If your cat keeps scratching the sofa, the chair or the side of the bed, it can be frustrating.

But scratching is not bad behaviour.

Your cat is not trying to ruin your furniture or annoy you.

They scratch as a natural behaviour. It may be as a way to stretch, use their claws, leave their scent and release energy. It's just part of who cats are and they feel it's perfectly normal.

Instead of asking, "How do I stop my cat from scratching?". Maybe ask, "Where can I give them a better place to do it?"

That's a subtle shift in thinking which makes a major difference.

Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture?

Furniture can be extremely convenient for cats.

A sofa is a stable and accessible surface for your cat to use. It's placed conveniently where your cat already spends a lot of their time. From the cat's point of view, it makes perfect sense. Of course the sofa is not the only option. It just happens to be where they are.

A good cat scratcher provides your cat the opportunity to use the same instinct without ruining the sofa.

Scratching Is Not Bad Behaviour

This is an important point.

Scratching does not mean your cat is badly behaved, it is a normal part of being a cat.

Shouting at them or trying to stop them is not taking the need away, it's just changing the place they do it. That's why we redirect.

If you give them another place to scratch, that is more convenient and easier to access, they will understand that this is their new place.

What Makes a Good Cat Scratcher?

A good scratcher should feel comfortable for your cat to use. It needs to be stable and secure while they do it.

Some cats like scratching upright surfaces while others prefer scratching the floor. Some like cardboard while others prefer a rougher texture. There is no one perfect scratcher for all cats. A cat scratcher works best when it complements your cat's preferences.

Look at What Your Cat Already Scratches

Your cat is usually giving you a few clues.

If they keep scratching the side of the sofa it means they probably prefer a vertical surface. If they always scratch a rug or carpet, they may like something flat. If they always return to the same corner, it probably means that's the place they want to do it.

Instead of fighting it, use it.

Put the scratcher close to the area they already choose. That makes it so much easier for them.

Where Should You Put the Scratcher?

The location can be important.

A good place can be near to the sofa or furniture they already scratch, by their bed or in a room where they spend a lot of time. Near to a place where they usually wake up and stretch.

Do not hide the scratcher in a corner that your cat does not visit.

Cats are much more likely to use a scratcher they know and understand.

How Do You Get a Cat to Use a Scratcher?

Do not force their paws onto it.

This can do the exact opposite and make them avoid it.

Make the scratcher interesting to them. Let them play around it, or put their favourite toy or catnip if they respond to it.

When they do use the scratcher, reward them a little. They might not understand it right away because they are cats. And that's perfectly fine.

Should You Stop Your Cat From Scratching the Sofa?

You can redirect, but it's best not to punish them.

If they keep returning to the sofa, place the scratcher close by and protect the area of the sofa they usually scratch while they are learning.

The message is not "do not scratch" the message is "scratch here".

Does More Than One Scratcher Help?

Sometimes yes.

Cats often want to scratch in a few places. You don't always need a scratcher everywhere, but placing them in areas your cat actually visits can be useful.

For example, place one near to the sofa, one by the bed and one where they usually play.

If a scratcher is being ignored, it's possibly because it is not in the right place.

What If Your Cat Suddenly Starts Scratching More?

Sometimes a change can happen in how they behave.

A new pet, a new home, moving furniture, a change in behaviour, boredom or something else can be a trigger.

If scratching suddenly increases, consider what might have been different for your cat.

More playing, more scratching areas and a change in their routine can help.

If your cat seems stressed, uncomfortable or abnormal in any other way, it's worth calling your vet.

Do You Still Need to Trim Your Cat's Nails?
Yes, sometimes.

Nail trimming can help limit the length of their claws, but it does not take the need to scratch away.

Your cat still needs a proper scratching area to stretch, use their claws and do what they are naturally designed to do.

How Do You Choose the Right Cat Scratcher?

Start with your cat, not the product.

Look at how they like to scratch.

Do they stand up and scratch upwards? Do they scratch the floor? Do they prefer a rough surface or cardboard?

Then choose a cat scratcher that's close to what they like. The key things to look for are a stable surface, something your cat likes to scratch and a style that matches how they choose to play with their claws. A place where they actually want to use.

So, Why Does Your Cat Scratch Furniture?

Because it's part of who they are.

It's not bad behaviour, it's not revenge and it's not your cat being a nuisance. They are simply following an instinct they were born with.

You don't need to fight it, you just need to give it the right place to do it.

Once your cat has a scratching area that feels good to them, your furniture has a much better chance of staying intact. And your cat still gets to be a cat.

FAQs

Why does my cat keep scratching the sofa?

Because the sofa is stable, easy to grip and placed conveniently where your cat already spends a lot of their time.

Is scratching bad behaviour in cats?

No, it is normal cat behaviour. The better approach is to redirect.

How do I stop my cat from scratching furniture?

Do not try to stop them from scratching entirely, place a suitable cat scratcher nearby and reward them when they do it.

What type of cat scratcher is best?

It depends on your cat. Some prefer vertical scratchers while others prefer horizontal.

Where should I put a cat scratcher?

Place them near furniture they already scratch, by their bed or in a room where they spend a lot of time.

Why is my cat not using the scratcher?

It could be in the wrong place, unstable or made of a surface they do not like.