Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?
1. Instinct and Territorial Marking
Because cats are highly territorial, they like to mark objects with their scent using their paws. Regular clawing helps them keep their claws sharp and removes the dead outer layers. When your cat claws a piece of furniture, its scent will continue to lure it back.
2. Need for Attention
You may find that your cat’s favorite pieces of furniture to scratch are where they can find you. For example, our cats only scratch the side of our bed if they want us to get up and feed them.
How to Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture
Training your cat to stop destructive scratching will take time and patience. Although it is best to train your cat as a kitten, it is possible to train adult cats, too.
To stop the habit of scratching furniture, you will need to use a combination of the following methods:
Redirection and Verbal Commands
When you see your cat scratching furniture, redirect them to scratch on an approved surface. If your cat responds to catnip, you can rub or spray catnip on the surface.
Screaming at your cat will only cause stress and confusion. A firm “no” is sufficient. Some cats will also respond to a spray bottle with water. However, this method is only for extreme cases where your cat is not responding to other options.
When you see that your cat is using the approved surface, pet them and use a happy tone of voice.
Offer Approved Surfaces for Sharpening Claws
To stop your cat from scratching furniture, you should introduce scratching posts and multiple choices of scratchers. Especially in multi-cat households, it is best to provide one scratching post per cat.
Products That Help Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture
Sisal Rope Scratching Posts
Cat Tree with Scratching Posts
Company: Chewy/Frisco
Place a medium-size cat tree with scratching posts next to the side of a couch or bed. This design includes a sleeping hammock so your cat can lounge.
Llama Cat Scratching Post
Company: Chewy/Frisco
Add some fun to your home decor while keeping your cat from scratching your furniture. This llama cat scratching post has a sisal-wrapped post and plush faux fur base.
Sisal and Carpet Scratching Posts
Frisco 32-in Carpet Cat Tree
Company: Chewy/Frisco
Provide your cat with a combination of textures to scratch. This cat tree has both sisal rope and carpet.
Armarkat Two-Level Platform Scratcher
Company: Armarkat
Cats will enjoy sleeping on the perch that is included with this combination scratcher. This cat tree design also includes an angled scratcher that is similar to the side of a couch.
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Wall Scratchers
Frisco Wall Sisal Cat Scratcher
Company: Chewy/Frisco
This sisal cat scratcher can be hung on a wall, propped against furniture, or placed flat on the floor. It folds so that it can wrap around a wall corner or couch. It includes adhesive hooks or the option to mount using screws. Based on the reviews, though, the adhesive loops will likely not hold.
Rise Scratchers
Rise & Climb Cat Ramp with Scratcher
Company: EveryYay
For cats that like to stretch while scratching, look for low-rise ramp scratchers. This design by Every Yay has a cardboard scratcher that is refillable.
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Alpine Climb Cat Scratcher
Company: OurPets
Cats enjoy scratching on corrugated cardboard that is sprinkled with catnip. This angled scratcher also includes a cutout on the sides for cats to hide their treasures.
Dream Curl Scratcher
Company: Petlinks
This multi-surface scratcher doubles as a cat bed. Some styles of the Dream Curl may include attached toys. We recommend cutting off toys that have feathers.
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Lean-It Anywhere Scratcher
Company: Omega Paw
We have five of the 25-in Omega Paw scratchers. We have found that it falls over if it is propped against a wall. However, our cats love them flat on the floor. The pattern that is shipped is random.
Floor Scratchers & Mats
Scratch & Play Mat Cat Scratcher
Company: Petlinks
Playmats are a great option for cats that enjoy biting and kicking. This design by Petlinks has a combination of sisal and jute. We recommend cutting off toys that have feathers.
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