How to Stop Cats From Scratching the Furniture

If your cat is turning your favorite chair or area rug into a shredded mess, you’re not alone. Scratching is a completely natural feline behavior—but that doesn’t mean you have to live with destroyed furniture.

In this guide, we’ll explain why cats scratch, how to redirect the behavior humanely, and what to avoid if you want lasting, stress-free results for both you and your cat.

Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture, Carpets, and Floors?

Before you can stop unwanted scratching, it helps to understand why cats do it:

  • Sharpening claws – Scratching removes the outer claw sheaths.

  • Marking territory – Cats have scent glands in their paws.

  • Stretching and exercise – Especially after a nap.

  • Stress relief – A natural coping mechanism.

  • Instinctual behavior – Even indoor cats still need to scratch.

They’re not doing it out of spite. Scratching simply feels good and serves real purposes.

How To Stop Cats From Scratching Couches and Other Furniture

1. Find the Right Scratching Post Material

Some cats prefer sisal rope, others like cardboard, carpet, or wood. Try offering a few different textures and shapes—vertical, angled, and flat—to learn your cat’s preferences.

2. Put the Scratching Posts in the Right Places

Placement is key. Cats often scratch:

  • Where they wake up

  • In high-traffic areas

  • Near items they’ve already scratched

Put scratchers directly next to the problem area (like your couch arm), and once they consistently use it, you can gradually move it to a better spot.

3. Teach Your Cat to Use the Scratching Post

Encourage use with:

  • Catnip or silvervine

  • Treat rewards for using the post

  • Playing with wand toys near or on the post

Never force your cat’s paws onto the post—this can make them avoid it entirely.

4. Keep Your Cat Away From the Furniture

You can discourage scratching by:

  • Using double-sided furniture-safe tape

  • Applying pet-safe citrus sprays (cats dislike citrus smells)

  • Covering areas temporarily with blankets or slipcovers

At the same time, always offer a better alternative close by.

5. Soothe Your Cat’s Anxiety

If the scratching is excessive or new, stress might be a factor. Try:

  • Feliway (a calming pheromone diffuser)

  • More quiet zones or hiding spots

  • Reducing household chaos if possible

Calm cats scratch less impulsively.

6. Give Your Cat Plenty of Enrichment Activities

Scratching may increase if your cat is bored. Provide:

A mentally and physically engaged cat is less likely to take out their energy on your furniture.

7. Work With a Cat Behavior Specialist

If nothing seems to work—or if your cat is scratching aggressively—consult a feline behaviorist or your vet. Sometimes, medical or emotional issues are at play.

How To Stop Cats From Scratching the Carpet and Flooring

Cats that prefer flat surfaces may target rugs or carpet.

To help:

  • Use horizontal cardboard scratchers or mats

  • Place them over the scratched area

  • Try sisal-covered floor boards or rug-style scratchers

This way, they still get to scratch—just in a more appropriate spot.

What Not To Do When Your Cat Scratches Furniture

1. Don’t Punish Your Cat

Yelling, squirting water, or physically stopping your cat won’t help. It can harm your bond and make your cat anxious, which may increase scratching.

2. Don’t Declaw

Declawing is an invasive surgery that amputates part of a cat’s toes. It often leads to long-term pain, litter box avoidance, and behavioral problems.

3. Don’t Force Your Cat to Use a Scratcher

Dragging their paws onto a scratcher can create fear and avoidance. Let them discover and engage with it on their own.

The Truth About “Training” Tape

Double-sided tape is often recommended to deter cats from scratching, but it has its downsides:

  • Can damage furniture finishes

  • Doesn’t teach your cat where to scratch

  • Some cats simply jump over or ignore it

Used in combination with proper scratching posts, it may help—but it’s not a magic fix on its own.

Better Products to Protect Your Furniture

Instead of battling with sticky tape and plastic covers, consider:

1. Cover Furniture With a Scratcher

Some brands make stylish armrest wraps or slipcovers designed with sisal or felt—encouraging cats to scratch those instead.

2. Use Adhesive Scratch Pads

These are made for cats to scratch and are designed to stick to furniture without ruining it.

3. Don’t Sacrifice Style

Look for scratching posts that match your decor—many modern designs blend in beautifully and keep both you and your cat happy.

FAQs

How can I stop my cat from scratching our chair?

Start by placing a scratcher next to the chair—ideally in the same orientation (vertical or angled). Add catnip, reward your cat for using it, and block access to the chair temporarily with a slipcover or deterrent spray.

Once your cat consistently chooses the post, you can reduce visual clutter and enjoy a scratch-free chair.

Final Thoughts

Scratching is part of who your cat is—but with the right setup, you can keep your furniture safe and your cat happy. Think of it as a compromise: give your cat what they need, and they’ll leave your couch in peace.

Got a scratch-happy cat with a funny story or a favorite scratcher? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

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