How to stop your cat from scratching the furniture

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Introduction

Is your cat turning your furniture into their personal scratching post? You’re not alone. Scratching is a natural cat behavior—but it can be frustrating when your couch or favorite chair becomes the target. In this article, we’ll show you how to stop your cat from scratching the furniture step by step. With the right tools, training, and a bit of patience, you can redirect your cat’s scratching instincts in a healthy way that saves your home.

Why Cats Scratch (And Why It’s Normal)

Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand why cats scratch:

  • To maintain claw health by removing dead outer layers
  • To mark territory using scent glands in their paws
  • To stretch their muscles and flex their spine
  • To relieve stress or boredom

Scratching is not misbehavior—it’s instinctive. The key is to redirect the behavior rather than trying to stop it completely. When you learn how to stop your cat from scratching the furniture, you’re really learning how to offer better alternatives.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Furniture Scratching

Step 1: Identify the Favorite Spots

  • Check which items of furniture your cat is scratching most—usually sofas, chairs, or door frames.
  • Note the texture, location, and position—this will help you choose a similar scratching alternative.

Step 2: Provide Scratching Posts or Pads

  • Choose scratching surfaces that match your cat’s preferences:
    • Vertical posts for upright scratchers
    • Horizontal pads for cats who like to dig down low
    • Use materials like sisal, cardboard, or carpet
  • Place scratching posts near or in front of the furniture they normally target.
  • Consider using multiple scratching posts in different areas of your home.

Step 3: Make Furniture Less Appealing

  • Cover surfaces with double-sided tape or aluminum foil—cats dislike sticky or crinkly textures.
  • Use furniture guards or plastic shields to protect the corners of couches and chairs.
  • Try a cat-safe deterrent spray that smells unpleasant to cats but is odorless to humans.

Step 4: Use Positive Reinforcement

  • Reward your cat with treats, praise, or play whenever they use the scratching post instead of furniture.
  • You can also sprinkle catnip on the post or use a wand toy near it to encourage engagement.
  • Stay calm—yelling or scolding will only make your cat anxious and confused.

Step 5: Correct Behavior Gently

  • If you catch your cat scratching the furniture, calmly interrupt with a sound (like a soft clap or “no”), then guide them to the scratching post.
  • Gently take their front paws and make a scratching motion on the post to show them what to do.
  • Consistency is key—repeat the redirection every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Punishing your cat
    Yelling, spraying with water, or physical punishment can damage your bond and cause anxiety. Always use calm redirection.
  • Not offering a better alternative
    Without scratching posts, your cat has to use something—so they’ll choose your couch.
  • Using posts that are too small or unstable
    Wobbly or too-short posts are often ignored. Your cat should be able to stretch fully on a vertical post.
  • Giving up too soon
    Training takes time. Stay consistent and reinforce good behavior daily.
  • Placing posts in the wrong location
    Hiding scratching posts in corners or spare rooms doesn’t help. Place them where your cat spends time.

Extra Tips & Recommendations

  • Trim your cat’s claws regularly
    Keeping nails trimmed reduces the damage scratching can do. Ask your vet or groomer to show you how.
  • Try feline pheromone sprays or diffusers
    Products like Feliway help reduce anxiety and territorial behavior, which can lower scratching.
  • Rotate scratching options
    Refresh interest by changing out scratching pads or repositioning posts every few weeks.
  • Use scratcher toys
    Look for toys that double as scratching surfaces to combine play and behavior redirection.

Conclusion

You don’t have to choose between a happy cat and intact furniture. By understanding your cat’s needs, offering appropriate alternatives, and using positive training techniques, you can stop your cat from scratching the furniture without stress or punishment. Give it time, stay consistent, and celebrate small wins along the way.

🐾 Need more help training your cat? Stick around for more simple, step-by-step guides!