Cats scratch furniture for natural reasons, but it doesn’t have to destroy your home. Here are 5 veterinarian-approved methods that actually work to redirect this behavior.
Why Cats Scratch Furniture
Understanding the “why” helps you address the behavior more effectively:
- Claw maintenance: Removes old claw sheaths
- Territory marking: Scent glands in paws mark their space
- Stretching: Full-body stretch feels good
- Stress relief: Scratching releases tension
Method 1: Provide Better Alternatives
The most important step is giving your cat appealing scratching posts:
- Place posts near furniture they currently scratch
- Choose tall, sturdy posts (at least 32″ high)
- Try different materials: sisal, carpet, cardboard
- Reward with treats when they use the post
Method 2: Make Furniture Less Appealing
- Cover with aluminum foil or double-sided tape
- Use citrus-scented deterrent sprays
- Place plastic carpet runners (spike side up)
- Motion-activated air sprayers for persistent scratchers
Pro Tips from Cat Behaviorists
- Never punish or yell – it increases stress and makes scratching worse
- Trim nails every 2-3 weeks to reduce damage
- Consider nail caps as a temporary solution
- Multiple cats need multiple scratching posts
When to Consult a Professional
If your cat continues destructive scratching after 4-6 weeks of consistent training, consider consulting a certified cat behaviorist or your veterinarian to rule out stress or medical issues.