How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching the Furniture

Why Do Cats Scratch?

While it may be frustrating, scratching is a completely normal, natural instinct. Cats scratch to remove the dead outer layer of their claws, mark their territory (they have scent glands in their paws), and stretch their bodies. So when your cat tears at your curtains, they're simply acting on instinct — not spite.

Deter Them From Scratching Furniture

Cats are drawn to nubby, textured, coarse surfaces like sofas and table legs. Try covering furniture with something slick or tacky — a plastic cover or double-sided tape works well to discourage scratching.

If they persist, pick them up and move them to an approved scratching spot. When they scratch there, reward them with affection and cat treats or toys. Positive reinforcement creates lasting habits.

Give Them an Approved Place to Scratch

Instead of discouraging scratching entirely, redirect it. Place a scratching post near their preferred scratching area. Some cats prefer wooden posts, others like rope or carpet-covered surfaces. Corrugated cardboard blocks are great for smaller spaces — lay them flat or hang from a doorknob.

To make a new scratching post appealing, choose a tall one so they can fully stretch, play with them around it, and sprinkle catnip on it. Browse our cat toys and accessories for scratching post options. If you have multiple cats, provide a few different scratching spots around the home.

Trim or Cap Their Nails

Regularly trimming your cat's nails minimizes damage to furniture. Trim front nails every week and back claws every two to three weeks. The more consistently you trim, the shorter you can keep them. You can also buy soft nail caps as an alternative. For a full guide, see our article on how to trim your cat's claws.

Behavior Changes Take Time

Changing your cat's scratching habits takes consistency and patience. Gently correct destructive scratching, always provide approved alternatives, and use positive reinforcement. If your cat is persistently destructive, talk to your vet — stress or an underlying condition could be a factor. You may also find our article on alternatives to declawing helpful.