Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture and How to Stop It
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Finding your favorite sofa shredded to pieces is incredibly frustrating. However, it is vital to understand that your cat isn't doing this out of spite.
Already decided you need a post and just want to pick the right one? See our buying guide: What Is the Best Scratching Post for a Cat? — material, height, placement and how many you actually need.
According to the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB), scratching is a deep-rooted biological necessity for felines. They scratch to shed the dead outer husks of their claws, to stretch their back and shoulder muscles, and to mark their territory using scent glands located in their paws.
How Do I Redirect My Cat's Scratching Away From Furniture?
Because scratching is instinctual, punishing a cat for it never works; it only makes them anxious. The secret to saving your furniture is redirection. You must provide an alternative that is more appealing than your couch. Cats generally prefer surfaces that are sturdy (they won't wobble when pulled against) and have a satisfying texture, like sisal fabric or corrugated cardboard — our 3-in-1 Wood Scratching Post & Bed covers both.
Where Should I Put a Scratching Post?
Placement matters as much as the post itself. Put it directly next to the furniture your cat already targets — not in a spare room. Cats scratch where they sleep and where they patrol, so a post beside the sofa or at the bedroom door gets used; one hidden in a corner does not. Once your cat commits to the post, move it a few inches at a time if you want it somewhere else.
What Actually Reduces Furniture Damage?
- Trim the claws every 2–3 weeks. Blunt tips do far less damage to upholstery, and regular handling makes the routine easier over time.
- Make the sofa less appealing. Double-sided tape or a smooth throw over the target corner removes the texture your cat is looking for.
- Give a rest spot nearby. Cats scratch on waking. A comfortable bed near the usual target absorbs some of that impulse.
- Never declaw. The ACVB and the AVMA oppose it: declawing amputates the last bone of each toe and is linked to chronic pain and litter box avoidance.
What Is the Best Scratching Post to Stop Furniture Damage?
- 3-in-1 Wood Scratching Post & Bed – vertical wood scratcher that doubles as a rest spot, sturdy enough not to wobble
- Sisal Scratching Ball with Feather Teaser – combines the sisal texture cats prefer with interactive play, good for kittens still learning where to scratch
- Rockaby Bamboo Pet Bed – a portable resting spot to place near the problem furniture
- Browse beds, blankets & pet furniture
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for professional veterinary advice. A sudden increase in scratching can signal stress or a skin problem — consult your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Why do cats scratch furniture?
The ACVB explains scratching is a biological necessity: cats shed the dead outer husks of their claws, stretch their back and shoulder muscles, and mark territory using scent glands in their paws.
Does punishing a cat for scratching work?
No — scratching is instinctual, so punishment doesn't stop it and only makes the cat anxious.
Where should I put a scratching post?
Directly next to the furniture your cat already targets, not in a spare room — cats scratch where they sleep and patrol.
Is declawing a solution for furniture scratching?
No. The ACVB and the AVMA oppose it: declawing amputates the last bone of each toe and is linked to chronic pain and litter box avoidance.
How often should I trim my cat's claws?
Every 2–3 weeks — blunt tips do far less damage to upholstery.
Sources & references
- American College of Veterinary Behaviorists — dacvb.org.
- American Veterinary Medical Association — AVMA revises declawing policy.
- American Association of Feline Practitioners — Declawing position statement.
