Cats scratch furniture because it’s natural for them to do so, not because they’re being bad. Honestly, they scratch to stretch, sharpen their claws, and mark their territory. To stop such behaviour, simply provide them with better options, make the furniture less appealing, and kindly think out why they are scratching in the first place
A quick summary
- Cats scratch to claim their space, stretch, and relax.
- Give them a range of scratching posts that fit their style.
- Feliway and double-sided tape are two things you can use to keep your cat from doing something.
- Don’t punish; instead, employ positive redirection.
- If your cat is scratching too much, see if they are stressed or sick.
Table of Contents
Why Do Cats Like to Scratch Things?
Cats naturally scratch things to communicate and follow their own senses.
When cats scratch, they’re not only filing their nails; they’re also marking their territory since their paws have scent glands.
Real story
“My cat Luna used to scratch the side of the couch all the time, but that changed when I placed a tall post next to it. She just wanted to sit up high and on a hard surface!”
What Experts Say:
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) believes that scratching is a good way to keep claws healthy and get rid of the outer sheath that covers them.
- It makes their back, shoulders, and paws longer. It also releases endorphins, which make them feel better.
- Vertical scratching looks like marks they would see in the wild.
Trimming reduces damage from scratching. Learn how to trim your cat’s nails properly.
Pick the Right Scratching Posts
The best approach to keep your cat from scratching your furniture is to provide them a good scratcher.
Not all cats appreciate the same style of scratching post, so be sure it fits their needs.
- Vertical Scratchers (for cats that scratch the arms of the couch):
The Frisco 32-Inch Cat Tree and the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post are two examples of tall posts.
Put it close to the furniture that they usually scratch. - Cardboard pads like Catit Lounge Scratchers are good for cats who scratch rugs or carpets.
- Rugs or mats made of sisal or other rough material that are good for cats.
Comparison Table for Scratching Posts
| Type | Best For | Examples | Placement Tip |
| Vertical | Cats that scratch the armrests of sofas | SmartCat Ultimate, Frisco 32-Inch Tree | Next to furniture that has been scuffed |
| Horizontal | Cats that scratch rugs or carpets | Catit Lounge Scratchers, Sisal Mats | Near rugs or places to relax |
| Slanted/Tilted | Cats that want to mix things up | PetFusion Incline, Kong Naturals | Mix with vertical choices for more variety |
Make Furniture Less Attractive
Cats like things to stay the same. They’ll come back to furnishings that smell like them. Use these tools to break the habit:
- Double-sided tape: Sticky Paws or PetSafe strips keep pets from scratching.
- Feliway Classic pheromone sprays make your couch smell like a place that hasn’t been marked.
- Plastic or aluminium foil protectors: These are temporary ways to keep people out of certain areas.
- Enzymatic cleaners get rid of outdated scent markers that make cats want to scratch again.
The Cornell University Feline Health Centre suggests utilising cleaners that don’t have a smell and mixing them with positive redirection.
Just like scratching habits, why brushing your cat’s teeth matters is part of a complete wellness routine
Train Using Positive Reinforcement
The best way to train is to reward good behaviour instead of punishing it.
Tell them to scratch in the right place and praise them for doing so.
What to do:
- When your cat uses the scratcher, give them a treat or praise them.
- Put catnip on fresh posts to get their attention.
- Plan play dates with other kids in the area to make it a fun place to be.
Things to stay away from:
- Never yell or splash water; it makes people scared and stressed.
- Don’t pull your cat’s paw across the post. Let them look at it on their own.
Dr. Hannah Shaw, often known as The Kitten Lady, says that cats learn best when things are consistent, positive, and they have control over their environment.
Give Them More Stimulation and Enrichment
Some cats scratch because they are bored, angry, or anxious.
To assist cut down on bad behaviours, make their lives more interesting.
- Add space up and down: Shelves, cat trees, and hammocks in the window.
- Toys that you can play with: Puzzle feeders and feather wands are two examples.
- Catio, leash training, or a screened-in porch are all safe ways to get outside.
- Companionship: Playtime and attention to keep your cat from scratching when they’re stressed.
PetMD says that keeping indoor cats mentally active can help stop them from being destructive.
If You Need To, Use Anti-Anxiety Products
If your cat scratches a lot or is stressed, you might want to try calming aids:
- Feliway diffusers or sprays: Copy pheromones that calm.
- Zylkene or Purina Calming Care for calming.
- Advice from a vet: Fluoxetine and other prescription drugs for anxiety.
If your cat is becoming anxious in other ways, like hiding, grooming too much, or being aggressive, you should see a vet.
Don’t Ever Declaw or Punish Your Cat
Declawing is not the answer. It’s a painful amputation that takes off part of a cat’s toe and typically causes discomfort or behaviour problems for the rest of its life.
- Many countries and U.S. localities have banned or limited it.
- Makes people more aggressive, afraid, and arthritic.
- Punishment, such as yelling or pouring water, breaks trust.
- Don’t worry about what will happen; just give them choices.
Common Questions
- How do I keep my cat from clawing the couch?
Put a scratching post next to the couch, cover the scratched area with foil or tape, and spray it with Feliway. When your cat uses the new post, give them a treat. - Why does my cat still scratch even if it has a scratcher?
They might not like the place, type, or material. Try different types of scratchers (vertical and horizontal) and put them close to the furniture you like. - Does it help to cut a cat’s nails?
Yes, cutting your cat’s claws every two to three weeks will protect your furniture, but it won’t stop them from scratching. - Is it possible that scratching is a sign of stress?
Yes. When cats are bored, anxious, or overstimulated, they may scratch more. Things that make you feel better and calm you down can assist. - Are nail caps okay to use?
Soft nail caps, like Soft Paws, can help protect your nails for a short time, but they don’t stop the behaviour. If your cat doesn’t mind them, only use them.
Karim Kaifi is an experienced pet owner and writer. He shares practical, research-backed advice based on over 10 years of caring for cats and dogs.
