Why Cats Scratch Furniture (And How to Stop It)

Torn cushions, shredded sofa arms, and those telltale claw marks down your favourite armchair, sound familiar? 

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve likely discovered that your feline friend has turned your furniture into their personal scratching toy. Don’t lose hope (or consider rehoming your beloved furry friend),  cat scratching behaviour is completely natural and, more importantly, it’s manageable.

Scratching isn’t your cat being deliberately destructive or trying to wind you up; it’s an essential behaviour that serves multiple purposes for your feline companion. The good news? 

With the right understanding and approach, you can redirect this natural instinct away from your precious furniture and towards more appropriate outlets. 

Let’s explore exactly why cats scratch, how to stop cats from scratching furniture, and how to create a harmonious home where both you and your cat can be happy.

Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?

Understanding the ‘why’ behind your cat’s scratching habits is the first step towards solving the problem. 

Far from being a spiteful act, scratching serves several crucial purposes in your cat’s daily life.

1. It’s Natural Feline Behaviour

Scratching is hardwired into your cat’s DNA. Wild cats scratch trees, logs, and other surfaces as part of their daily routine, and domestic cats have inherited this same instinctual drive.

Just like our fingernails, cats’ claws grow continuously. Scratching helps remove the outer sheath of worn claws, revealing the sharp, healthy claw underneath. Think of it as your cat’s version of a manicure.

Watch your cat scratch, and you’ll notice they often stretch their entire body whilst doing so. This full-body stretch helps maintain flexibility in their shoulders, spine, and legs; essentially, it’s feline yoga.

2. Territorial Marking and Scent Glands

Here’s something many cat owners don’t realise: when your cat scratches your sofa, they’re not just sharpening their claws, they’re leaving a personalised message. Cats have scent glands in their paw pads that release pheromones when they scratch. These chemical markers communicate vital information to other cats (and reinforce the cat’s sense of security in their territory).

This explains why cats often target specific pieces of furniture repeatedly. Your sofa arm, that corner of the rug, or the door frame, they can’t leave alone. These aren’t random choices; they’re prime real estate for scent marking. Areas with high foot traffic, near windows (where outdoor cats might be visible), or close to feeding and sleeping areas are particularly attractive for this reason.

The visual marks left by scratching also serve as territorial markers, creating both a scent and sight-based “No Trespassing” sign that’s perfectly clear to other cats in the neighbourhood.

3. Claw Care and Shedding

Your cat’s claws are remarkable structures that grow in layers. As the outer layer becomes worn and dull, scratching helps shed this outer sheath to reveal the sharp, new claw beneath. 

Without regular scratching, these old sheaths can become uncomfortable or even problematic for your cat.

Indoor cats, who don’t have access to tree bark and rough outdoor surfaces, rely heavily on household items for this essential claw maintenance. 

If you don’t provide appropriate scratching surfaces, your furniture becomes the default option, and unfortunately, sofa fabric is often perfectly textured for effective claw shedding.

4. Stress Relief and Comfort

Scratching serves as an important emotional outlet for cats. The physical act of scratching releases endorphins, helping cats feel more relaxed and content. This is why you might notice increased scratching during times of change or stress. Situations such as new pets, house moves, changes in routine, or even rearranged furniture can trigger more frequent scratching behaviour.

In multi-cat households, scratching can become even more important as a stress-relief mechanism. Cats may scratch more frequently to assert their territory and cope with the social pressures of sharing space with other felines.

5. Boredom or Lack of Enrichment

Cats are intelligent, active creatures that need mental and physical stimulation. When they’re bored or under-stimulated, they may turn to destructive behaviours, including excessive furniture scratching, as a form of entertainment.

This is particularly common in indoor-only cats who may lack sufficient environmental enrichment. Without adequate playtime for cats, climbing opportunities, or mental challenges, furniture scratching can become an outlet for pent-up energy and frustration.

How to Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

Now that we understand why cats scratch, let’s tackle the practical steps to redirect this behaviour away from your furniture. Remember, the goal isn’t to stop scratching entirely; it’s to provide better alternatives that satisfy your cat’s needs whilst protecting your belongings.

Step 1: Provide Appealing Alternatives

The foundation of any successful anti-scratching strategy is offering your cat irresistible alternatives to your furniture. Not all scratching posts for cats are created equal, and choosing the right type can make the difference between success and continued sofa destruction.

• Vertical Scratching Posts: Most cats prefer vertical surfaces for scratching, mimicking the way they’d scratch tree trunks in the wild. Look for posts that are at least 60cm tall; cats need to be able to stretch their full body length whilst scratching. The post must be stable so it won’t topple over when your cat puts their full weight behind a good scratch.
• Horizontal Scratching Pads: Some cats prefer horizontal surfaces, particularly for stretching and claw maintenance. Cardboard scratchers are brilliant for this; they’re inexpensive, recyclable, and many cats love them.

Step 2: Place Scratchers in Key Locations

Location is crucial for scratching post success. Even the most appealing scratcher will be ignored if it’s tucked away in a corner where your cat rarely ventures.

Near Current Problem Areas

Place new scratchers directly adjacent to areas your cat currently scratches. If they’re targeting your sofa arm, position a new post right next to it. This makes the transition as easy as possible for your cat.

High-Traffic Areas

Cats often like to scratch after waking up, so placing scratchers near their favourite sleeping spots is ideal. Areas near windows, where cats spend time watching the outside world, are also excellent locations.

Multiple Locations

In larger homes or multi-cat households, you’ll need scratchers in several rooms. Cats don’t want to trek across the house when the urge to scratch strikes; convenience is key.

Step 3: Reward Good Behaviour

Positive reinforcement training is far more effective than punishment when it comes to modifying cat behaviour. 

When you catch your cat using their designated scratcher, make it a celebration!

The moment you see your cat using the correct scratching surface, offer gentle praise in a happy voice. Cats are more responsive to positive attention than many people realise.

Keep small treats handy and offer one immediately after good scratching behaviour. This creates a positive association with using the appropriate surfaces.

Many scratching posts come with catnip, or you can sprinkle dried catnip on new scratchers to make them more appealing. Some cats also respond well to silvervine or valerian root.

Note: Shouting, squirting with water, or physically moving your cat away from furniture can increase stress and worsen the problem. Cats don’t understand punishment the way dogs do, and negative interactions can damage your relationship.

Step 4: Protect Furniture Temporarily

Whilst you’re training your cat to use appropriate scratchers, temporary cat furniture protection can prevent further damage and help break existing habits.

Clear vinyl furniture guards can protect specific areas whilst remaining nearly invisible. Double-sided tape (specifically designed for pets) creates an unpleasant texture that most cats avoid. Aluminium foil or plastic carpet runners (knobby side up) can also deter scratching, though they’re less aesthetically pleasing.

Sometimes, simply moving furniture slightly can disrupt established scratching patterns and encourage cats to explore new, appropriate scratching options.

Step 5: Trim Claws and Consider Nail Caps

Regular claw maintenance can significantly reduce the damage caused by scratching whilst you work on behaviour modification.

• Regular Trimming: Most cats benefit from claw trimming every 2-3 weeks. This reduces the sharpness of claws and minimises furniture damage. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, your vet or a professional groomer can help.
• Nail Caps: Soft vinyl nail caps (such as Soft Paws) can be applied over your cat’s natural claws. They’re humane, temporary (lasting 4-6 weeks), and come in various colours if you fancy giving your cat a manicure! These are particularly useful during the training period whilst your cat learns to use appropriate scratchers.

Step 6: Reduce Stress and Add Enrichment

Since scratching can be stress-related, addressing your cat’s overall well-being is crucial for long-term success.

Interactive play sessions with feather wands, laser pointers, or other engaging toys can help burn excess energy and reduce stress-related scratching. Aim for at least two 10-15 minute sessions daily.

Provide climbing trees, hideaways, puzzle feeders, and window perches to keep your cat mentally stimulated and physically active.

Feliway diffusers release synthetic versions of calming cat pheromones and can help reduce anxiety-related behaviours, including excessive scratching.

Top 5 Deterrents to Stop Cat Scratching:

1. Sticky Paws Tape: Clear, double-sided tape that feels unpleasant on paws
2. Citrus or Vinegar Spray: Natural scent deterrents that most cats dislike
3. Feliway Diffusers: Calming pheromones to reduce stress-related scratching
4. Vinyl Scratch Guards: Clear protective covers for furniture arms and corners
5. Enzymatic Scent Removers: Eliminate pheromone markers that encourage repeat scratching.

Book Your Cat’s Stay at Hunters Lodge Today

At Hunters Lodge, we understand that leaving your cat behind can be stressful for both of you. That’s why our family-run countryside cattery is designed to offer a calm, caring, and comfortable environment your cat will truly enjoy. 

Each feline guest stays in a heated, chalet-style room complete with a cosy bed and plenty of space to stretch and relax. 

Our private gardens provide outdoor lounging areas, giving cats the chance to enjoy fresh air and natural enrichment. 

We offer dedicated one-to-one care, including tailored diets and medication support, at no extra cost. 

Located in the peaceful village of Stoke Goldington, we’re just a short drive from both Milton Keynes and Northampton, making us the perfect local choice for a worry-free cattery experience.

Opening Hours: Cattery visits and viewings welcome Monday–Saturday, 11:00–11:45 am, no appointment needed.

How to Book:

1. Check Availability – Head to our Bookings Page to see available dates.
2. Submit Records – Provide vaccination records at least 14 days before boarding.
3. Pay Deposit – Secure your booking with our simple payment process.
4. Drop Off – Bring your cat on the confirmed date, and we’ll handle everything else!

If you want a sneak peek before you book? Visit our Gallery to explore our cattery facilities and beautiful countryside setting.

Still have questions? We’d love to chat. Call us on 01604 870330 to speak directly with our friendly, experienced team. 

Let your cat enjoy a holiday of their own whilst you’re away. Book with Hunters Lodge today and enjoy complete peace of mind.

FAQs

1. Can I train my cat not to scratch furniture?

Absolutely! With consistency, patience, and the right approach, you can successfully redirect your cat’s scratching behaviour. The key is providing appealing alternatives and using positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Most cats can learn to use appropriate scratchers within a few weeks with consistent training.

2. Is scratching ever a sign of illness?

Whilst scratching is typically behavioural, sudden changes in scratching patterns can occasionally indicate health issues. If your cat suddenly starts scratching excessively, targets new areas, or shows signs of discomfort whilst scratching, consult your vet to rule out conditions like arthritis, skin problems, or stress-related disorders.

3. How many scratching posts do I need?

The general rule is at least one scratcher per cat, plus extras in key locations. For a single cat, 2-3 scratchers in different areas usually suffice. Multi-cat households may need more to prevent competition and ensure each cat has access when needed.

4. Why does my cat scratch furniture even with a scratch post?

Several factors could be at play here. Your scratching post might be too short (cats need posts at least 60cm tall), unstable (wobbly posts are off-putting), made from the wrong material (try sisal, cardboard, or carpet), or poorly positioned. Cats prefer scratchers near their favourite sleeping spots, by windows, or close to areas they already scratch. You might also need multiple scratchers; one per cat is the general rule.