It's upsetting to discover that your cat has been scratching up the furniture again. At that moment, it’s natural to think your cat is just being naughty, making you desperate and wondering how to make it stop.
The truth is, your cat isn’t trying to cause trouble—scratching is a deeply ingrained and necessary instinct that’s essential for their physical and mental health. It’s not a bad habit, but a fundamental part of being a cat.
Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is the first step to finding a solution. Let's explore why cats feel the need to scratch and the simple, effective ways you can protect your furniture and keep your cat happy.
Why Cats Scratch?
To figure out why your cat chooses the furniture over their scratching post, it helps to first understand why they scratch at all. There's more to this behavior than you might think, as scratching serves a few key purposes.
One of the biggest reasons is simply communication. Cats have scent glands in their paws, so every time they scratch, they leave behind a unique scent that essentially says, “I live here”. It’s also a fantastic full-body workout. A good scratch lets them stretch out their muscles, from their toes all the way up their back, helping them stay flexible and limber.
On top of that, it’s a form of self-manicure. Scratching helps them peel off the dull, dead outer layers of their claws, revealing the sharp, healthy claw underneath. Finally, scratching is an excellent stress reliever, serving as a physical outlet for them to release anxiety, pent-up energy, or even excitement.
When Good Scratching Habits Go Bad
It's also important to understand why a cat might avoid their designated scratching post or stop scratching altogether. Sometimes, the problem is simply a lack of good scratching surfaces. If the posts or pads you provide don't feel sturdy or satisfying, your cat will find an alternative that does, which often ends up being your carpet or furniture.
In other cases, a sudden behavior change can signal a deeper problem that might be physical or emotional. A medical issue like arthritis can make scratching painful, while stress can leave a cat too preoccupied to engage in relaxed activities like scratching.
Pay close attention if a cat who used to scratch regularly suddenly stops. This behavioral shift could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, starting with a visit to your veterinarian. If medical causes are ruled out, a behavior specialist may be able to help.
Reasons Why Your Furniture is the Target
While it might feel personal, your cat isn't trying to ruin your things. There are very specific reasons they pick one spot over another. We’ve already covered why cats scratch in general, so now let's look closer at the reasons why cats scratch furniture and carpets.
#1 Keeping their claws in shape:
Just like we trim our nails, cats need to maintain their claws, and scratching is their natural way of keeping them healthy and sharp. This action helps them shed the dull, dead outer layer of the nail, revealing the healthy claw underneath.
Your furniture often becomes the go-to spot for this because it's tall, sturdy, and provides the perfect solid surface for them to dig into and pull against.
#2 Marking their territory:
As our readers know, this is a topic we talk about a lot and for good reason! One of the biggest reasons cats scratch is to mark their territory. Their paws contain scent glands, so every scratch leaves behind a personal scent that clearly claims the area as their own.
This is why they are so often drawn to prominent places like the sofa, the carpet in the middle of a room, or even your favorite armchair. Their own familiar scent creates a sense of security, helping them to feel more relaxed and at home.
#3 When boredom is the culprit:
Sometimes, the reason a cat scratches has nothing to do with their claws or territory! It's simply bored. This is especially true for indoor cats who don't have enough playtime, toys, or other activities to keep their minds engaged. When a cat is under-stimulated, they'll look for their own ways to make fun, and scratching is a satisfying way to use their physical and mental energy.
What You Can Do
The key is to redirect that scratching instinct onto something you approve of, giving them a safe place to do what comes naturally without ruining your furniture.
#1 Provide a scratcher they'll actually prefer:
One of the biggest challenges with cat furniture is that so much of it is cheap or flimsy. When we designed the Cat-e-Corner, our goal was to create something that looked great in a home but was also built to last and encourage healthy scratching. We knew it was essential for owners to be able to easily replace the scratching surface once it wore out.
We started with sisal rope, which looked nice but was very difficult for owners to replace. After experimenting, we landed on the perfect solution: sisal mats attached with Velcro. This design is stylish, effective, and lets you swap out the scratching pad in seconds without any tools.
We use 100% natural sisal for the surfaces. It’s durable, safe for cats, and better for the environment. This gives your cat a fun and satisfying place to scratch, naturally drawing them away from your sofa.
#2 Redirect, don't punish:
Because scratching is an instinct, punishing your cat for it will only create fear and anxiety. If you catch them scratching the sofa, don’t yell. Instead, make a short, surprising noise, like a loud clap, to interrupt them. Then, gently pick them up and move them to their Cat-e-Corner or scratching post. Reward them with praise or a little playtime near the correct spot.
It's easy to get frustrated, but patience is key—remember that your cat isn't trying to make you angry, and staying calm and consistent is the most effective way to teach them.
#3 Keep their claws trimmed:
Regular nail trims make a huge difference, as shorter claws will cause far less damage if your cat accidentally scratches the furniture. You can use nail clippers designed specifically for cats, or simply ask your vet to do it during a regular visit.
