If you’ve ever come home to find the corner of your couch looking like it went a few rounds with a tiny, furry chainsaw—you’re not alone. Scratching is one of the most common cat behaviours owners struggle with, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
The good news? With a little insight and some strategic changes, you can protect your furniture without punishing your cat.
1. Why Cats Scratch
Scratching isn’t about revenge—it’s an essential part of feline health and communication. Your cat scratches to:
Sharpen and maintain claws – Removes dead outer layers.
Mark territory – Cats have scent glands in their paws.
Stretch muscles – Especially in the shoulders and back.
Relieve stress – A natural, self-soothing behaviour.
Trying to stop scratching entirely won’t work—it’s about giving them better options.
2. Choosing the Right Scratching Surfaces
Not all scratching posts are created equal. Cats are picky about texture, height, and stability.
Materials: Sisal rope or fabric is usually a winner, but some prefer cardboard or carpet.
Height: At least tall enough for your cat to stretch fully.
Stability: Posts should be sturdy so they don’t wobble and scare your cat away.
Offering variety—both vertical posts and flat pads—gives them choices that match their preferences
3. Placement Is Everything
Cats scratch in high-traffic or highly visible areas to mark territory and stretch where they spend time.
Place posts near favourite resting spots and in rooms where you spend time together.
If your cat targets a particular piece of furniture, put a post right next to it.
This makes the “good” scratching option just as convenient as the “bad” one.
4. Encouraging the Switch
Positive reinforcement works wonders.
Catch and reward: If you see your cat using the post, offer a treat or playtime.
Catnip & toys: Sprinkle catnip or dangle a toy to lure them to the new spot.
Clicker training: Yes, you can clicker train a cat to scratch in the right place.
5. Protecting Furniture While Retraining
While you’re teaching your cat where to scratch, protect your furniture to break the habit.
Use double-sided tape, plastic guards, or washable slipcovers.
Keep claws trimmed to minimize damage.
Avoid yelling or spraying—punishment can cause stress and worsen behaviour.
Conclusion: Working With Your Cat, Not Against Them
When you see scratching for what it is—a healthy, instinctive need—it’s easier to work with your cat instead of against them. By giving them irresistible scratching spots, rewarding the right behaviour, and protecting your furniture during the training process, you can have a happy cat and an intact couch.
At City Park Vet, we can help you figure out if your cat’s scratching is purely behavioural or linked to stress or discomfort.
