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:

• It is 100% natural and necessary

• Helps them stretch and flex muscles

• Allows them to mark territory using scent glands in their paws

• Helps maintain healthy claws

• 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.

WILL CATS SCRATCH LEATHER?

Yes, many do, especially playful or anxious cats. Leather shows damage easily, which makes prevention important.

Common scratching triggers:

• New home

• New pet

• New furniture

• Remodeling

• Holiday decorations (hello, cat scratching Christmas tree)

Understanding the cause helps you find the right solution.

Texture Preferences

Watch what your cat targets:

• Sisal rope or sisal fabric

• Cardboard

• Carpet

• Wood

• Fabric furniture

  
  

Once you know this, choosing the right scratcher is much easier.

Step 2: Place Scratchers Strategically

Put scratchers:

• Right next to the furniture currently being destroyed

• Near sleeping areas (cats scratch when they wake up)

• 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:

• Cat scratching couch protectors

• Affordable cat furniture covers that resist scratches

• Double-sided cat scratching deterrent tape

• Plastic or acrylic furniture shields

• Temporary foil or blankets for newly purchased furniture

These are especially useful for cat scratching leather furniture.

Step 6: Use Pheromone Sprays or Diffusers

Great for anxious or territorial cats.

Pheromones help reduce:

• Stress scratching

• Door scratching

• Furniture marking

Use them near cat scratching poles, beds, and common scratch zones.

BEST PRODUCTS TO PREVENT CAT SCRATCHING ON FURNITURE

Top Scratchers

• Tall sisal posts (32”+ The #1 product for most cats)

• Cat trees & condos

• Climbing + scratching = happy cat

• Horizontal scratch pads

• Angled cardboard scratchers

• Cat scratching beds (2-in-1 win!)

Furniture Protectors

• Cat scratching couch protectors

• Plastic sofa shields

• Double-sided cat scratching deterrent tape

Sprays & Training Aids

• Cat-safe deterrent sprays

• Catnip spray

• Pheromone diffusers

Claw Maintenance

• Cat nail clippers

• Soft nail caps (great temporary solution)

BEHAVIORAL CAUSES & WHEN TO WORRY

Some scratching has deeper roots:

• Stress from changes

• Boredom

• Separation anxiety

• Understimulation

• 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:

• Multiple scratcher zones

• Vertical climbing shelves

• Cat trees

• Cozy beds

• Rotating toys

• A weekly enrichment schedule

• Predictable routines

Happy cats = less scratching.

CHRISTMAS DOG ANXIETY FAQ

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.