How to Stop a Cat From Scratching Furniture: 4 Ways

You can’t stop a cat from wanting to scratch, so the goal is to redirect it. Put a sturdy scratcher right where your cat already scratches, make that spot on the furniture less appealing for a while, and reward your cat for using the right surface. Keep nails trimmed, and skip punishment and declawing.

Why cats scratch

Humane World for Animals describes scratching as a normal, instinctive behavior. Cats do it to express emotion, to leave a scent mark, and to shed the dead outer layer of their claws. The ASPCA adds that cats also scratch to play and to stretch.

International Cat Care notes that scratching helps keep claws in good condition, works the front legs and spine, and marks territory. It can also turn into a way of asking for attention if the cat gets rewarded for it. That is one reason to make the scratcher the most rewarding place to scratch, with praise and treats, rather than giving a big reaction to scratching on the sofa.

If scratching suddenly spreads around the home, especially near doors and windows, International Cat Care says it may be a sign of insecurity. Multi-cat households and major home renovations can also increase scratching. In those cases, talk to your veterinarian or a cat behavior specialist.

Put scratchers where the cat already scratches

Location matters more than most people expect. Humane World recommends placing the post right where your cat is already scratching, such as next to the sofa. International Cat Care suggests putting a replacement beside the damaged spot, in a similar material and at the same height.

Think about your cat’s routine too. International Cat Care points out that cats often scratch after waking, so a scratcher near the bed or favorite nap spot can help. In a home with several cats, it recommends one scratcher per cat plus one extra, spread across different locations.

To make the new spot inviting, play near it with a fishing-pole toy and place treats at its base. Humane World also suggests rubbing catnip on the post for the first few days, though International Cat Care notes that not every cat responds to catnip. Never carry your cat to the scratcher or hold its paws against it, because Humane World calls that very important to avoid. The ASPCA likewise says not to force a cat onto the post. For more ideas, see our guide on how to get your cat to use a scratching post.

Pick the right scratcher

A scratcher that wobbles or feels flimsy will lose to your couch. The ASPCA says all cats want a sturdy post that won’t shift or collapse when used. International Cat Care adds that some posts are simply too light, so secure them so they don’t move.

Height and orientation

Humane World says a vertical post should be at least 32 inches tall, stable, and often wrapped in sisal. International Cat Care gives a different measure: the post should be as tall as your cat is when standing on its hind legs in a full stretched scratching position. If your cat is big, use whichever measure gives you the taller option.

Cats differ on direction. Some prefer vertical surfaces, some horizontal, and some angled. Kittens and older cats may like sloped or flat cardboard scratchers. If floor space is tight, International Cat Care mentions wall-mounted scratching boards.

Materials

The ASPCA suggests trying several materials, including cardboard, carpet, wood, sisal and upholstery-style fabric. Humane World notes that some cats like corrugated cardboard, and wood can work if it is tall or long enough and solid. Watch what your cat goes for on the furniture and match it.

If you are comparing options, our roundup of the best cat scratching posts covers different types. A wobbly cat tree can undermine the whole plan, so read how to stabilize a wobbly cat tree if yours moves. For big cats, a cat tree built for large cats may offer the height and sturdiness they need.

Do not throw out an old post just because it looks shredded. The ASPCA says to keep it, since the worn surface is exactly what the cat likes.

Make furniture less appealing

While your cat learns the new routine, you can make the old spot less attractive. Humane World suggests covering furniture with a tight-fitting sheet. For small areas, you can use double-sided sticky tape or something that makes the surface sticky or slippery. Remove these once your cat is using the scratcher consistently.

The ASPCA lists double-sided sticky tape, sandpaper, or an upside-down vinyl carpet runner with the knobby side up. International Cat Care suggests covering damaged areas with a thick, heavy blanket or one-sided sticky plastic film. It also says synthetic pheromone products used on areas that have been scratched can help as an extra step alongside a good scratcher. If the furniture is wood, International Cat Care recommends wiping it with unscented soapy water.

The point of these deterrents is to make the old spot a worse choice while the new spot is an easy one. Cover the surface and put the scratcher next to it on the same day, so your cat has somewhere better to go.

Trim nails

Regular trims reduce damage, but they are not a replacement for scratchers. International Cat Care says trimming may help prevent immediate damage but doesn’t meet your cat’s needs, so your cat still needs places to scratch. Older cats may need regular trims, and nails that grow too long can grow into the paw pad. If a nail looks unusually thick, ask your veterinarian.

VCA Animal Hospitals says indoor cats can have their nails trimmed every two to four weeks, which helps reduce damage to furniture. Its guide recommends scissor-style clippers made for cats and having styptic powder (or flour or cornstarch) on hand. Gently press the paw pad so the nail extends, and trim a little at a time. For dark nails, cut only up to where the nail curves downward, using several small snips.

Start slowly. VCA suggests starting young if you can, rewarding after each paw, and working up gradually over several weeks, even one nail at a time. If your cat resists, stop and contact your veterinarian, or ask a vet or groomer to do it. If you have never trimmed a cat’s nails, ask your veterinarian to show you first.

The ASPCA also mentions temporary adhesive plastic nail caps, which it says last about four to six weeks. Ask your veterinarian whether they suit your cat.

What not to do

Don’t punish your cat

International Cat Care is blunt: your cat should never be punished, because punishment confuses cats and increases anxiety. The ASPCA treats startling a cat, such as clapping, only as a last resort, since the cat may become afraid of you. Redirecting and rewarding is the better route.

Don’t declaw

The ASPCA says it is strongly opposed to declawing cats and does not consider it a behavior solution. The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (formerly the AAFP) strongly opposes declawing (onychectomy) as an elective procedure in its 2017 position statement. The alternatives it lists include scratching posts and pads, regular nail trims, temporary nail caps, synthetic facial pheromone sprays or diffusers, and environmental enrichment.

When scratching doesn’t improve

If the problem continues despite good scratchers, the ASPCA recommends working with a certified applied animal behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Your own veterinarian is a good first call, especially if the behavior changed suddenly.

Scratchers to Offer Instead

Give your cat a better place to scratch with one of these posts, pads or a tall cat tree. For more detail on each pick, see our guide to the best cat scratching posts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I put a scratching post to stop furniture scratching?

Put it next to the furniture your cat already scratches. Humane World stresses that location matters, and International Cat Care recommends a similar material at the same height, placed beside the damaged spot. A second scratcher near where your cat sleeps may also help.

Does double-sided tape stop cats from scratching furniture?

Humane World and the ASPCA both list double-sided sticky tape as a temporary way to make furniture less appealing. It works best alongside an attractive scratcher placed nearby. Remove it once your cat consistently uses the scratcher.

Do sprays or pheromone products stop a cat from scratching?

International Cat Care says synthetic pheromones on scratched areas can help, and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association lists them as one alternative to declawing. Neither source promises results, so use them alongside good scratchers and ask your veterinarian if you are unsure.

Is it okay to declaw a cat to protect furniture?

No. The ASPCA says it is strongly opposed to declawing, and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association strongly opposes declawing as an elective procedure. Scratchers, regular nail trims, and temporary nail caps are the alternatives they point to.

How often should I trim my cat’s nails?

VCA Animal Hospitals says every two to four weeks for indoor cats. If your cat resists or you are unsure how, ask your veterinarian or a groomer.

Sources

• Humane World for Animals: Stop cats from scratching furniture with a scratching post
• International Cat Care: Scratching on furniture and carpets
• ASPCA: Destructive Scratching
• Feline Veterinary Medical Association: 2017 Declawing position statement
• VCA Animal Hospitals: How to Trim a Cat’s Nails

About the author