How to Stop My Cat from Scratching Furniture & Carpets

(Without Losing Your Mind or Your Sofa)

Let’s be honest. If cats had LinkedIn profiles, “Professional Furniture Shredder” would be a top-listed skill. They don’t do it out of spite. They do it because scratching is how they stretch, mark territory, and keep those razor claws in top shape. Unfortunately, your couch is just the perfect tree substitute.

Why Cats Scratch The Things You Love

Before you reach for the spray bottle of shame, know this: scratching is instinctive. It’s how they

• Sharpen claws (a.k.a. reset their tiny weapons),

• Mark territory (each paw pad leaves scent signals),

• Stretch muscles after a solid 16-hour nap,

• Communicate emotions like excitement, anxiety, or pure zoomie joy.

Before you panic-buy new furniture, know this… scratching is part of the cat operating system.

Cat scratching a sofa

The “Don’t Scratch Here” Starter Pack

1. Give them better options. A tall, sturdy scratching post is like a gym membership for cats, they’ll only use it if it’s good. Add sisal rope, cardboard, or carpet texture depending on what they already target.

2. Location matters. Put the post where they actually scratch (next to the sofa, not in the spare room they never visit).

3. Positive bribery works. Sprinkle catnip or use treats when they scratch the right spot. They’re not above a good bribe.

4. Cover or deter. Double-sided tape, citrus spray, or aluminium foil on problem areas make bad scratching experiences (and hilarious home décor choices).

5. Trim claws regularly. If they sound like tap dancers on tile, it’s time for a manicure.

6.      Try using pheromone sprays like Feliway on areas you don’t want your cat to scratch.

7.      Trim your cat’s claws regularly (never declaw). This helps minimise damage to furniture and reduces accidental scratches.

A ginger cat on a climbing frame

Things to Avoid

• Don’t yell. They’re not being naughty, just following instincts that pre-date your sofa by a few thousand years.

• Don’t declaw. It’s painful, banned in many countries, and is like removing your fingertips.

• Don’t assume they’ll grow out of it. They won’t. They just need to find a new target.

two cats on a sofa

Final Thought

If your sofa’s looking rough, don’t despair, consider it the tuition fee for learning feline psychology. Give your cat an outlet, show them where it’s okay to unleash their inner tiger, and you’ll both live happily (and scratch-mark-free) ever after.

This cat has stopped scratching furniture and now has alternatives

By Fluffy the Cat

Behaviour & Enrichment Field Agent 

Cheeky and fearless, Fluffy investigates playtime chaos, scratching scandals, and suspicious garden activity. If it moves, he’s chasing it, all in the name of enrichment, of course.

Learn more about cat behaviour and enrichment in Cat Angels Triumph.

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