Does it feel like your cat’s mission in life is to scratch and shred every piece of furniture you own? If you’re nodding your head right now, don’t worry—you’re not alone!
Cats love to scratch, but it doesn’t have to spell doom for your sofa. The secret to stopping cat scratching lies in understanding why they do it and using smart strategies (and products) to redirect that behavior to something that won’t cost you lots of money to repair.
By the end of this article, you’ll have all of the top tips and best tools to save your furniture while keeping your feline friend happy and healthy.
Why Does Your Cat Scratch Everything?
The key to solving the problem is understanding it which most cat owners don’t. Cats don’t scratch your furniture because they don’t agree with the design choices. Scratching is a perfectly natural habit for cats. Their instincts tell them to scratch for the following reasons:
- Marking territory: Cats are territorial animals, and scratching is one way they claim their space. When they scratch, they leave behind both a visual mark and their scent, which is released from glands in their paws.
- Claw health: Scratching helps your cat remove the dead outer layer of their claws, keeping them sharp and ready for action.
- Stretching and exercising: Scratching allows your cat to stretch its back and shoulder muscles. It’s like yoga for your cat! (They should rename downward dog to scratching cat).
Now that we know why your cat’s favorite hobby is scratching your favorite furniture, you can find a solution that works with their instincts, not against them.
Avoid These Common Mistakes That Make Scratching Worse
Sometimes, our efforts to stop cat scratching can backfire, creating an even bigger mess. Here are the top mistakes people often immediately resort to but should really avoid if they really want to help their cat (and their furniture):
- Declawing: It might seem like a quick fix, but declawing is incredibly painful for cats and can lead to long-term behavioral issues. Think of it like amputating the tips of their fingers—ouch!
- Punishment: Yelling, squirting water, or scolding your cat can make them anxious, leading to even more destructive behavior.
- Not providing alternatives: If you don’t offer appropriate scratching options, your cat will continue to go for what’s available—your furniture.
Instead of fighting against your cat’s natural urge to scratch, let’s give them better places to scratch!
8 Clever Tips for Preventing Scratching
Now that we’ve covered the don’ts, here are some dos to encourage your cat to scratch in the right places:
- Start early: Introduce scratching posts and pads as early as possible, ideally when your cat is a kitten. This helps them learn early on where they should scratch.
- Place scratching posts strategically: Put them near your cat’s favorite spots, like windows or places where they often nap. If they’re scratching your couch, place a post right next to it!
- Choose different materials: Cats can be picky, so offer a variety of materials like sisal, cardboard, and carpet. Some cats prefer vertical scratching posts, while others like horizontal scratchers, so you’re going to have to figure out which ones works best for your feline.
- Use catnip: Sprinkle a little catnip on the scratching posts to attract your cat and encourage them to use it. Once they form a positive association and realize it’s so much better than your couch, they’ll be hooked.
- Trim their nails: Regular nail trimming can help reduce the damage your cat’s claws can do to your furniture.
- Cover furniture temporarily: While your cat is adjusting to the scratching post, it’s best to protect your furniture with products like Panther Armor Cat Scratch Deterrent Tape, which is thick and transparent.
- Reward positive behavior: Every time your cat uses the scratching post, praise them or give them a treat. Positive reinforcement is key!
- Use deterrent sprays: Try citrus-based sprays or cat-safe scratch deterrents on furniture. Cats hate the smell, even though it’s safe for them.
The Best Products to Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture
Don’t worry—you don’t have to solve your cat’s scratching problem on your own. You can get the best tools to do most of the work for you, keeping your cat happy and your furniture intact
Here are top-rated products to stop your cat from scratching:
1. Sticky Paws Furniture Strips
Sticky Paws are clear, double-sided adhesive strips that go on your furniture, drapes, and countertops to prevent your cat from scratching. The sticky texture is something cats dislike, which makes it an effective deterrent. What makes this product great is that it’s easy to apply and remove without damaging your furniture, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice your furniture while training your cat.
However, it’s important to monitor your cat initially to make sure they don’t try to chew on the strips. It’s best to use them only temporarily while you train your cat to use better scratching areas.
2. Vinyl Adhesive Nail Caps
Vinyl nail caps that slip over your cat’s claws and are secured with a non-toxic adhesive. They basically act as a barrier between your cat’s sharp claws and your precious furniture. Plus, your cat can go along with their normal stretching and flexing! These caps last for around 4-6 weeks before needing replacement, coming in a variety of sizes, so be sure to select the correct size for your cat. One potential downside is that some cats might initially try to remove them, so supervision is recommended for the first few days. An affordable brand is Purdy Paws Nail Caps available on Amazon for $11.99
3. PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
The Petfusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge is made from eco-friendly, recycled cardboard, making it not only environmentally conscious but also a cat favorite. What sets the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher apart is its size and design—it’s large enough for multiple cats or bigger breeds and doubles as a lounging surface. Cats are naturally attracted to cardboard, and the reversible design ensures you get more use out of the product before needing a replacement. Petfusion’s cat scratcher lounge is available on Amazon for $79.
4. A Cat Scratching Post
A cat scratching post allows cats to fully stretch while scratching. This is important because many cats prefer to scratch upwards, and shorter posts often don’t meet that need (so they end up opting for the drapes instead). A good product available on Amazon is the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post which features a good height of 32 inches. The post is wrapped in durable sisal, a material that’s much more appealing to cats than carpet, which can sometimes encourage scratching on household rugs. Its sturdy base ensures that it won’t tip over during vigorous scratching sessions, making it a safe and durable option. However, due to its size, it might be more suitable for homes with ample space.
5. Cat Scratching Mat Deterrent Tape
Cat Scratch Mat Tape is thick, transparent, and designed specifically for furniture. Unlike some other tapes that can be difficult to remove, Cat Scratch is made to peel off easily without leaving a sticky residue behind. It’s the perfect solution if you’re dealing with persistent scratching on furniture and walls. Affordable at $21.99, one of the major advantages is that it’s virtually invisible to the human eye, so it doesn’t even take away from your home’s aesthetics.
6. Feliway Classic Calming Spray
Feliway Classic Calming Spray is a popular choice for cats who scratch out of anxiety or stress. This spray mimics feline facial pheromones, which have a calming effect on cats, reducing anxious behaviors like scratching. Feliway works best when used in combination with scratching posts, as it helps reduce the anxiety that leads to destructive behavior in the first place. This calming spray is particularly useful for houses with multiple cats or if your cat has experienced a sudden change, like moving homes or introducing new pets.
7. Sofa-Scratcher Cat Scratching Post
The Sofa-Scratcher available on Amazon.com is a clever, low-profile scratching post designed to fit snugly along the corners of your sofa. So, while your cat thinks they’re getting some quality time with your sofa, they’re actually getting to know their new friend—the scratch post. Made from sisal fabric, it offers a tough yet satisfying surface for your cat to scratch. The best part? It blends in nicely with most furniture, making it less of an eyesore than traditional posts. The
8. FUKUMARU Cat Scratching Post Wall Mounted
This wall-mounted scratcher is perfect for homes with limited floor space. The FUKUMARU scratcher is made from natural sisal, and its vertical design allows cats to stretch fully while scratching, scratching their instinctual itch for a tall scratching surface.
One major advantage is that it’s durable and saves space, and being wall-mounted means, it won’t tip over like some freestanding scratchers. However, installation does require drilling into the wall, so it’s not ideal for renters or those who don’t want to modify their home.
9. Eco-Friendly Cat Scratcher
Eco-Friendly cat scratchers are made from recycled materials, allowing you to save both your furniture and the environment! Why not try the Way Basics Eco-Friendly Cat Scratcher available on Amazon.com. Its sloping design encourages natural scratching behaviors while gently trimming your cat’s nails, essentially offering them the “cat version of a manicure.” This means less scratching and more nail maintenance—helping to reduce their urge to claw at your furniture.
10. Ameritex Couch Sofa Slipcover
The Ameritex Couch Sofa Slipcover is more of a preventive measure than a scratching post. It’s a slipcover designed to protect your furniture from scratches, spills, and pet hair and even kids making a mess while snacking. It’s easy to put on and take off, machine-washable, and waterproof. While it won’t stop your cat from scratching, it will protect your furniture while you work on redirecting your cat’s claws to other surfaces.
Final Thoughts
With the right products by your side and a few simple changes to your cat’s environment, you can stop the scratching madness for good. By understanding your cat’s instincts and offering some enticing alternatives, both you and your cat can live scratch-free—and your furniture will thank you!
Now it’s time to put these tips and products to the test—your sofa’s future depends on it!
