How to Stop Cat from Scratching Furniture: 6 Solutions to Try

By Kate Wilson BS, CBCC, CPDT

Ripped cloth, grooved wooden doors, and ever-shrinking bedposts tell the story of our intertwined lives with these little creatures who feel the need to dig in their claws as high as their tiny arms can reach. Although often reported as destructive and unwanted behavior, scratching in cats serves several important purposes. It helps maintain claw health, creates a sense of security by marking territory, and allows cats to stretch—among other benefits.

This natural behavior can cause conflict when the target is our homes and furniture. Understanding, preventing, and redirecting these instincts is an important part of living with cats. By learning why cats scratch, where they prefer to scratch, and what materials they like, you can manage inappropriate scratching while still providing healthy and essential outlets for your cat.

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Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?

Cats often scratch furniture not out of spite or misbehavior, but because it provides a satisfying surface for expressing a natural and essential instinct.

Studies looking at scratching behavior have found that factors like the type of scratching surface (Finka et al.), increased stress or disrupted household dynamics (such as the introduction of a new puppy), boredom, anxiety, or even poor scratching post placement can all contribute to excessive or inappropriate scratching.

Here are some of the key reasons behind this behavior:

• Scratching maintains claw health by removing the dead outer layers from the nails (Robertson, 2008). This nail maintenance is vital for claw health, and claws are actually designed to shed layers through scratching.

• It helps reduce conflict and creates a sense of security by marking territory. Cats use scent glands in their foot pads to leave pheromones at the scratching location (Pageat, 1997). This leaves both visual and scent markers that communicate ownership of the space, giving the resident cat the comfort of knowing their home is clearly claimed—reducing the risk of accidental feline intruders.
  

• Scratching may help with emotional regulation, serving to reduce anxiety and express positive emotions (Stella et al., 2013).
  
  
• It allows cats to stretch and strengthen their backs and shoulders.

Ways to Stop Cat from Scratching Furniture

Scratching is a natural and essential behavior for cats—but when your furniture becomes the target, it can be frustrating. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between a happy cat and an intact couch. By understanding your cat’s needs and making a few thoughtful changes, you can redirect this instinct to more appropriate outlets. Here are six effective ways to stop your cat from scratching furniture—without punishment or stress.

To encourage your cat to use a scratching post, make sure it's the right size. The post should allow for full-body stretching and scratching, so choose one that fits your cat's size and build. A 2016 review by Ellis and Wells noted that inadequate size is a common reason cats ignore scratching posts.

Ideal specifications:

• Cats prefer stable, non-wobbly posts—wall-mounted or heavy, fixed designs work best.
• A good height range is between 28–32 inches (70–80 cm).
• Offer a mix of angled, vertical, and horizontal poles or surfaces to suit different scratching styles.

If your cat has developed a habit of scratching a specific piece of furniture, make that surface less appealing while you guide them toward better options.

Try the following strategies:

• Use temporary covers or physical blocks to prevent access to the area while you work on building new habits.
• Consider using tall baby gates or closing doors to limit access to the area during training periods.

Where cats choose to scratch—and where they prefer to scratch—is extremely important to them. You can have the perfect post, but if it’s in the wrong spot, it may be ignored. Scratching communicates important messages, so placing scratching furniture where your cat wants to leave those messages will greatly increase the chances of success.

In a study by Ramos et al. (2020), over 1,000 cat owners were surveyed. The results showed that providing multiple types of scratching furniture in visible, accessible locations significantly reduced reports of destructive or inappropriate scratching.

Some key locations:

• Near sleeping areas: Cats often scratch after waking up. Placing a post near their bed or resting spot helps fulfill that need right as they wake (Ellis, 2009).
• Next to or blocking problem areas: Position posts directly beside or in front of furniture your cat already scratches. This encourages proper foot pad scent-marking on the post instead, and you can later move it gradually if needed.
• Near doors, windows, and social pathways: Because scratching is a form of communication, cats instinctively choose high-traffic areas where the message will be “read” (Pageat, 1997). Place posts near entryways or frequently traveled paths.
• On each level of the home: Cats are more likely to scratch a convenient surface than go out of their way. Make success likely by offering appropriate scratching spots on every floor of your house.Some key locations:

Should I Declaw My Cat?

It’s a common question many cat owners ask—especially when they’re frustrated by shredded furniture or curtains. But before making a decision, it’s important to understand what declawing actually involves and how it affects your cat.

Scratching is a completely natural behavior for cats. It helps them stretch, mark territory, and maintain claw health. Rather than seeing scratching as bad behavior, the key is learning how to redirect it in healthy ways that protect both your home and your cat’s well-being.

We also recognize that some cat owners may have chosen to declaw in the past, often without having all the facts. Our goal is to provide current, compassionate guidance—not judgment—so that anyone caring for cats can make more informed decisions moving forward.