How to stop a cat from scratching furniture

Preface

You step into your living room, and there it is, your favorite couch, adorned with fresh claw marks. Sounds familiar? If you are a cat owner, chances are that shredding furniture is a source of annoyance for you. But truth be told: scratching is a natural thing, a healthy habit, even a necessity for your cat. 

Good news: with some right approaches, you can redirect your feline from doing so without causing stress to both of you. Let’s move into how to keep your furniture, floor, sofa, and carpet from turning into a scratching post.

Why do cats scratch furniture, floor, and carpets?

For a cat, scratching is more than a peculiar habit. It is a deep-seated, ingrained feline behavior. Learning why your cat is doing it may assist you in redirecting it instead of trying to end it. Your cat scratching the floor, carpets, and couches may be due to different things, including:

• Territorial marking: While they scratch, they deposit visible marks as well as odors from their paw glands. It is their personal means of saying, "This area is mine!"

• Nail upkeep: Scratching allows the cat to shed the outer shell of its nail, leaving it sharp, clean, and healthy.

• Boredom or stress relief: Similar to humans tapping their feet or nail biting, cats scratch to free tension, reduce anxiety, or just to keep themselves occupied.

• Instinct, rather than bad manners: Scratching is ingrained into your cat’s nature. It is neither rebellion nor poor manners, but a natural feline impulse.

How to stop a cat from scratching furniture

It is just as impossible to get your cat to stop scratching furniture as it is to get them to stop breathing. It won’t work! Happily, though, there is a way to redirect their behavior. It requires consistency, a little creativity, and a whole lot of patience. This is how:

• Offer scratching alternatives: Provide cat scratching posts, pads, or boards in different textures and positions. Place them near your cat’s favorite scratching zones.

• Make furniture unattractive: Place covers, double-sided tape, or citrus sprays on the furniture to discourage scratching.

• Use humane deterrents: Motion-sensitive sprays or subtle sound-based devices can deter scratching without injuring your cat.

• Trim your cat’s nails: Keeping your cat's nails trimmed minimizes damage your cat can inflict with a scratch.

• Soft claw caps: Soft, painless claw caps can cover the cat’s claws and prevent furniture damage.

• Reward good behavior: Each time your cat uses the scratching post, reward them immediately with cat treats, praise, or play. Positive reinforcement helps create lasting habits.

What not to do when your cat scratches furniture

It is hard to resist lashing back at your cat for clawing the couch, but some of your reactions may reinforce the behavior or damage your bond with your pet. Avoid the following actions:

• Don't yell or punish: Yelling and physical punishment can create fear, leading to anxiety as well as other behavioral problems. Cats do not see punishment as being connected with what they have done, so doing so will be ineffective.

• Avoid declawing: Declawing is not a simple nail trim. It is in fact an amputation of the last bone of each toe. It is akin to removing a human finger at the last joint. This procedure can lead to chronic pain, behavioral changes, and mobility issues.

• Don't ignore the behavior: Overlooking scratching can reinforce the habit. Cats may interpret the lack of response as acceptance. This can lead to continued or escalated scratching.

• Avoid inconsistent responses: Reacting differently each time your cat scratches can confuse them. Consistency is crucial in training and redirecting behavior.

• Don't use inappropriate deterrents: Methods like spraying water or using loud noises can cause stress without effectively teaching your cat alternative behaviors.

Best cat scratching posts to keep cats off furniture

Are you looking for a scratching post to redirect your cats from scratching your sofa, carpets, and rugs? At My Rainbow Pet, we know how important it is to protect your furniture while giving your cat a satisfying place to scratch. Thus, we offer a wide selection of high-quality, pet-safe scratchers in stylish, functional designs to suit any space. 

1. 145cm HONEYPOT Wooden Cat Scratching Tree

This wooden cat-scratching tree is crafted from premium Nordic oak. It is a luxurious cat tree with thick, stable branches, a plush perch, and a durable PC space bowl for lounging. It is ideal for multi-cat homes or active climbers.

2. 80cm Urban Haven Petite Cactus Cat Tree 

The 80cm Urban Haven Petite Cactus Cat Tree brings a splash of fresh, green charm to your home, designed with a lively cactus theme that cats find irresistible. With a sturdy, circular base, durable corrugated paper, and soft felt accents, this compact tree offers both play and rest for cats of all sizes. Perfectly blending art and function, it transforms any space into a playful, stylish haven for your furry friend.

3. Dreamland Cat Scratcher | Sunshine Rainbow

This vibrant scratcher is a playful cat playground with colorful climbing posts, a cozy wave-shaped base, and durable sisal materials. It is ideal for active cats who love to climb, lounge, and scratch in style while adding a fun aesthetic to your home.

4. Purrista XL Curved Cat Scratcher

This extra-large, ergonomically curved scratcher is built for big cats who love to stretch, scratch, and lounge in comfort. Its double-sided design, recyclable materials, and non-slip base make it ideal for active cats and eco-conscious pet parents.

5. Cat Scratcher | Pine Tree Paradise | My Rainbow Pets 

Transform your cat’s playtime with the Pine Tree Paradise Cat Scratcher by Zeze! Shaped like a lush potted pine tree, this cozy haven features a soft sleeping area made from peach cashmere, washed cotton, and durable sisal cloth for scratching bliss. With an added catnip-filled elevator for extra fun, it’s breathable, sturdy, and perfect for year-round use, blending comfort and adventure into one adorable centerpiece.

6. NekoIzakaya™ Japanese Izakaya Cat House Scratcher

Give your cat the ultimate blend of play and comfort with the NekoIzakaya™ Cat House Scratcher, styled after a charming Japanese izakaya. Crafted from durable high-density greyboard with a flip-top roof for privacy, it offers a cozy nap spot, a fun scratchable surface, and an adorable peek-out window for curious kitties. It's spacious enough for cats up to 15kg and designed for both comfort and creativity in your home.

Why buy cat scratchers from My Rainbow Pet?

Looking for the perfect scratcher? Here's why cat lovers choose My Rainbow Pet for safe, stylish, and long-lasting scratching solutions.

• High-quality, durable materials: Our scratchers are made from premium sisal, solid wood, and eco-friendly cardboard, ensuring they stand up to daily use while being safe for your cat.

• Variety for every cat: From compact corner stands to large multi-level trees, we offer designs for playful kittens, lounging seniors, and everything in between.

• Pet-safe and eco-friendly: All products are non-toxic and thoughtfully made with materials that are safe for both pets and the planet.

• Designed for comfort and fun: Our scratchers double as play zones and cozy lounges, combining enrichment with rest.

Where to place cat scratching posts?

Cats love to mark areas where you spend time, so the best scratching post spots are:

• Near the bed or couch: These are prime scent-sharing zones where your cat naturally wants to leave its mark.

• Near the cat’s nap areas: Cats often stretch and scratch after waking, so place a post close to favorite sleeping spots.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to move the post around. Finding the perfect spot often takes some trial and error.

When to talk to a vet or behaviorist about cat scratching furniture

A vet or feline behaviorist can offer tailored solutions and rule out or prevent health problems. If your cat’s scratching goes beyond normal behavior and doesn’t improve with redirection, it might be time to consult a professional. Here’s when to seek help:

• Excessive scratching: If your cat continues to scratch destructively despite having access to scratchers and positive reinforcement.

• Signs of stress: Scratching accompanied by hiding, aggression, or over-grooming may point to anxiety or behavioral distress.

• Medical concerns: Persistent scratching could stem from underlying issues like joint pain or anxiety disorders.

FAQS

1. Why does my cat keep scratching the same spot on the couch?

Cats are creatures of habit, and once they mark a spot with their scent, they often return to reinforce it. If your cat keeps targeting the same couch corner, carpet area, or even parts of your wooden floor, it is likely claiming that area as its territory. But that shouldn’t be mind-bothering as there are ways to redirect the scratching behavior from furniture. 

At My Rainbow Pets, we recommend placing a scratching post or deterrent near the area to redirect the behavior. Our website offers the best and most practical scratchers to keep your cat busy. 

2. Do scratching posts really work?

Absolutely! Scratching posts satisfy your cat’s instinct to scratch. They offer a designated area to do all the scratching, hence sparing your sofa, carpet, and other furniture. The key is choosing the right cat scratching post. You should consider aspects like height, texture, and stability that work perfectly for your feline friend. At My Rainbow Pets, we offer a variety of cat trees and scratchers, and posts designed to appeal to all types of feline preferences. You should check out our collection!

3. How many scratching posts should I have?

There is no specific number. Ideally, you should have at least one scratching post per cat, plus an extra one just to provide alternatives. Place the scratchers in your cat’s favorite areas, especially near sleeping or lounging spots. You can find the best, multi-functional, and space-saving scratchers for every home setup at My Rainbow Pets. Shop today and keep your cat happy. 

4. Can I train my older cat to stop scratching furniture?

Yes, older cats can absolutely learn new habits, but with a lot of patience and consistency. Use positive reinforcement, but don’t punish them. You can offer attractive scratching alternatives and consider deterrents for off-limit areas. Check out cat scratching solutions at My Rainbow Pets to find the perfect scratching post to support the transition. They will help prevent cats from scratching couches, carpets, and floors.

5. Is it okay to cover furniture with tape or plastic?

Yes. Double-sided tape or plastic covers can help deter your cat from scratching furniture by making surfaces unappealing. However, they should be used alongside positive reinforcement and scratching alternatives. If you want scratching alternatives, then My Rainbow Pets stocks products, such as cat scratching posts. You can get these to help redirect scratching while protecting your space.

6. Are there sprays that stop cats from scratching?

Yes. There are anti-scratch sprays made with safe, natural scents that deter cats from scratching furniture. By spraying your couch, carpets, or floor, the anti-scratch sprays will keep your cats at bay and help prevent unwanted scratching habits. These work best when paired with accessible, appealing scratchers. At My Rainbow Pets, we offer solutions to help you manage scratching in a cat-safe way. Browse our collection for the best, trendy cat scratching posts.