How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Furniture (And What to Give Them Instead)

person Padmesh Bhalekar
calendar_today Aug 18, 2026
comment 0 commentaire

If your sofa looks like it's been through a shredder, you're not alone. Scratching is one of the most common complaints from cat owners — and one of the top reasons cats are surrendered to shelters. But here's the good news: your cat isn't being destructive out of spite. Scratching is a completely natural, healthy behaviour. The trick is redirecting it.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Before you can stop unwanted scratching, it helps to understand why cats do it in the first place:

Claw maintenance: Scratching removes the dead outer layer of their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy.
Stretching: It's a full-body stretch that works their muscles from paws to spine.
Marking territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws. Scratching leaves both a visual mark and a scent signal.
Stress relief: Scratching is a self-soothing behaviour, especially in anxious or bored cats.

In short, your cat needs to scratch. Your job is to give them a better option than your furniture.

Step 1: Provide the Right Scratching Surfaces

The most effective solution is giving your cat a dedicated scratching outlet they actually want to use. Cats have preferences — some like vertical surfaces, others prefer horizontal ones. Some love sisal rope, others prefer cardboard or carpet.

A great starting point is a wall-mounted scratcher, which mimics the tall, vertical stretch cats love. Our Durable Wall-Mounted Cat Scratching is designed to handle even the most enthusiastic scratchers, and it keeps the floor clear too.

If your cat tends to scratch low surfaces like rugs or the base of the sofa, a flat or angled scratcher works better. Our Cat Scratcher Laptop Design is a fun, space-saving option that sits flat on the floor and doubles as a quirky desk accessory.

Browse our full Cat Scratchers collection to find the right style for your cat.

Step 2: Place Scratchers Strategically

Location matters more than most people realise. Put scratchers:

Next to the furniture they're already scratching — this is the most important placement. Cats scratch where they want to scratch, so meet them there.
Near sleeping spots — cats often scratch right after waking up as a stretch.
In social areas — scratching is also a way to mark territory in high-traffic zones.

Once your cat is consistently using the scratcher, you can gradually move it a few inches at a time toward a more convenient spot.

Step 3: Make the Furniture Less Appealing

While you're training your cat to use their scratcher, you can discourage furniture scratching with a few simple tricks:

Double-sided tape: Cats hate the sticky feeling on their paws. Apply it to the corners of sofas or chair legs.
Furniture covers or throws: Temporarily covering the target area removes the texture they're after.
Citrus scents: Most cats dislike citrus. A light spray of diluted lemon or orange essential oil (safe for cats) can deter them.

Step 4: Use Positive Reinforcement

Never punish your cat for scratching — it doesn't work and damages your bond. Instead, reward them every time they use their scratcher. A treat, a play session, or even just enthusiastic praise goes a long way.

Speaking of play — a bored cat is a destructive cat. Keeping your cat mentally and physically stimulated reduces stress-scratching significantly. Check out our Cat Toys collection for enrichment ideas that keep your cat busy and happy.

Step 5: Keep Their Claws Trimmed

Regular nail trims won't stop scratching behaviour, but they do reduce the damage. Aim to trim every 2–3 weeks. If your cat resists, try trimming one paw at a time and rewarding generously. You'll find helpful grooming tools in our Grooming & Cleaning Tools collection.

When to Seek Extra Help

If your cat's scratching is sudden, excessive, or accompanied by other behaviour changes, it could signal stress, anxiety, or a medical issue. A vet check is always worth it if something feels off.

The Bottom Line

You can't — and shouldn't — stop your cat from scratching. But with the right scratchers in the right places, a little patience, and some positive reinforcement, you can absolutely redirect that behaviour away from your furniture. Your sofa will thank you.

Ready to get started? Shop our Cat Scratchers collection and find the perfect match for your cat's scratching style.

How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Furniture (And What to Give Them Instead)

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Step 1: Provide the Right Scratching Surfaces

Step 2: Place Scratchers Strategically

Step 3: Make the Furniture Less Appealing

Step 4: Use Positive Reinforcement

Step 5: Keep Their Claws Trimmed

When to Seek Extra Help

The Bottom Line

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