How to Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

Cat scratching is a normal behavior that serves a variety of important purposes. But if your cat starts scratching the furniture, drapery or you, then intervention, prevention and redirection is key.
 
To protect your furniture (and your skin) from cat scratching, it’s essential that pet parents understand the reasons cats scratch and know how to encourage healthy and productive scratching behaviors.

Why do cats scratch?

There are a number of reasons cats scratch. Here are a few of the most common ones:

Claw maintenance

Scratching is an innate behavior in cats that helps keep their claws sharp and conditioned. “The behavior is a mechanism to maintain their claws for predation and defense,” says Dr. Rachel Malamed, a veterinary behaviorist based in Los Angeles. “The action removes the blunted outer claw sheaths and exercises the ligaments involved in the protraction of claws during hunting.”

Communication

Cats also scratch and knead items as a way to communicate with other cats, says Dr. Nicole Fulcher, assistant director of Animal Medical Center of Mid-America. “It is a form of communication for them,” she says. “When a cat kneads or scratches, they leave an olfactory marker, a pheromone, using the scent glands in their paws. The pheromones can warn other cats of potential dangers in the environment.”

Marking territory

Another reason cats scratch furniture and objects is to mark their territory. “Cats use pheromones to mark people, objects and other household pets as safe, important parts of their world,” says Fulcher.

How to stop cats from scratching the furniture

To prevent cats from scratching the furniture, follow these tips:
 
Provide alternate scratching surfaces such as scratching posts or toys.
 
“Investing in a scratching post for your cat’s scratching needs is essential,” says Fulcher. “Keeping the scratching post close to their sleeping area will allow your cat to wake up, stretch and scratch to mark their scent.”
 
Use positive reinforcement. Yelling at your cat when they scratch the furniture won’t stop the behavior and can cause distress in your pet. Instead, pet parents should use positive reinforcement training to encourage appropriate scratching behavior.
 
“Reward the cat with praise and treats when you see them using the post,” says Malamed. “Positive reinforcement works best if you can do so consistently and immediately every time you note the desired behavior.”
 
Try furniture covers. To break a bad furniture-scratching habit, Malamed suggests covering furniture with a material that is less desirable for cats to scratch, such as plastic. “Each time the behavior is practiced, it is reinforced,” she says. “Blocking the area, at least temporarily while establishing the habit elsewhere (on a scratching post) may be helpful.”
 
Enrich your cat’s environment. A bored cat may start scratching furniture because of a lack of environmental enrichment. Keep your cat entertained with plenty of toys and interactive playtime.
 
“Rotating the toys keeps the enrichment fresh, meaning new stimulation at playtime,” says Fulcher. “For example, having different types of toys attached to a rod you hold makes it more interactive and exciting for the cat. Switching from a feather lure to a furry lure adds variety.”
 
Regularly trim your cat’s nails. Keeping your cat’s nails trim can also cut down on scratching. But cat parents should be cautious if trimming at home. “Trimming cat’s claws requires patience and routine,” says Fulcher. “Positive distractions and reinforcement like treats, chin scratches and attention help keep the nail trim from becoming a stressful occurrence for both person and cat.”
 
If cat nail trimming sessions become too stressful and overwhelming for your cat, stop the procedure and try another time when your cat is calm. Don’t force a nail trim if your cat is uncomfortable, and seek the help of a professional groomer if at-home nail trims become too difficult. Some Petco Grooming Salons provide this service; ask a store partner for details.
 
Consider cat claw covers. Cat parents can purchase cat claw covers to help protect their furniture. These plastic coverings are designed to slip over the sharp points of a cat’s claws. But, just like with trimming their nails, Fulcher warns, pet parents should be cautious when applying cat claw covers to avoid stress and discomfort for cats.
 
“Cat claw covers are an option to protect your household and yourself instead of trimming your cat’s nails,” she says. However, she adds, you still need to manipulate and extend the claw to place the covers. If putting the claw covers on your cat’s nails causes stress, then pause and try again at another time.

Declawing cats: Dangers and consequences

If your cat is scratching the furniture, declawing may seem like an option to explore, but the practice is not recommended. In fact, declawing cats has been banned in some cities and states and is increasingly opposed by many veterinarians.
 
“Declawing indoor cats is not recommended by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, based primarily on research about the procedure and how it negatively affects a cat’s behavior,” says Fulcher.
 
In addition to the pain caused by the procedure, declawed cats may exhibit signs of aggression, inappropriate urination and overgrooming, according to research studies. Additionally, declawing takes away an innate feline behavior and can cause stress and anxiety in cats.
 
“Many veterinarians have changed their view of declawing in recent years,” says Fulcher. “Education and discussion about the procedure with your veterinarian is key to helping make the decision about declawing your cat.”
 
Although unwanted scratching on your furniture and belongings can be annoying, with the proper care, products and training, you can support this necessary behavior in the right ways. If you have any questions related to appropriate toys and scratchers to purchase, ask a Petco partner at your nearest store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do cats scratch furniture instead of their scratching post? Cats often scratch furniture because it's conveniently located near where they sleep, rest or spend the most time — and because the texture feels satisfying to their claws. If your cat is ignoring a scratching post, try repositioning it next to a favorite napping spot or piece of furniture she already targets. Location and texture both matter.

Is cat scratching a behavioral problem I need to correct? Scratching is a completely normal, instinctive behavior — not a sign of a troubled cat. It serves real purposes: claw conditioning, territory marking through scent glands in the paws, and stress relief. The goal isn't to eliminate scratching; it's to redirect it to appropriate surfaces. the ASPCA

What type of scratching post works best for cats? There's no single answer, because cats have individual preferences for texture, orientation and height. Offer at least one tall, sturdy vertical post (tall enough for a full-body stretch) and one horizontal or angled scratcher, in both sisal and cardboard materials, to learn what your cat prefers. A post that wobbles or tips will be abandoned quickly.

Can I use a spray deterrent to stop cats from scratching furniture? Commercially available deterrent sprays can discourage scratching on specific surfaces, but they work best as part of a broader plan — not as a standalone fix. Pair any deterrent with an appealing scratching alternative placed nearby, so your cat has an immediate, rewarding option. Always check product labels and consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about ingredients around your cat. the ASPCA

Is declawing a safe solution for furniture scratching? No. Declawing is not recommended by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and has been banned in several U.S. cities and states. The procedure removes the last bone of each toe — not just the nail — and is associated with lasting pain, increased aggression, inappropriate elimination and chronic stress. Humane alternatives such as scratching posts, claw covers and regular nail trims are far safer for your cat's wellbeing. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian. the AVMA

How often should I trim my cat's nails to reduce furniture damage? Most cats benefit from nail trims every two to four weeks. Keeping claws shorter reduces the damage scratching can cause, though it won't stop the behavior itself. If at-home trims are too stressful for you or your cat, a Petco Grooming Salon partner can help — ask at your nearest store for availability.

Furniture Scratch Deterrent Methods: Pros & Cons at a Glance

Choosing the right deterrent depends on your cat's personality, your furniture type and how committed you are to redirecting the behavior long-term. Use this table to quickly compare your options — then pair whichever method you choose with a quality scratching post and consistent positive reinforcement for the best results.

Pro tip: No single deterrent works in isolation. Veterinary behaviorists recommend combining a physical barrier (tape or cover) to block the problem spot with an attractive scratching post placed nearby, then rewarding your cat immediately and consistently every time she uses the post. the ASPCA

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cat scratch furniture even though she has a scratching post? Placement and texture matter enormously. If the post is tucked in a corner far from where your cat sleeps or spends time, she is likely to ignore it. Cats scratch to mark territory and stretch after rest, so position posts near sleeping areas and favored furniture. Offering a variety of textures — sisal, cardboard and carpet — helps you find what your individual cat prefers.

Is it possible to train an adult cat to stop scratching furniture, or is it too late? It is never too late. Cats of any age can learn new habits through consistent positive reinforcement. Reward your cat with praise and a small treat immediately every time she uses an approved scratching surface. Consistency and timing are the keys — the reward must come the moment the desired behavior happens. the ASPCA

Are cat-deterrent sprays safe to use around cats? Most commercially available deterrent sprays are formulated to be cat-safe when used as directed, but you should always read the label carefully and test on an inconspicuous area of fabric first. If your cat shows any signs of irritation — excessive sneezing, watery eyes or skin reaction — discontinue use and consult your veterinarian. the AVMA

Is declawing a safe solution to furniture scratching? Declawing is not recommended. The procedure is opposed by many veterinarians and has been banned in several US cities and states. Research indicates that declawed cats may develop behavioral changes including aggression, inappropriate elimination and increased anxiety — outcomes that create new challenges rather than solving the original one. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian, who can help you find humane alternatives. AAHA

How often do cat claw covers need to be replaced? Soft claw caps typically need replacement every four to six weeks as the natural claw grows and sheds. Application requires gently extending each claw, so introduce the process gradually and pair it with treats and calm handling to minimize stress. If your cat becomes distressed during application, stop and try again when she is relaxed — or ask a knowledgeable Petco Grooming Salon partner for assistance.

When should I consult a veterinarian about my cat's scratching? If scratching is sudden, dramatically increased or accompanied by changes in behavior — such as hiding, aggression or changes in litter box habits — it is worth a veterinary visit to rule out an underlying medical or anxiety-related cause. A veterinary behaviorist can also design a tailored behavior modification plan for cats whose scratching is persistent despite consistent redirection efforts. the AVMA

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.