Why Cats Scratch and How to Protect Your Furniture
Understanding and Managing Your Cat's Scratching Behavior
Scratching is one of the most natural and essential behaviors for cats, yet it's also one of the most frustrating for cat owners when directed at furniture, carpets, or curtains. Before you despair over shredded upholstery, understand that scratching serves important physical and emotional purposes for your cat. With the right approach, you can redirect this behavior to appropriate surfaces and save your furniture.
Why Cats Scratch
Scratching isn't destructive behavior—it's necessary for your cat's wellbeing. Cats scratch to maintain claw health by removing dead outer nail sheaths, mark territory through visual marks and scent glands in their paws, stretch muscles in their legs, shoulders, and back, relieve stress and express emotions, and exercise and strengthen their bodies. Understanding these purposes helps you provide appropriate alternatives rather than trying to eliminate the behavior entirely.
The Importance of Scratching Posts
Every cat needs access to proper scratching surfaces. Provide multiple scratching posts throughout your home, especially near sleeping areas where cats naturally stretch and scratch upon waking. Posts should be tall enough for full-body stretching (at least 30-32 inches), sturdy enough not to wobble or tip, and covered in appealing materials like sisal rope, corrugated cardboard, or carpet. Browse our scratching post collection for options that suit your cat's preferences and your home décor.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Scratching
Cats have individual scratching preferences. Some prefer vertical posts while others love horizontal scratching pads. Many cats enjoy both! Observe where your cat currently scratches—if they target carpet, they likely prefer horizontal surfaces; if they scratch furniture arms or door frames, they prefer vertical. Provide variety to satisfy all scratching styles and increase the chances of redirecting inappropriate scratching.
Choosing the Right Scratching Surface
Material matters as much as orientation. Popular options include sisal rope (durable and satisfying texture), corrugated cardboard (inexpensive and many cats love it), carpet (familiar but may confuse cats about what's acceptable), natural wood (appeals to outdoor instincts), and woven fabrics (varied textures for different preferences). Let your cat choose by offering several types and observing which gets the most use. Check out our guide to cat toys and accessories for more enrichment ideas.
Strategic Placement of Scratching Posts
Location is critical for scratching post success. Place posts in high-traffic areas where your cat spends time, near furniture they currently scratch, next to sleeping spots for post-nap stretching, and by windows or favorite perches. Don't hide scratching posts in basements or spare rooms—cats scratch where they live! In multi-cat households, provide enough posts so cats don't have to compete for scratching territory.
Training Your Cat to Use Scratching Posts
Encourage appropriate scratching through positive reinforcement. When you see your cat using the scratching post, offer praise and treats immediately. Sprinkle catnip on new posts to attract interest. Gently place your cat's paws on the post and make scratching motions—some cats will mimic this. Use interactive play near scratching posts, encouraging your cat to grab the post during play. Never force or punish—this creates negative associations.
Protecting Your Furniture
While training your cat, protect vulnerable furniture with temporary barriers like double-sided tape (cats dislike the sticky feeling), aluminum foil (unpleasant texture and sound), plastic furniture guards, or citrus-scented sprays (cats generally dislike citrus). Cover favorite scratching spots with these deterrents while making scratching posts more appealing. Gradually remove barriers once your cat consistently uses appropriate surfaces.
Redirecting Inappropriate Scratching
When you catch your cat scratching furniture, don't yell or punish. Instead, calmly interrupt with a gentle sound, then immediately redirect to the scratching post. Reward enthusiastically when they use it. Consistency is key—every family member must respond the same way. If your cat persistently targets one piece of furniture, place a scratching post directly in front of it, gradually moving it to a more acceptable location once your cat uses it regularly.
Nail Trimming and Maintenance
Regular nail trimming reduces scratching damage. Trim your cat's nails every 2-3 weeks using cat-specific clippers, cutting only the clear tip and avoiding the pink quick. If you're uncomfortable trimming nails, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer to demonstrate. Learn more in our complete grooming guide.
Nail Caps as an Alternative
Soft plastic nail caps (like Soft Paws) can be glued over trimmed nails, lasting 4-6 weeks. They allow natural scratching motions without damage. While not ideal for all cats, they're a humane alternative to declawing. Apply them correctly following package instructions or have your vet apply them initially. Monitor for any signs of discomfort or improper application.
Why Declawing Is Not Recommended
Declawing is actually amputation of the last bone of each toe and is considered inhumane by most veterinary organizations. It causes permanent pain, behavioral changes, and increased biting. Many countries have banned the practice. Instead of declawing, invest time in training, provide appropriate scratching surfaces, and use nail caps if necessary. Your cat's wellbeing is worth the effort to find humane solutions.
Scratching and Stress
Excessive scratching can indicate stress or anxiety. Cats may scratch more during changes like moving, new pets, or schedule disruptions. Address the underlying stress while providing extra scratching outlets. Create a calm environment with plenty of resources, maintain consistent routines, and consider synthetic pheromone diffusers. Read about building trust with your cat to reduce anxiety.
Scratching in Kittens
Start scratching training early! Kittens learn quickly and establishing good habits prevents future furniture damage. Provide kitten-sized scratching posts and reward appropriate scratching enthusiastically. Kittens have abundant energy—combine scratching posts with climbing structures to satisfy multiple instincts simultaneously.
Senior Cats and Scratching
Senior cats may scratch less due to arthritis or reduced activity, but they still need scratching surfaces. Provide lower, more accessible posts and horizontal scratchers that don't require reaching. Monitor nail growth closely as less active cats may need more frequent trimming to prevent overgrown nails that curl into paw pads.
Making Scratching Posts Irresistible
Refresh old posts by wrapping new sisal rope or replacing cardboard inserts. Sprinkle fresh catnip monthly to renew interest. Place posts in sunny spots or near windows where cats naturally spend time. Incorporate posts into cat trees or climbing structures for multi-purpose appeal. The more attractive and accessible the post, the more likely your cat will use it consistently.
Scratching is a natural, healthy behavior that strengthens your bond with your cat when managed properly. By understanding why cats scratch and providing appropriate outlets, you protect your furniture while supporting your cat's physical and emotional needs. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, you can have both a happy cat and beautiful furniture!