Why Is My Cat Scratching the Furniture? (And How to Stop It)
If your cat is shredding the couch, you're not alone — and the good news is that scratching is normal, healthy behavior you can redirect. Here's why cats scratch and how to protect your furniture.
Why cats scratch
- Nail care: Scratching removes the dead outer layer of their claws.
- Marking territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws and leave both a visual and scent mark.
- Stretching: It feels good and keeps muscles healthy.
- Stress relief: Scratching helps cats release energy and calm down.
How to stop furniture scratching
- Offer the right alternative. Provide a sturdy scratching post or cat tree that won't wobble. Many cats prefer tall vertical posts they can fully stretch on. See our Cat Beds & Furniture collection.
- Placement matters. Put the post right next to the furniture they target, then slowly move it where you'd like.
- Make furniture less appealing. Double-sided tape or a cover on the corner they scratch can break the habit.
- Reward good behavior. When your cat uses the post, praise them or offer a small treat.
- Trim nails regularly. Less sharp claws mean less damage. Find tools in Cat Care & Accessories.
What not to do
Never punish your cat for scratching — it creates fear and won't fix the behavior. Declawing is painful and discouraged by most veterinarians. Redirection always works better than punishment.
With the right post and a little patience, most cats happily switch from your sofa to their own scratching spot within a couple of weeks.