How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Furniture
If you share your home with a cat, you probably know the struggle: shredded couch corners, frayed rugs, or scratched-up chairs.
Before you get frustrated, here’s the truth: scratching is a completely normal cat behavior. It’s not about destroying your home; it’s how cats keep their claws healthy, mark territory, and relieve stress.
You can save your furniture by teaching your cat where and how to scratch appropriately. Let’s walk through practical, stress-free solutions.
Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?
- Scratching is instinctive, and cats do it for several reasons:
- Claw Maintenance – Scratching sheds the dead outer layer of their nails.
- Territory Marking – Cats have scent glands in their paws. Scratching leaves both a scent and a visual marker.
- Exercise & Stretching – It feels good and keeps muscles limber.
- Stress Relief – Scratching can be a way to release anxiety or pent-up energy.
Punishing your cat won’t stop scratching it will just make them anxious. The key is redirection, not punishment.
Step 1: Provide the Right Scratching Alternatives
If your cat doesn’t have a suitable place to scratch, your furniture becomes the target. Invest in:
- Sisal Scratching Posts (Durable and satisfying texture for claws).
- Horizontal Scratch Pads (Great for cats who prefer carpets or rugs).
- Cat Trees or Towers (Offer climbing plus scratching).
- Cardboard Scratchers (Inexpensive and cats love the texture).
Place these near your cat’s favorite scratching spots (like by the couch) for best results.
Step 2: Make Furniture Less Appealing
Cats avoid surfaces that feel unpleasant on their paws. You can:
- Cover target areas with double-sided sticky tape
- Use scratch guards or plastic covers on sofa arms
- Spray cat-safe deterrent sprays with citrus scents
- Rearrange furniture to block access to favorite scratching zones
Step 3: Encourage & Reward Good Scratching
Positive reinforcement is powerful. Every time your cat uses the scratching post instead of furniture:
- Give treats or verbal praise
- Play near the post to build positive associations
- Sprinkle catnip on new scratchers to attract interest
The goal is to make the scratching post more fun and rewarding than your couch.
Step 4: Keep Claws Healthy
Well-maintained claws cause less damage.
- Trim your cat’s nails every 2–3 weeks
- Use cat nail caps (like Soft Paws) for extra protection
- Provide scratching options that naturally wear down claws
Step 5: Manage Stress & Energy
Sometimes scratching increases due to stress, boredom, or lack of stimulation. Help your cat by:
- Scheduling daily play sessions with wand toys
- Providing puzzle feeders for mental enrichment
- Giving cozy resting spots to reduce anxiety
A tired, happy cat is far less likely to destroy your furniture.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t declaw your cat. It’s painful, inhumane, and causes lifelong issues.
- Don’t yell or punish. It only creates fear without fixing the behavior.
- Don’t remove scratchers too soon. Cats need options available at all times.
Final Thoughts
Scratching is part of being a cat, but scratched-up furniture doesn’t have to be. With the right mix of alternatives, deterrents, and positive reinforcement, you can protect your home while keeping your feline happy and healthy.
Don’t fight the scratching; redirect it. Give your cat an outlet that works for both of you.
