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And Train Them to Use a Scratching Post Instead
Introduction: Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?
If you’re looking for ways to stop cats from scratching furniture, this guide is for you. Scratching is a natural feline behavior, but it doesn’t have to ruin your home. With the right training and environment, you can protect your furniture—and keep your cat happy.According to the ASPCA, scratching helps cats stretch, mark territory, and manage stress.
This guide will help you:
- Understand why cats scratch
- Stop unwanted scratching
- Successfully train your cat to use a scratching post
- Choose the best scratching posts for long-term success
1. Why Do Cats Scratch?
Cats don’t scratch to be naughty—they do it because it’s instinctive.
✅ Reasons Cats Scratch:
- Sharpen and clean claws by removing dead nail layers
- Mark territory with scent glands in their paws
- Stretch their muscles (especially shoulders and back)
- Relieve stress or boredom
- Communicate with other cats visually and through scent
📌 Scratching is not a behavior to stop, but a behavior to redirect if your goal is to stop cats from scratching furniture. Learn more: how to train cats to use scratching boards.
2. Why Cats Scratch Furniture Specifically
Cats choose furniture like couches, chairs, and rugs because they:
- Provide a sturdy, upright surface
- Are often located in high-traffic or social areas
- Have textures that feel satisfying under their claws
- Already carry the cat’s scent from daily use
So if you want to stop cats from scratching furniture, you need to understand it’s not just what they scratch—it’s where and how.
3. The Don’ts: What Not to Do
❌ Never:
- Yell at or hit your cat
- Rub their paws on a post by force
- Use spray bottles or punishment
- Declaw your cat(why declawing is harmful)
These actions break trust and won’t help you stop cats from scratching furniture in a positive way.
Instead, focus on positive redirection.
4. How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching Furniture
✅ Step 1: Block Access to Problem Areas
- Use double-sided tape (cats dislike sticky textures)
- Cover with furniture protectors or aluminum foil
- Rearrange furniture temporarily to limit access
✅ Step 2: Clean the Area
- Use enzyme-based cleaners to remove scent markings
- Avoid citrus-scented products (some cats dislike citrus, but others don’t)
✅ Step 3: Offer Better Alternatives
Place scratching posts near the furniture your cat already loves scratching.
To stop cats from scratching furniture, don’t just say “no”—show them a better “yes.”
Related: where to place a litter box to manage scent and space more effectively.
5. How to Train Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post
✅ Choose the Right Type of Post
Cats are picky! If you want to effectively stop cats from scratching furniture, make sure your scratching post is tall and stable.
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Tall or long enough | So your cat can fully stretch (at least 30″ tall for vertical posts) |
| Stable and sturdy | Won’t tip over or wobble—cats hate that |
| Covered in the right texture | Most cats love sisal rope, corrugated cardboard, or carpet |
| Upright or horizontal | Some cats prefer vertical, others horizontal—offer both if unsure |
💡 Try a variety: vertical tower + horizontal cardboard + inclined ramp.
✅ Place Posts Strategically
- Next to furniture they already scratch
- Near doorways or high-traffic zones
- Close to napping spots (cats love to stretch/scratch when they wake up)
- Avoid hiding the post in a corner—it should feel accessible and “important”
✅ Encourage Use with Positive Reinforcement
- Sprinkle catnip on the post (if your cat reacts to it)
- Use silvervine or honeysuckle sprays as an alternative
- Praise and treat your cat every time they use the post
- Use a feather toy to entice scratching play (see our cat toy recommendations)
- Never force their paws—they’ll learn faster if it’s their idea
Never force their paws—they’ll learn faster if it’s their idea.
✅ Make It Part of a Routine
Cats are creatures of habit. Include scratching during playtime and reinforce it with rewards. Try these cat enrichment ideas to build a healthy habit.
- Include scratching during playtime
- Reward scratching with treats or praise
- Keep scratching posts in place long-term to build familiarity
Try these: favorite cat toys that encourage scratching and play.
6. What to Do If Your Cat Ignores the Scratching Post
- Try a different location—perhaps near windows or near your favorite chair
- Try different materials (cardboard vs rope vs carpet)
- Switch horizontal vs vertical styles
- Refresh the scent with catnip or spray
- Play with toys on or around the post
🧠 If your goal is to stop cats from scratching furniture, remember—it’s not stubbornness, just a mismatch of preferences.Keep experimenting.
Helpful: bonding with a new cat can make training easier.
7. Best Types of Scratching Posts (With Examples)
🪵 Vertical Posts
- Tall, sturdy, sisal-wrapped towers
- Best for full-body stretching
- Example: SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post(32″ tall)
🪵 Horizontal Scratchers
- Corrugated cardboard or carpet pads
- Great for floor-loving cats
- Example: PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
🪵 Inclined or Angled Scratchers
- Slanted surfaces for active climbers
- Often double as ramps or hideouts
- Example: Frisco Cat Scratcher Incline
🪵 Cat Trees with Built-In Scratchers
- Multi-functional: climbing, sleeping, scratching
- Saves space and encourages enrichment
- Example: FEANDREA Multi-Level Cat Tree(browse our picks)
Choosing the right scratching post can help stop cats from scratching furniture by giving them a better alternative.
8. How Long Does It Take to Train a Cat to Use a Scratching Post?
Every cat is different.
- Some take to it immediately
- Others need 1–2 weeks of positive reinforcement
- Shy or older cats may take longer
With consistency and patience, you can successfully stop cats from scratching furniture over time.
9. What About Kittens and Senior Cats?
🐱 Kittens:
- Easy to train—start early!
- Offer low, stable scratchers they can reach
- Reinforce with play and rewards
🐱 Senior Cats:
- May need softer materials (e.g., cardboard)
- Keep scratchers low to the ground and easy to access
- Avoid posts that require jumping or climbing
Even with kittens or seniors, it’s possible to stop cats from scratching furniture by using age-appropriate posts.Learn more about how many scratchers and litter boxes cats need.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why does my cat scratch after I come home?
It’s a greeting ritual + marking behavior. Place a scratcher near the entryway.
Q2: Can I use citrus or sprays to keep my cat off furniture?
Only as a last resort—many sprays can irritate or stress cats. Always pair deterrents with a positive alternative.
Q3: Can I train an older cat to use a scratching post?
Yes. It may take longer, but with patience and the right setup, older cats can absolutely learn.
Q4: Will declawing fix scratching problems?
No—and it causes lifelong pain, behavioral issues, and health risks. It’s banned in many countries. Use humane training instead.
Q5: How many scratching posts should I have?
At least one per cat, but ideally more. Offer multiple styles and placements.
Q6: What’s the fastest way to stop cats from scratching furniture?
The fastest way is to offer multiple scratching posts, place them strategically, and reward every use. Positive reinforcement works better than punishment.
💛 Final Thoughts: Scratching Is Natural—Let’s Guide It, Not Fight It
Your cat isn’t “misbehaving” when they scratch your sofa—they’re communicating, stretching, and maintaining their claws.
The key to stop cats from scratching furniture is to redirect their instincts, not punish them.
- Offer irresistible alternatives
- Reinforce good behavior
- Understand their instinct—not override it
❤️ With the right setup and a little patience, you can protect your furniture and your cat’s happiness.
📚 Further Reading:
- How to train cats to use scratching boards
- Favorite cat toys
- Bonding with a new cat
- Senior cat nutrition needs
