Is your cat turning your furniture into a scratching post? Are you tired of battling shredded upholstery and damaged fabrics? Then you've come to the right place. This honest review dives into the effectiveness of Sticky Paws, a popular cat scratching deterrent. We'll explore the application process, the results we experienced, and ultimately whether this product lived up to its claims. Our furry friend, Boo, provided the ultimate test subject, offering a real-world perspective on whether Sticky Paws is a viable solution for your feline's destructive scratching habits. Get ready to discover if this product is a game-changer or just another temporary fix.This review covers our experience using Sticky Paws on a chair repeatedly targeted by our cat. We detail the application process, from preparing the surface to applying the adhesive strips. We'll examine both the short-term and long-term effectiveness of Sticky Paws, discussing its impact on our cat's behavior and the durability of the product itself. We also explore whether Sticky Paws simply redirected the scratching problem or offered a more permanent solution, ultimately assessing its value as a tool in managing a cat's scratching habits. Find out if Sticky Paws is right for you and your furry friend.
Pros And Cons
- Deters cats from scratching furniture
- Effective in preventing scratching in the short-term
- Easy to apply and remove
- Not aesthetically pleasing
- Doesn't blend well with all fabrics
- Cat may scratch in other areas after removal
- Puncture holes may appear in tape after use
- Cat hair may stick to the tape
Read more: Top 5 Cardboard Cat Scratch Pads
The Problem: A Cat's Destructive Scratching
My cat, Boo, had developed a nasty habit of scratching our living room chair. Despite providing alternative scratching posts and covering the chair arm with a blanket, he persistently ignored them and continued his destructive behavior. The damage was significant, leaving the chair looking worn and tattered.

I tried various methods to deter him, including a scratching post and a blanket, but Boo, being a strong cat, simply moved or destroyed them. He seemed fixated on the chair, and I was at my wit's end.

Introducing Sticky Paws: A Potential Solution
Determined to find a solution, I decided to try Sticky Paws, a cat scratching deterrent. The product description promised to deter inappropriate scratching and was advertised as safe for both furniture and cats.
The package boasted 24 strips of double-sided adhesive tape designed to be applied directly to fabric surfaces. It was touted as being easily applied and removed, and safe for use on a variety of surfaces including furniture, drapes, and carpets.
Preparation and Application
Before applying the Sticky Paws, I carefully cleaned the damaged area of the chair arm. I used a fabric shaver to remove as much of the loose fabric as possible, then trimmed any remaining loose threads with scissors.
I then applied the Sticky Paws strips according to the instructions, carefully peeling off the backing to reveal the double-sided adhesive. The process was relatively straightforward.
Initial Results and Long-Term Effectiveness
Initially, the Sticky Paws seemed to work wonders. Boo stopped scratching the treated area of the chair completely.
However, several weeks later, Boo started scratching another chair. Although the Sticky Paws effectively deterred scratching on the initial chair, it didn’t completely solve the underlying scratching problem. The tape did show signs of wear after a few weeks, with puncture holes and cat hair clinging to it.
Conclusion: A Decent Deterrent, But Not a Cure-All
Sticky Paws proved effective in deterring my cat from scratching a specific area of furniture. While it did not completely eliminate the scratching behavior, it successfully redirected it.
The product is easy to apply and relatively inexpensive, but the adhesive strips might require reapplication over time. It’s important to remember this is more of a training tool, and success largely depends on consistency and addressing the root cause of the cat’s scratching behavior. Providing adequate scratching posts remains crucial.