Ways to Redirect Your Cat's Scratching Behavior

Cats have been a part of my life for a long time, and it took me way too long to get used to their scratching. Not them scratching me (although that happened!), but scratching my furniture. Seeing them ruin furniture I can't easily replace makes me furious and frustrated. It feels like the cats are running the show.

Understanding why cats scratch is the first step to dealing with it. It's not a personal attack, it's instinct. They aren't getting even for that late feeding, though I get why it might feel that way. 

Scratching is how they get rid of the old outer layers of their claws – those little claw sheaths you find around the house. It's also a great stretch for their paws and bodies, keeping them limber. Plus, and this is important, they have scent glands in their paws, so scratching is a way of marking their territory, leaving both visible and invisible messages for other cats. 

Seeing your cat damaging the furniture like this isn't intentional, it's a natural behavior with a purpose. We can't stop it entirely, but we can definitely guide them toward a more appropriate natural scratching space.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Scratching is a natural cat behavior. Even declawed cats will scratch because of their instincts. If they can't scratch, it causes stress, and they'll find a way, even if it's not ideal. It's similar to dogs chewing shoes—not their original purpose, but a way to express an instinct. 

Think about chickens pecking, they need space to do it naturally or they'll hurt each other. Cats will scratch, claws or no claws—it's instinct. It makes me wonder what our own basic human needs are, the things we need to be truly happy.

To understand this instinct better, we invite you to read our last blog post: Why Do Cats Scratch Things?

Cats All Scratch Differently

Some cats prefer vertical surfaces and others horizontal—some even scratch while on their backs, that's why the underside of furniture gets shredded. 

They also have different texture preferences: sisal mats, carpets, cardboard, and even wood. Next time your cat's scratching, watch them closely. Are they focusing on the arm of your chair? Maybe they like horizontal surfaces. Is it the table legs? Wood might be their favorite.

This is Where Cat-e-Corner Comes In

“But my cat hates scratching posts” I hear you. But there are so many types out there! They come in carpet, horizontal or vertical, cardboard, wood, sisal—all sorts of materials. 

You can get a simple post, or you can get the Cat-e-Corner.

I really wanted to make something I'd be happy to have in my own home. A big challenge was making it look good and work well. So much cat furniture is cheap and flimsy. Since I was making something durable and meant to encourage healthy scratching, it was important that the scratching part was easy to change when it got worn out.

I first tried sisal rope. It looked great, but replacing it was a huge pain! So I experimented with sisal mats and Velcro and finally found the perfect mix of style, function, and ease of use. I made sure you wouldn't need any tools to change the scratching surface.

We use all-natural sisal for the scratching surfaces—it's safe for cats, good for the planet, and really tough. This protects your sofa from scratches while providing a fun and natural scratching space for your feline.

Other Ways to Manage Your Cat's Scratching Behavior

Successfully dealing with your cat’s scratching behavior isn't about stopping it altogether because it's natural, but about giving your cat a safe place to scratch that won't ruin your furniture.

#1 Don't Punish Your Cat For Scratching

It's natural! If you catch them scratching the sofa, don't yell! Make a noise to show you're not happy—like clapping your hands or shaking a container of coins—then gently move them to their Cat-e-Corner scratcher side table and maybe play with them a bit.

Being a good pet owner means knowing how to handle natural behaviors, even if they're annoying. It can be frustrating, but stay calm and patient. Your cat isn't trying to make you mad—they just want to please you.

#2 Keep Those Claws Short

Regular nail trims can also help! Use clippers made for cats, or have your vet do it. Shorter nails mean less damage to your furniture.

#3 Think Twice Before Declawing

Some people suggest declawing to stop scratching, but it's really important to understand what it means. We’re strongly against it because of the pain and other problems it causes.

Remember, declawing is major surgery—and permanent. Cats are in pain for days afterward, and it changes them in other ways too. Declawed cats are defenseless outside, so they can't be let out unsupervised. It also messes with their balance, which is a big deal since cats love to climb!

Final Thoughts,

Scratching and claws are just part of what makes a cat a cat—and honestly, that's part of why we love them! You need to see your home as your cat's habitat, not the other way around. If we understood our cats' needs better, we'd see fewer behavior problems. 

They're family, and we need to make them feel at home. A lot of “bad” behavior is just them trying to be cats.