How to Easily Repair Cat Scratches On Leather

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Make your leather couch look good as new with this DIY repair guide
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Cats will use practically anything as makeshift scratching posts—and that includes your nice leather furniture! Feline friends may damage leather with a swipe of their claws, but most cat-scratched leather is caused by kneading (also known as their adorable habit of “making biscuits”). While cat scratches on leather can be an eyesore, they can be fixed with this simple guide to make your leather sofa look as good as new!

Remove Cat Scratches from Leather

  • Wipe down the scratched area with a leather cleaner. Trim away any loose fibers with a pair of scissors.
  • Apply at least 7 thin layers of leather glue with a sponge and let each layer dry before applying the next one.
  • Gently sand the scratched area, apply leather filler, then sand again. Apply liquid and spray leather colorant before sealing it in with a leather sealer and finisher.
Section 1 of 3:

How to Fix Cat Scratches From Kneading

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  1. Use a leather cleaning wipe or apply leather cleaner to a dry rag. Use small, circular motions to clean the leather surface of any dust or dirt.
  2. Use a pair of scissors to snip off any loose strands around the scratches. Get as close to the base of the pilling fabric as possible, but be careful not to further cut or puncture the leather. [1]
    • You can also use a lighter on the scratched area, as the heat of the flame will loosen the scratched leather. [2]
    • If using a lighter, be careful not to get the flame too close to the sensitive leather.
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  3. Pour a coin-sized amount of leather binding glue to the sponge. Dip a sponge into the leather glue and spread a thin layer onto the leather. Let each layer of glue dry completely before you apply another one.
    • For the best results, apply at least 7 layers of glue to the scratched leather.
    • Leather glue helps seal parts of the leather that were punctured by the cat scratches. [3]
  4. Use a soft, 1200-grit sandpaper . Use smooth and circular strokes to sand down the area where you applied the glue. [4]
    • Apply very gentle pressure as you sand the leather so as not to rough up the material.
    • You want the surface to be as smooth as possible so that the leather filler won’t look lumpy when you apply it.
    • Use your leather cleaning wipe or a clean rag to wipe away any leftover dust from the sandpaper.
  5. Dip a palette knife into the leather filler and spread a thin layer onto the cat scratches. Allow the filler to dry for at least 25 minutes. [5]
    • You may have to wait several hours for the filler to dry before proceeding to the next step, especially if you’re working in an environment with a lot of humidity.
    • Inspect the scratched area and apply an additional layer if any punctures, holes, or deep scratches remain uncovered.
    • Spread the filler as smoothly as possible so that the leather doesn’t look messy or rough.
    • For a more precise application, dip a sewing needle in the filler cream and apply it gently to the surface. Use the side of the needle to smooth out the cream. [6]
  6. Use another piece of gentle (1200-grit) sandpaper to smooth and buff out any inconsistencies on the filler’s surface. This helps to keep the surface of your leather as smooth as possible, so the finished repair looks natural and authentic. [7]
    • Apply the leather cleaning solution again to remove any sandpaper residue. This step is crucial so that the colorant can adhere to the leather.
  7. Pour a coin-sized amount of the liquid leather colorant onto a sponge. Use small, gentle motions to sponge a thin layer of colorant over the dried filler. [8]
    • Let the colorant dry completely before moving on to the next step. Use a hair dryer at a low heat setting to speed up the drying process.
    • This recoloring process can sometimes reveal more scratches that need repair.
    • If you find more cat scratches that you want to fix, apply another coat of filler, sand it down, then reapply the colorant.
  8. Spray the spray-on colorant over the scratched area in single layers. Apply at least 4-5 thin layers of spray-on colorant to get a full, vibrant color on your treated leather area.
    • Let each layer dry completely before you add the next one. Check the directions on your colorant bottle to find a specific estimate on how long it will take to dry.
    • Leather color spray enhances the initial layer of liquid colorant that you added.
    • If your leather is multiple colors, layer different shades of colorant to reach your desired shade. [9]
  9. Paint at least 2-3 layers of leather sealant onto the scratched surface. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next layer.
    • The sealant will protect and increase the vibrancy of the leather colorant.
  10. Place a coin-sized amount of leather finisher onto a clean sponge before rubbing it on top of the leather. Use short, circular motions to achieve a smooth and even finish.
    • Apply 4-5 thin coats of finish to build up an adequate protective layer.
    • Ensure that each layer of finish has dried before you add another one.
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Fix Cat Scratches From Swiping

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  1. Apply leather recoloring balm on top of the scratches and blend it in with the rest of the leather. Let the balm dry for a few minutes before wiping away the excess with a dry rag. Let it sit for one hour to dry—if it’s still patchy or streaky, apply another coat (or two). [10]
    • The recoloring balm will hide the light discoloration caused by the scratches.
    • Choose a leather recoloring balm that most closely matches the color of your leather sofa or other damaged item.
    • This method only works if the scratches are solely on the surface of the leather and haven’t cut through it.
    • If your cat’s swipe has cut through the leather, you’ll need to hire a leather care professional to completely repair the cat scratches in your leather.
Section 3 of 3:

Preventing Your Cat from Scratching Leather

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  1. A scratching post will redirect your cat’s attention from your leather sofa. Your cat will be more inclined to use the scratcher if you place it near where you (or your family) hangs out. [11]
  2. Use nail clippers specifically made for cats to trim your cat’s nails . Lean your cat’s back against your stomach with its rear end on your lap. Hold the clippers in one hand and your cat’s paw in the other. [12]
    • Gently squeeze your cat’s paw on the joint behind the claw.
    • Cut the tip of the nail and be careful not to cut the quick, which is a small, pink triangle inside the nail.
    • Cutting your cat’s nails every 2-3 weeks can prevent new cat scratches on your leather furniture.
  3. Purchase spray-on cat pheromones and follow package directions to apply them to your leather furniture. [13] Read the warning label on the repellent to make sure it doesn’t damage leather materials.
    • For a DIY spray to keep cats from scratching a leather couch, mix a solution of water with vinegar, essential citrus oils , garlic, or peppermint. [14]
    • Mist your homemade cat repellent spray over your furniture every few days.
    • Cats dislike these scents, but they won’t damage your leather furniture.
    • Eventually, you’ll have trained your cat not to scratch the furniture and you’ll no longer need the spray.
  4. Cover your furniture with a thick blanket that you don’t care too much about. This blanket can create a barrier between the leather and your cat’s claws.
  5. Many other things can damage your leather sofa besides cat scratches, such as pet dander, flea and tick medications, or cat spray. By habitually caring for your leather with a leather maintenance kit and keeping it in good shape, your furniture will last longer and be more resistant to damage.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I get cat scratches out of leather?
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Expert Answer
    Use a needle to place a good filler cream gently on the scratched surface. Even out or buff the cream with the needle, then allow the cream to settle and dry on the scratch for a few hours. Finally, touch the cream up with matching colour, and you're done!
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      • Even with the above steps, your leather couch may never look the same as it did before the cat scratches. However, repairing the cat scratches on your furniture can at least improve the look or make the damage less obvious.
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      • While some people recommend olive oil as a DIY treatment to fix cat scratches in leather, experts advise against it. Leather will absorb any liquid applied to it, which can leave the leather looking worse than before.
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      • Purchase a leather repair kit if you don’t want to search for each individual product at the store.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://findingmandee.com/2023/08/21/how-to-dye-leather-furniture/
      2. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5LGz_vw6HM&t=0m14s
      3. ↑ https://www.mohawk-finishing.com/mhk_cds/color_chart/Leather%20Product%20Guide.pdf
      4. ↑ https://findingmandee.com/2023/08/21/how-to-dye-leather-furniture/
      5. ↑ https://findingmandee.com/2023/08/21/how-to-dye-leather-furniture/
      6. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 14 December 2020.
      7. ↑ https://findingmandee.com/2023/08/21/how-to-dye-leather-furniture/
      8. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 14 December 2020.
      9. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5LGz_vw6HM&t=1m24s
      1. ↑ https://findingmandee.com/2023/08/21/how-to-dye-leather-furniture/
      2. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-stop-cats-destructive-scratching
      3. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/trimming-cats-claws
      4. ↑ https://pangopets.com/cat-pheromone-sprays/
      5. ↑ https://www.seniorcatwellness.com/stop-cats-scratching-leather-furniture/

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