HOW TO STOP A CAT FROM SCRATCHING FURNITURE (COMPLETE GUIDE + BEST PRODUCTS)
By: Door Buddy Editors | Published: 18 December 2025
If you’re wondering, “How do you stop a cat from scratching on furniture?” - welcome! Scratching is one of the most common cat challenges, whether it’s cat scratching leather furniture, fabric sofas, doors, or even the Christmas tree. The great news? You can protect your home without stressing out your cat or sacrificing your décor.
Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to stopping cat scratching, understanding the why, and discovering the best products to prevent cat scratching on furniture.
WHY CATS SCRATCH
Before we fix the problem, it’s essential to understand why cat scratching happens in the first place.
Cats scratch because it:
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It is 100% natural and necessary
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Helps them stretch and flex muscles
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Allows them to mark territory using scent glands in their paws
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Helps maintain healthy claws
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Provides mental stimulation and stress relief
So the goal isn’t to stop scratching entirely; it’s to redirect it away from your couch, chairs, and beloved leather sectional.
WHY CATS SCRATCH FURNITURE
If you’re dealing with cat scratching house furniture, it usually comes down to one of these reasons:
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Territory marking (they’re scenting high-value areas)
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Boredom or lack of cat scratching toys
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Stress or anxiety
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Dull or overgrown claws
Texture preferences (many cats LOVE scratching fabric and wood; some even target leather)
WILL CATS SCRATCH LEATHER?
Yes, many do, especially playful or anxious cats. Leather shows damage easily, which makes prevention important.
Common scratching triggers:
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New home
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New pet
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New furniture
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Remodeling
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Holiday decorations (hello, cat scratching Christmas tree)
Understanding the cause helps you find the right solution.
IDENTIFY WHAT TYPE OF SCRATCHER YOUR CAT IS
Buying the right scratcher starts with understanding your cat’s style:
Vertical Scratcher: Your cat likes to reach up high, “purrfect” for a cat scratching pole or tall sisal post.
Our pick: Pet Adobe 19.25-in Polyester Cat Scratching Post with Toys
Horizontal Scratchers: Call for cat scratching mats or flat cardboard pads.
Our pick: Modkat® Premium 2 Cat Scratcher Set. Large (30L X 10.6H in.)
Angled Scratchers: Ramps, incline boards, and angled cardboard towers work beautifully.
Our pick: 2-in-1 Cat Scratching Board – Durable Frame with Triangular Ball, Toy and Relaxation Corner
Texture Preferences
Watch what your cat targets:
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Sisal rope or sisal fabric
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Cardboard
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Carpet
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Wood
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Fabric furniture
Once you know this, choosing the right scratcher is much easier.
HOW TO STOP A CAT FROM SCRATCHING FURNITURE (STEP-BY-STEP)
(How to train a cat to stop scratching couches - simplified!)
Step 1: Give Them Appealing Alternatives
Cats scratch, so give them better options:
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Tall sisal scratching posts
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Cat trees
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Wall-mounted scratchers
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Horizontal cat scratching mats
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Angled boards
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Cat scratching beds (many combine comfort + scratchable surfaces)
Add cat scratching toys to keep them busy and fulfilled.
Step 2: Place Scratchers Strategically
Put scratchers:
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Right next to the furniture currently being destroyed
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Near sleeping areas (cats scratch when they wake up)
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In high-traffic pathways
If your cat is scratching the couch, place a vertical scratcher beside it. If they’re scratching the carpet, offer a flat mat in that exact spot.
Step 3: Make Furniture Less Appealing
Until new habits form, protect your furniture with:
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Cat scratching couch protectors
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Affordable cat furniture covers that resist scratches
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Double-sided cat scratching deterrent tape
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Plastic or acrylic furniture shields
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Temporary foil or blankets for newly purchased furniture
These are especially useful for cat scratching leather furniture.
Step 4: Redirect Behavior (Training)
You can absolutely train cats gently:
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Say “no” calmly (never yell)
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Move them to the scratcher
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Reward good scratching with treats
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Sprinkle catnip or silvervine on the scratcher
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Use wand toys to guide scratching in the right spot
Consistency > perfection.
Step 5: Trim Claws Regularly
Trim every 2-3 weeks:
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Use proper cat nail clippers
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Trim during sleepy times
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Offer treats
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Clip one or two nails at a time for nervous cats
Shorter claws = less furniture damage.
Step 6: Use Pheromone Sprays or Diffusers
Great for anxious or territorial cats.
Pheromones help reduce:
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Stress scratching
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Door scratching
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Furniture marking
Use them near cat scratching poles, beds, and common scratch zones.
BEST PRODUCTS TO PREVENT CAT SCRATCHING ON FURNITURE
Top Scratchers
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Cat scratching beds (2-in-1 win!)
Furniture Protectors
Sprays & Training Aids
Claw Maintenance
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Soft nail caps (great temporary solution)
WHAT NOT TO DO
Avoid these (for safety, trust, and emotional well-being):
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Never punish or yell
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No water spraying (increases fear)
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Don’t physically force paws onto posts
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Avoid declawing - it’s painful, harmful, and illegal in many places
Positive reinforcement always works better.
BEHAVIORAL CAUSES & WHEN TO WORRY
Some scratching has deeper roots:
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Stress from changes
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Boredom
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Separation anxiety
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Understimulation
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Pain or discomfort (rare, but possible)
If your cat suddenly begins cat scratching at the door, walls, or furniture aggressively, consult a vet or feline behaviorist.
Looking to understand your cat’s behavior? Check out our blog to get to know your kitty better.
CREATING A CAT-FRIENDLY HOME
A scratch-free home starts with enrichment.
Try adding:
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Multiple scratcher zones
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Vertical climbing shelves
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Cat trees
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Cozy beds
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Rotating toys
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A weekly enrichment schedule
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Predictable routines
Happy cats = less scratching.
CHRISTMAS DOG ANXIETY FAQ
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Usually stress, boredom, or territorial marking.
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Use protectors, offer sisal alternatives, and use deterrent sprays.
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For most cats, sisal fabric wins, but cardboard is great for horizontal scratchers.
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It might be too short, unstable, or the wrong material.
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Yes! They’re safe, temporary, and helpful for protecting furniture.
CONCLUSION: HOW TO STOP A CAT SCRATCHING FURNITURE
Stopping a cat from scratching furniture isn’t about eliminating scratching; it’s about working with your cat’s natural instincts.
Scratching is essential for their health, confidence, and happiness, so the key is redirection, not punishment. By understanding why your cat scratches, choosing the right type of scratcher, placing it strategically, and protecting furniture during the transition, you can dramatically reduce damage to your home.
With consistent training, positive reinforcement, regular nail trims, and the right products, like tall sisal posts, scratch mats, furniture protectors, and calming pheromones, you can create a win-win solution. Your cat gets the enrichment they need, and your furniture stays intact.
Remember, a well-stimulated, stress-free cat is far less likely to scratch in unwanted places. Build a cat-friendly environment, stay patient, stick to positive methods, and you’ll enjoy a happier cat and a scratch-free home for years to come.