Why Cats Scratch Furniture — And How to Help Them Stop
Many caring cat parents often ask me: "What should I do if my cat keeps scratching the furniture?" In fact, scratching is a natural instinct for cats and plays a crucial role in their well-being. Through scratching, cats mark their territory with scent, shed old claw sheaths, stretch their muscles, and even release pent-up emotions.
However, when cats start scratching the wrong things—like expensive carpets or cozy sofas—it can quickly become a headache for many pet owners. Understanding why cats scratch is the key to helping them form better habits without destroying your home decor.
Study Explores Why Cats Scratch Furniture
A recent study has been investigating the unwelcome scratching behavior of domestic cats. Researchers examined 855 cats known for frequent scratching and found that the tendency to scratch isn't directly linked to a cat's gender, breed, or physical condition. Instead, it appears to be closely related to personality.
Cats that are active, playful, and energetic tend to be more destructive and scratch more often. The study also suggests that living in homes with children may increase stress levels in domestic cats, leading them to relieve tension through scratching.
Creating a Scratch-Friendly Space for Your Cat
In order to improve what humans often see as a cat's "bad habits," the best way is to create an environment that satisfies their natural urge to scratch. By doing so, you can protect your beloved furniture and keep your cat happy at the same time.
Scratching is instinctive for cats. It helps them stretch, shed old claw sheaths, mark their territory, and relieve stress. When they don't have a suitable place to scratch, your sofa, curtains, or door frames easily become their next target.
Providing different types of scratching posts—such as vertical trees, horizontal mats, or wall-mounted boards—gives your cat options that suit their preferences. Place these posts near your cat's favorite spots or along their usual walking paths.
Cover vulnerable furniture with protective materials or use double-sided tape to discourage scratching. Praise your cat and offer treats when they use their designated scratching posts. Over time, they will learn to associate those places with scratching satisfaction.
By respecting your cat's natural needs and creating a scratch-friendly home, you can maintain both harmony and beautiful furniture in your living space.
5 Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Cat Scratching Board
Let me share with you five important tips for choosing a cat scratching board:
1. Understanding Your Cat's Scratching Needs
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch, which helps them maintain healthy claws, mark their territory, and feel secure in their environment. When a cat scratches, it leaves both visual and scent marks that serve as comforting signals of ownership.
Tip: Provide an adequate number of scratching posts around your home. Place them in spots where your cat sleeps, rests, or enjoys playtime with family members.
By meeting this basic need, you can reduce unwanted scratching on furniture while helping your cat build a stronger sense of comfort and safety at home.
2. Choosing the Right Cat Scratching Board
Many scratching boards on the market are too small and fail to meet a cat's needs. Even if you buy one, your cat might ignore it.
When shopping, make sure the board is longer than your cat's body and wider than the width of both of its front paws. Only with a board of adequate size will your cat find scratching truly satisfying.
Remember, size matters—a properly sized scratching board keeps your cat happy and your furniture safe.
3. Why Cats Need Both Vertical and Horizontal Scratchers
Balanced scratching options — Whether it's a vertical or horizontal scratcher, cats aren't the ones to choose; they want them all! Many households overlook vertical scratching posts, which often leads to a common problem: cats start scratching walls, sofas, or even the headboard.
To keep your furniture safe and your cat satisfied, make sure to provide both horizontal and vertical scratchers. This way, your cat can stretch, scratch, and play freely based on its mood — just the way they like it.
4. Making Cat Scratching More Enjoyable and Safe
When it comes to your cat's scratching habits, stability is key. Before letting your cat use a scratching board, make sure it's securely fixed in place. If the board moves or wobbles while your cat is clawing at it, the experience becomes less satisfying and can even make your cat feel uneasy.
A stable scratching board allows your cat to stretch, mark territory, and keep its claws healthy—all while feeling safe and confident. Taking a few extra moments to ensure the board won't shift can turn an everyday activity into a stress-free and rewarding routine for your feline friend.
5. Training Cats to Stop Scratching Furniture
If your cat already has a habit of scratching the furniture, don't worry — there are gentle ways to redirect this behavior. Start by covering the pieces of furniture your cat often scratches to protect the surface. Next, place a suitable scratching post or board nearby to give your cat an appropriate alternative.
Encourage your cat to use the scratching board by gently guiding them toward it and rewarding them with treats or praise when they use it. Over time, your cat will begin to associate the new scratching area with positive experiences.
Once your cat develops this habit, you can remove the covers from your furniture. With consistency and patience, you'll find that your cat's unwanted scratching behavior greatly improves.
Keeping Your Cat's Scratching Habit Healthy
Cats naturally love to scratch—it's a key part of how they stretch, mark territory, and keep their claws in good shape. To keep this instinct healthy and manageable, make sure to replace scratching boards regularly so that your cat always feels that "fresh scratching sensation."
Remember, using deterrents like repellents, chili spray, or punishing your cat will never eliminate their scratching instincts. These methods only harm your relationship with your feline friend and may even cause them to scratch secretly when you're not around.
The best approach is understanding, patience, and providing proper outlets for your cat's needs—both physical and emotional.
