How to Stop a Cat Scratching Furniture

Few cat problems cause more frustration than a shredded sofa. But scratching isn’t bad behaviour. It’s a normal, necessary instinct, and you can’t stop it. What you can do is give your cat something better to scratch and make the furniture less appealing.

This guide explains why cats scratch, how to choose and place scratching posts that your cat will use, how to protect your furniture in the meantime, and the methods to avoid.

The short answer

• Don’t try to stop scratching. Redirect it.
• Provide scratchers that are sturdy, tall enough and in the right places, usually next to whatever your cat is scratching now.
• Match the material and angle to your cat’s preference.
• Reward your cat for using the scratcher.
• Make the furniture less attractive with covers or deterrents.
• Never punish, and never declaw.

Why do cats scratch?

Scratching isn’t just about sharpening claws. Cats scratch to:

• Remove worn outer nail sheaths, which they shed regularly
• Stretch their back, shoulders and legs
• Mark territory, both visually and by scent, since cats have scent glands in their paws
• Release energy or stress, or show excitement
• Say “this is mine” in the places they spend time

That’s why cats often scratch near doorways, beside where they sleep, or on the most prominent furniture in the room. A cat scratching in a shared area is communicating, not misbehaving.

Step 1: Provide the right scratchers

Many cats ignore scratching posts because the post is wrong for them. Check these factors.

Height and stability. Cats like to stretch fully. A post should be tall enough for your cat to stretch up completely, often 80 cm (about 30 in) or more, and stable. A wobbly post puts cats off quickly. Heavy bases or wall-mounted options help.

Material. Preferences vary, so offer a variety:

• Sisal rope or sisal fabric is a popular, durable choice
• Corrugated cardboard is cheap and many cats love it
• Carpet works for some, but may teach a cat that carpet is fine to scratch, so use it with caution
• Wood or bark appeals to some cats

Angle. Some cats prefer vertical scratching, some horizontal (flat pads or boards), and some like angled ones. Watch what your cat scratches now. If it’s the side of the sofa, try a vertical post. If it’s the carpet, try a flat scratcher.

Number. Provide several, in different places, especially in a multi-cat home.

Step 2: Put them in the right places

Location often matters more than anything else.

• Place the scratcher right next to the furniture your cat is damaging. Cats scratch where they want to mark, so putting a post in a back room usually doesn’t work.
• Put scratchers near where your cat sleeps. Cats often scratch after waking up to stretch.
• Place them near doorways and entrances to main rooms.
• Don’t hide them away. Cats want to be seen using them.

Once your cat has settled into using the new scratcher, you can move it gradually, a little at a time, to where you’d prefer it to be.

Step 3: Make them appealing

• Reward use. When your cat scratches the post, give a treat, praise or play. Count treats in your cat’s daily food. Our guide on how much to feed your cat shows how.
• Use catnip or silvervine on the post, if your cat responds to it. Not all cats do, and kittens under about six months often don’t react to catnip.
• Play near the scratcher. Dragging a toy up the post, or hanging one from it, encourages claw use.
• Gently guide your cat’s paws to the post only if your cat tolerates it. Forcing paws onto it can backfire.
• Keep the scratcher in good condition. Replace it when it’s worn out or falling apart, because cats don’t like a damaged post.

Step 4: Make the furniture less appealing

While your cat learns, protect what you can.

• Cover the scratched area with something cats dislike the feel of, such as double-sided sticky tape made for furniture, plastic furniture guards, or a sturdy throw.
• Use furniture protectors such as clear corner guards.
• Choose furniture fabrics that are less appealing, such as smooth microfibre over loosely woven or nubby fabric.
• Try cat-safe deterrent sprays designed for the purpose. Check the ingredients, and avoid essential oil sprays, which can be harmful to cats. Our guide to foods toxic to cats explains why some household products matter.
• Don’t remove the deterrent too early. Keep it up until your cat consistently uses the scratcher, then phase it out gradually.

Step 5: Keep nails trimmed

Regular nail trims reduce damage and make scratching less destructive. Many cats tolerate it if you start gradually, using treats. The technique is similar to our guide on how to trim your dog’s nails, though cat nails are thinner, so take small snips and use cat-specific clippers.

Soft nail caps are an option for some cats, but they need to be replaced as nails grow, and not every cat tolerates them. Ask your vet if you’re considering them.

Step 6: Give your cat other outlets

A bored or stressed cat may scratch more. Make sure your cat has:

• Daily play, with wand toys that let them hunt, pounce and stretch
• Climbing space, such as a cat tree or wall shelves
• Window views and places to perch
• A calm, predictable routine
• Enough resources, such as litter boxes, food, water and rest spots, especially in a multi-cat home

Cats in apartments need extra enrichment. See our guide to the best cat breeds for apartments for more on indoor living.

What not to do

• Don’t punish your cat. Shouting, spraying with water or hitting teaches your cat to fear you, not to stop scratching, and it can damage your bond. Cats don’t link punishment to the behaviour.
• Don’t move or remove the scratcher your cat uses without a replacement.
• Don’t buy a flimsy post and assume your cat doesn’t like scratchers.
• Don’t use strong smells or sprays that could harm your cat.
• Don’t declaw.

Why you should never declaw a cat

Declawing is not a nail trim. It’s the surgical amputation of the last bone of each toe. It can cause pain, nerve damage and long-term problems such as changes in how a cat walks, and it can lead to behaviour issues such as biting or avoiding the litter box because their paws hurt. Many veterinary organisations oppose it as a routine procedure, and it’s banned or restricted in many countries and some US states and cities. The few cases where a vet might perform similar surgery are medical, such as for a tumour. If anyone suggests declawing for scratching, talk to your vet about the alternatives above.

When scratching might be a sign of something else

Most scratching is normal. But talk to your vet or a qualified cat behaviourist if:

• Scratching suddenly increases or changes
• Your cat scratches a lot with signs of stress, such as hiding, over-grooming, or changes in eating or litter box use
• Your cat is scratching their own skin excessively, which can point to allergies, parasites or skin problems
• Aggression accompanies the behaviour

Changes in a cat’s behaviour can have medical or emotional causes, so don’t assume it’s just a habit.

Kittens

Kittens can learn scratching habits early. Offer small, low scratchers at kitten height, reward use, and keep nails trimmed. Start handling their paws early to prepare for trims.

Final thoughts

Cats need to scratch, so the aim is to give them a better option than your furniture. Choose sturdy scratchers, put them where your cat wants to scratch, reward use, protect the furniture while your cat learns, and keep nails trimmed. For more on keeping your cat healthy and happy, see our guide on food for indoor cats and how our reviews work.

Frequently asked questions