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The #1 Way to Stop Your Cat From Scratching the Furniture, According to Experts

By Leslie Leon Parade Pets

Updated June 30, 2026 3:12 AM

arena photography — noreefly / Shutterstock.com

If there's one thing a cat will do, it's scratch. For your feline friend, it doesn't matter if it's a cat tree or a scratching post; they'll enjoy clawing at anything they can get their paws on. Unfortunately for you, that may also mean they love to scratch your furniture, despite your best attempts to deter them otherwise.

While it's easy as a cat parent to get frustrated when your cat keeps scratching up the couch, it's important to understand that they aren't doing it out of spite or stubbornness. Sometimes, scratching is simply a response to stress, insecurity or a need for more stimulation.

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Although there are certainly cats out there who love to cause a little chaos, scratching may also be a signal to you that something is missing from their environment. Unfortunately, your cat can't tell you directly what they need (we wish), so these behaviors are their way of communicating that they may require more enrichment, a new outlet or a change in their play space.

That said, it's still exhausting to deal with shredded furniture regularly. Instead of resigning yourself to damaged home pieces or losing your patience with your feline friend, there's a smarter solution.

We spoke to experts to learn how to stop a cat from scratching furniture, a simple diversion tactic to redirect their scratching instincts, how to protect your furniture and how to still keep your kitty happy.

The Biological Reason Your Cat Ruins the Couch

While it might seem like your cat is purposely trying to test your limits, scratching is entirely normal behavior for them.

"Cats scratch for several reasons," says Dr. Joy Myers, a veterinarian at Vetster. "Scratching helps maintain the claws by removing worn outer layers, stretches muscles and tendons, and serves as an important form of visual and scent communication. Specialized scent glands in the paws leave behind chemical signals, while the visible marks themselves create a lasting message. From the cat's perspective, scratching is a natural and healthy behavior, not an act of spite or revenge."

Reframing how you think about your cat's scratching is the first step toward understanding what they need and how to redirect that behavior away from your sofa.

Marking Territory and Shedding Claws: Why You Can't (and Shouldn't) Stop the Urge

Scratching is a natural habit for cats, and there's no stopping it. Despite the destruction it may bring, it's simply another normal feline behavior to get used to, and rather than trying to eliminate it, redirection is the smarter move to make.

Dr. Myers notes that current feline medicine and behavioral guidelines encourage cat parents to focus on finding the root cause of destructive scratching rather than punishing it. Punishment is not only ineffective, but it can also increase stress and fear in your cat. The most successful outcomes come from cat parents who reward good scratching behavior instead of shaming their pets for acting on instinct.

Why Your Cat Chose the Armrest Instead of the Carpet

Even if your home is stocked with cat trees and scratching posts, your cat may still make a beeline for the armrest. So, what gives?

"From the cat's perspective, the couch may simply be the better scratching surface," Dr. Myers says. "Cats have preferences for texture, stability, height and location. A flimsy post hidden in a spare bedroom has a hard time competing with a sturdy upholstered armrest located right in the middle of family activity."

Having a scratching post or even carpet available doesn't automatically make it your cat's favorite spot-location and quality matter just as much.

The 'Redirection' Strategy: The #1 Expert-Backed Solution

The most effective way to protect your furniture is to give your cat a scratching option they actually want to use.

Dr. Myers recommends placing a new scratching surface close to the furniture being targeted, then rewarding your cat every time they use it. Cats respond far better to positive reinforcement than correction, so offering treats, praise, play or catnip when they scratch in the right spot will go a long way toward building a lasting habit.

Why the Secret to Saving Your Couch Is Actually a Better Post

A new scratching post doesn't guarantee your cat will love it. As you may know, cats can be selective creatures, and certain features make a post significantly more appealing.

Dr. Myers recommends choosing a scratching surface that's sturdy enough to stay stable during use. For vertical scratchers, opt for something tall enough to allow your cat to fully extend their body. Horizontal scratchers are another popular option and can be placed in a second location to give your cat more variety.

Sisal, Wood or Cardboard? Choosing the Ultimate Texture

Just like people, cats have individual preferences when it comes to texture. Some gravitate toward sisal or wood, while others prefer softer, carpet-like materials. There's no universal answer, which is why Dr. Myers recommends observing your cat's behavior to figure out what they gravitate toward and what they ignore. Your cat's scratching habits may come down entirely to material preference.

Why Your Current Scratching Post Is Being Ignored

Location is one of the most overlooked reasons a cat refuses their scratching post, but elevation plays a role too.

"One angle that often gets overlooked in the discussion around cat furniture is the importance of elevation and security," says Amy Leiker, founder and CEO of LoftyLoo. "Cats naturally seek out elevated spaces because being up high allows them to observe their surroundings, feel safer and establish territory. When those needs aren't met, cats may be more likely to use couches, armrests, shelving and other household furniture for climbing, scratching or resting."

Cat trees, perches and even cabinet tops tend to be preferred spots for this reason. If your current setup isn't providing the height or security your cat is looking for, they're unlikely to use it.

How to Make Your Furniture the Most Boring Thing in the Room

Deterring cats from furniture is rarely an overnight fix, but a few strategic changes may help tip the scales in your favor.

"Double-sided tape, furniture guards, plastic protectors or temporary texture changes can make furniture less appealing while the cat develops a preference for appropriate scratching surfaces," Dr. Myers says. "At the same time, owners should ensure scratching posts are stable, accessible and rewarding to use. The goal is not to punish the cat. The goal is to change which surface is most rewarding."

The Tin Foil Trick: Creating Texture Deterrents That Actually Work

Texture deterrents are another tool worth trying. Dr. Myers notes that many cats dislike aluminum foil and similar materials, making them useful for steering cats away from furniture while they adjust to using proper scratching surfaces.

That said, this approach should be temporary. The goal is to guide your cat's behavior, not create long-term stress or anxiety around certain surfaces.

The Declawing Reality: Why Vets Strongly Warn Against the Procedure

Declawing is not a decision veterinarians or animal behavior professionals take lightly. As Dr. Myers points out, declawing involves the surgical amputation of the last bone of each toe, which is the human equivalent of removing a fingertip at the last joint. While there are rare cases where the procedure is medically necessary, it is not considered an appropriate solution for furniture damage.

Cats scratching furniture is a frustrating but very common issue. While the impulse to correct or shame a cat for the behavior is understandable, it's important to remember that scratching is completely normal. The best path forward is finding a scratching surface your cat will genuinely enjoy and setting them up to succeed.

This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 2:42 AM.