startling can stress cats, but some owners find it effective. High cost at $49.99 per can.
Comfort Zone Pheromone Spray: Uses synthetic pheromones to trick cats into thinking they've already marked the area, reducing scratching urges and helping with stress-related behavior. Works best combined with physical deterrents; cat behaviorists recommend it. Cost: $29.99 per bottle.
Fukumaru Sisal Scratch Mat: A replaceable mat that covers problem areas rather than eliminating them, giving cats a more appropriate surface to scratch. Velcro attachment works best on floors; cats in testing responded very positively. The cheapest option at $16.79.
Why These Deterrent Strategies Matter for Your Cat's Wellbeing
Addressing destructive scratching without harming your cat is crucial to maintaining both your home and your pet's physical and emotional health. Declawing—removing the first bone of each toe—causes permanent damage and behavioral problems. The deterrent approach outlined in the video respects natural cat behavior while making unwanted targets less appealing. Success requires a two-part strategy: deterring cats from problem surfaces while simultaneously providing attractive alternatives like scratching posts or pads that match what your cat prefers. The video emphasizes that cats scratch for multiple reasons, including habit and visual marking, so combining methods (physical deterrents, pheromone sprays, and environmental enrichment) works better than relying on any single product.
Common Questions About Using Cat Scratch Deterrents
Do these deterrents hurt or scare cats permanently?
No. The tape-based deterrents work passively by creating an unpleasant texture; cats simply decide the surface is unappealing without fear or pain. The motion-activated spray does startle, which the presenter notes can create minor stress, but it doesn't cause injury. Pheromone sprays are calming rather than aversive. The goal is to gently guide behavior, not to traumatize.
Can I use these products on all furniture?
No. Both KatSupreme tape products explicitly cannot be used on leather or faux leather surfaces, as they will damage the finish. The pheromone spray works on any surface. The sisal mat works best on floors due to weak velcro adhesion on vertical surfaces. Always check compatibility before applying any product.
How long do these products last?
The video does not provide specific durability information, but double-sided tape and mats will accumulate dust and eventually need replacement. Pheromone spray is applied as needed and may require reapplication depending on the product instructions. Motion-activated spray cans deplete over time and will eventually run out.
Do I still need to provide a scratching post if I use these deterrents?
Yes, absolutely. The presenter emphasizes repeatedly that deterrents alone are insufficient; you must provide an attractive alternative that matches your cat's preference (horizontal or vertical surface, material texture, location). Without an outlet for scratching, your cat will simply find another spot in your home to scratch instead.
What if my cat ignores the deterrent and keeps scratching?
Observe whether your cat scratches on horizontal or vertical surfaces and matches the new scratching post accordingly. If you have only a vertical scratcher but your cat prefers horizontal scratching, that explains the continued problem. Try offering multiple post types and materials. Combine deterrents with positive reinforcement—reward your cat when they use the appropriate scratcher. If scratching seems stress-related, consult your veterinarian.
Scratching is an instinctive action cats perform for claw maintenance, scent marking, and muscle stretching, and it cannot and should not be eliminated entirely.
Declawing
A surgical procedure that removes the first bone of each toe, causing permanent damage and behavioral problems and is not recommended as a solution.Redirect behaviorThe practice of discouraging unwanted scratching on furniture while simultaneously encouraging and rewarding scratching on appropriate surfaces like posts or mats.
Pheromone spray
A synthetic product that mimics natural cat scent markers, tricking cats into thinking they have already marked an area and reducing the urge to scratch there.
Motion-activated deterrent
A device that releases a burst of compressed air when it detects movement, startling cats away from a specific area.
This video is genuinely helpful because it avoids fear-based deterrents and instead focuses on humane, science-backed products that work with cat behavior rather than against it. The presenter tested the options herself, consulted with experts, and honestly acknowledged the drawbacks of each product, which builds real trust.
What I appreciated most was the emphasis on the two-part solution: you can't just deter without redirecting. The practical tips at the end—noticing whether your cat prefers horizontal or vertical scratching, using positive reinforcement, and avoiding anything that stresses your cat—turn this from a shopping list into genuine behavior guidance. If you have a scratching problem and want a thoughtful, cat-friendly approach, this is well worth watching.
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If your cat has been destructively scratching items in your home, you may need a scratch deterrent to help you to redirect that behavior to an appropriate surface.
Get 30% off a 10-pack of KatSupreme scratch deterrent sheets with pins:
https://cats.com/link/?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fmpc%2FA33AI7SFRE5W5P%3Fmaas%3Dmaas_adg_B40E0FE443E0E9203E5DD97226B4A685_afap_abs%26ref_%3Daa_maas%26tag%3Dmaas
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Video Navigation:
0:00 Introduction
1:45 Overall Best: KatSupreme Double-Sided Scratch Deterrent Tape
Get 30% off on Amazon: https://cats.com/link/?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fmpc%2FA3HC0XMHUO706G%3Fmaas%3Dmaas_adg_F475467834D0813FE8E14EB3A2A70FEF_afap_abs%26ref_%3Daa_maas%26tag%3Dmaas
3:55 Runner Up: KatSupreme Scratch Deterrent Sheets with Pins
Buy on Amazon at 30% off: https://cats.com/link/?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fmpc%2FA33AI7SFRE5W5P%3Fmaas%3Dmaas_adg_B40E0FE443E0E9203E5DD97226B4A685_afap_abs%26ref_%3Daa_maas%26tag%3Dmaas
5:02 Best Startling Deterrent: PetSafe SSSCat Deterrent Spray
Buy on Chewy: https://cats.com/link/?href=https%3A%2F%2Fchewy.sjv.io%2Fc%2F1397719%2F3054490%2F32975%3Fu%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.chewy.com%252Fpetsafe-ssscat-motion-activated-dog%252Fdp%252F167583
6:47 Best Pheromone Spray: Comfort Zone Scratch Deterrent & Calming Spray
Buy on Chewy: https://cats.com/link/?href=https%3A%2F%2Fchewy.sjv.io%2Fc%2F1397719%2F3054490%2F32975%3Fu%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.chewy.com%252Fcomfort-zone-spray-scratch-control%252Fdp%252F169956
8:19 Best Deterrent Mat: Fukumaru Scratch Mat
Buy on Amazon: https://cats.com/link/?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFUKUMARU-Scratcher-Natural-Scratching-Carpet%2Fdp%2FB07RV1GCR7%2F%3Ftag%3Daac-youtube-20
9:55 Tips for Success
11:35 Conclusion
Read the full article:
https://cats.com/best-cat-scratch-deterrents
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Video transcript for “Top 5 Best Cat Scratch Deterrents (We Tried Them All)” Accessibility
A full written transcript of this video, provided for accessibility. Select any timestamp to jump the video to that moment.
hey everyone it's Mallory here with all about cats and in this week's video we're taking a look at the best cat scratch deterrence [Music] so every cat has to scratch essentially this is a natural cat behavior that serves a number of important purposes and ideally your cat's going to be
scratching on a scratching post but what often happens is that a cat is going to use something else in the house instead and so frequently that ends up being something like your sofa or something else that is kind of saturated in your scent cats really seem to like these things they'll also scratch carpet wood
if you have an issue with scratching you're probably thinking of some particular location where your cat has just been digging in their claws so instead of getting your attack cat declawed which we've established in some other videos is um very not nice to your cat so basically you're cutting off the first
digits of all of your cat's little fingers and it can lead to a host of problems down the road so that's a no-go instead of doing that the ideal route is to redirect that cat's Behavior so you're deterring them from doing the scratching and then you're redirecting them into some new Direction
ideally a good scratching post in this video I'm going to be talking about the deterrent part of this equation so the products you can buy in order to get your cat to stop using whatever they've been using I wasn't able to really try them with my cats but I did a number of little tests kind of on myself and I
talked with a number of people to try to get a sense for which types of products and which products in particular work the best so my first recommendation which is the best for upholstery or furniture that needs to be protected is cat Supremes double-sided scratch deterrent tape so cat Supreme is a
company that I've been working closely with for quite some time after trying these products and talking with numerous behaviors and vets about how it performs I feel good about recommending it as my overall top recommendation especially for people who want to protect some sort of fabric upholstery the reason why it
works so well is because it has this very sticky surface it just doesn't feel very good under your cat's paws it's not harmful it's not going to scare your cat it's not going to hurt your cat but it is going to make the surface unappealing to them so when you put this over your sofa arm or even on your carpet your
cat's going to come into contact with it and then instantly it's just no longer of interest to them so by putting a nice alternative scratcher in that area you're able to get your cat to go okay this doesn't feel good anymore I'll use something else one thing that is nice about getting these double-sided tape
sheets rather than a roll of tape is that it just covers so much more space at once so you can trim it and cut it to size but if you want to use a whole shade at once you can easily cover a lot of ground so to speak so it makes a nice alternative to just regular double-sided tape now this product does have a couple
of big drawbacks um one is that you can't use it on any kind of leather or faux leather surfaces it'll just rip off the outer layer and cause some damage so you only want to use it on approved surfaces and then the second issue with it is that because it is so sticky it tends to accumulate hair
any dirt that's that comes into contact with it so it tends to look a little bit dirty over time but overall as part of a nice deterring and redirecting system I think that this product could work really well so a 10 pack of extra large sheets costs 17.89 on Amazon if you want to avoid
that issue of the tape getting kind of dirty I would recommend cat Supreme's single sided tape scratch deterrent with pins so instead of having that sticky exterior just has a smooth plastic surface which as I mentioned earlier is also going to deter your calf from scratching and then you'll attach it
with upholstery pins on each corner and because you can cut it to size and adjust everything it works well with a variety of surfaces and shapes of furniture although you still can't use it with a leather or faux leather so this tape is a little bit more expensive than the double-sided
tape I recommended a second ago so a 10 pack of extra large sheets is going to cost 18.99 on Amazon now again I'm working directly with this brand so they were able to create a special promotion for All About Cats viewers and if you would like to get a 30 discount on your order make sure to click the link in the
description this is a limited time only offer so if you have an issue with your cat scratching the couch or something like that it would be a good time to take advantage of that my next recommendation is going to be my favorite kind of scary deterrent and that is the PetSafe scat
spray um so I tried out uh a few different things kind of similar to this one was just a deterrent spray but that featured eucalyptus oil and that doesn't make any sense for cats this is toxic to cats another product I tried was an electric mat that shocks your cat and I didn't use it on my cats but I use it on myself
and it was pretty scary I don't know how you feel about that but I don't really feel comfortable recommending something that shocks your cat every time they go to scratch so instead I'm recommending this spray so it's basically a motion activated can of compressed air and it is quite startling so when your cat goes
in front of this can it's going to shoot out a blast of this compressed air and it'll startle your cat and they'll eventually become conditioned to kind of not go into that place and so this can deter your cat from using that area and it can encourage your cat to seek out a new place to scratch
this really isn't my preferred method for deterring and redirecting this Behavior startling your cat can just make their life feel just a little bit less stable so I feel that a more passive deterrent that allows your cat to just go oh this feels different um and make that decision more or less
on their own is a lot friendlier to the cat a single can of this spray costs 49.99 which is incredible very very expensive but some people will think it's worthwhile now my recommendation for the best spray to turn is a little bit different from what you might imagine and it is going
to be Comfort zones uh scratch deterrent pheromone spray and the reason I'm recommending this rather than like a bitter apple or Citrus spray is simply because those don't really seem to work instead you can use a pheromone spray which is going to simulate the scent markers that your cat is intentionally
putting onto that surface they've been scratching and so this can kind of trick your cat into thinking that they've marked that area and if you suspect that the scratching could be related to some stress it can also help with that and so I've seen good customer reviews saying that this product really does
help um still I would recommend combining it with a physical deterrent um because cats are also going to scratch out of habit there's a visual marker involved in there as well a synthetic pheromone spray on its own is not going to work quite as well and then of course you're always going to combine
it with something else for your cat to use it says Jackson Galaxy always says you have to give a yes for every note a single bottle of this synthetic pheromone spray costs 29.99 I know it's expensive um but this product does seem to work pretty well at least anecdotally I know a lot of veterinarians behaviorists
people the world over swear by this product and finally I want to recommend a scratch mat that you can use to cover up the area where your cat's been scratching and in this case I'm just going to recommend the fuku meru scratch mat it's a pretty generic scratch but you can find many other similar to it on
Amazon and it's just a sizal pad that you're able to attach with velcro to whatever surface your cat's been scratching now you're supposed to be able to use this mat either on vertical or horizontal surfaces with the help of this the velcro pants on the back but I find the adhesive is pretty bad so
realistically it works best kind of on the floor and alternatively you could just use regular scratching mat or scratching pad you'll see some recommendations for these in our video on the best cat scratchers so that might be a good place to go next and so in this case you're not really changing the location where
your cat's scratching you're just covering it up and let your cat do what they wanted to do now I found that my cat wessie really really liked this mat as soon as we put it out he was instantly drawn to it and loved lying on it and this is echoed in the customer reviews I've seen so cats really do seem
to like this mat whether they're scratching on it or doing other things on it and so it can be helpful if you're not so set on actually stopping your cat from scratching that area but just saying fine you want to scratch this you can scratch it I'm just going to put something more appropriate over it in
all likelihood it'll be a more satisfying experience for your cat as well so this is actually the cheapest option on this list at 16.79 so that's about it for my scratch deterrent recommendations you can probably see kind of what the theme is here you're just looking for something
that's going to make that surface less appealing to your cat and then go from there again you always want to provide an outlet for your cat to use when scratching you never want to take that entirely away because because your cat will find another spot to scratch trimming your cat's claws can also help
a little bit to reduce the amount of damage they can do when they scratch but the most important thing is to provide a good scratching post that your cat likes if you're struggling to get your cat to stop scratching some particular area I would take notes on what they're scratching if they're
scratching a horizontal surface and you have a vertical scratcher out and they're not using it chances are they prefer that horizontal scratching surface and that's why they're not using it so it can help to put out a variety of scratching post types in order to find out what your cat prefers and of
course model the thing your cat's scratching already when you choose an alternative surface you never want to create negative associations around the new scratching post you always want everything to be really positive so giving your cat rewards and just positive reinforcement when they
actually use it can be very helpful overall I would aim for a very positive experience with minimal yelling at your cats scaring your cat doing anything that really stresses them out or of course confuses them so I hope you found this video helpful again you can check out the links in the
description to find all the products mentioned here including that discount on the cat Supreme scratch deterrent tape and other than that that's about it for this video so I hope that you found it helpful please go ahead and leave your tips for getting cats to stop doing that unwanted scratching in the comments
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