My Cat Scratches My Sofa, What To Do?
, by Robert Price, 2 min reading time
Tired of your cat scratching the sofa? Learn why cats do it, how to redirect them to scratch posts, and simple tricks to save your furniture (and sanity).
You sit down with a cup of tea, glance over, and there it is: your once-lovely sofa, now sporting a “distressed chic” look courtesy of your cat’s claws. Well it is called FUR-niture after all? Gwen has shredded two armrests in her time, while Cosmo thinks the back cushions exist solely for his morning stretch. So, what’s a cat parent to do?
Why Cats Scratch… (It’s Not Malice)
Scratching is hardwired. Cats do it to keep claws healthy, stretch muscles, and mark territory. Your sofa just happens to be very conveniently located, covered in your scent, and probably sports a lovely fabric texture that feels great for them to stretch on. Who can blame them?
Step 1: Provide Better Alternatives
Get scratchers and posts that are actually appealing. Tall ones for big stretches, horizontal ones for lounging scratches, and sturdy ones that don’t wobble. Cardboard, sisal, carpet — mix it up until you find your cat’s jam. It’s been a year now since we introduced some extra scratchers and the sofa has been saved. We should have done it earlier!
Step 2: Location, Location, Location
Plonk scratchers right where the damage is happening. If Cosmo’s going for the sofa arm, a post needs to appear beside it like magic. Cats are lazy (sorry, efficient) — they’ll choose the easiest option.
Step 3: Make the Sofa Less Fun
Cover target spots with double-sided tape, foil, or a purpose-made deterrent mat. Cats hate sticky paws. Bonus: it looks like a modern art installation.
Step 4: Encourage the Switch
Every time your cat uses the scratcher, reward them. Treats, praise, or a cheeky play session. Positive reinforcement goes a long way — yelling does not.
Step 5: Trim & Protect
Regular claw trims can reduce the damage. Furniture covers or throws can act as a temporary shield while training takes effect. (Cosmo sees ours as yet another bed. Naturally.)
TL;DRC
Cats scratch because they need to. Give them posts they love, put them where they’ll use them, make sofas less attractive, and reward the right behaviour. With patience, their scratching of your furniture will become a thing of the past.
A scratched sofa is just the sign of a cat well-loved — but let’s save your cushions too.