Why Cats Scratch Furniture and How to Stop It (Without Stress)

You bought the perfect scratching post, placed it proudly in your living room, and thought the sofa was finally safe. But your cat still walks past it and digs their claws into your couch.

Photo by Kaiwen Sun on Unsplash

Don’t worry. You’re not the only cat parent dealing with this. Scratching is one of the most natural things a cat can do, and the good news is, you can guide it — not fight it.

Why Cats Scratch Furniture

Scratching isn’t misbehaviour. It’s a normal and healthy cat instinct. Cats scratch to:• Sharpen and clean their claws• Stretch and strengthen their muscles• Mark territory with scent glands on their paws• Relieve stress or excitement

In other words, when your cat scratches the sofa, they’re not trying to annoy you. They’re simply doing what cats do to feel good, stay flexible, and express themselves.

Cats Don’t Know “Right” or “Wrong”

Cats don’t understand human rules about furniture. When they feel the urge to scratch, their question isn’t “Will my human be mad?” but “Where feels good to scratch?”

The solution isn’t punishment — it’s providing better, more appealing options.

Step 1: Choose the Right Cat Scratching Post

If your cat ignores the post, it’s probably not meeting their needs. Most cats prefer:• Posts that are at least 32 inches tall for a full stretch• A sturdy base that doesn’t wobble• Sisal rope, wood, or cardboard texture• A mix of vertical and horizontal scratchers to match their style

Some cats even prefer diagonal scratchers or corrugated cardboard mats. Experiment until you find what your cat enjoys most.

Step 2: Place the Scratching Post in the Right Spot

Location matters more than design. Cats scratch where they spend time, greet you, or nap.

If your cat scratches the sofa corner, put the post right beside it. If they scratch near the front door, place a post there too. They’re marking important areas, not being random.

Step 3: Teach Your Cat to Use the Scratching Post

Don’t grab your cat’s paws and force them to scratch — it feels unnatural to them. Instead, make the post part of playtime.

Use a wand toy or laser pointer around it. Sprinkle catnip or silvervine to attract interest. Praise and reward your cat when they use the post.

This positive reinforcement helps your cat associate the post with fun and comfort.

Step 4: Protect Your Furniture While They Learn

While your cat is adjusting, make your furniture less appealing.• Cover the scratched areas with a fitted sheet or plastic protector• Use double-sided tape or corner guards• Avoid textures that invite scratching, like loose fabric or woven material

Once your cat consistently uses their scratching post, you can remove these barriers.

Long-Term Success: Work With Your Cat’s Instincts

Scratching isn’t something to stop — it’s something to guide. When you give your cat the right tools and locations, they’ll naturally prefer those over your furniture.

Remember: cats aren’t defiant. They’re communicating. Scratching says, “This is my space, and I feel safe here.”

Helping your cat express that in the right place builds trust, reduces stress, and keeps both your cat and your sofa happy.