Why does my cat scratch the furniture, and what helps?

This is general information, not veterinary advice. If the scratching starts suddenly or comes with other changes in behaviour, talk to your vet.

Why do cats scratch at all?

Scratching is a normal, instinctive behaviour in every cat, including cats that never go outdoors. International Cat Care lists three purposes:

• Claw care. When a cat drags its claws downwards, the worn outer sheath comes away and a new, sharp tip is left underneath.
• Stretching. Scratching works the muscles of the front legs and spine, which is why cats often scratch as soon as they wake up.
• Communication. Glands between the paw pads leave scent on the surface. Together with the visible marks and shed claw husks, this sends a message to other cats and to the cat itself.

Kittens start scratching at around 5 weeks of age (International Cat Care), so the best time to build the habit is the first week in a new home. We cover what else to prepare in A kitten's first days in a new home.

You can't teach a cat not to scratch. You can teach a cat where to scratch.

Why the sofa?

To a cat, a sofa is an excellent scratching post: it is heavy, it doesn't move, it is tall enough for a full stretch, and its fabric lets the claws dig in. The UK charity Cats Protection points out that cats choose sturdy, tall objects they can get a good grip on. In a US survey (Moesta et al., 2018), 83.9% of cats scratched unwanted items and 81.5% scratched chairs or other furniture, most often upholstered in fabric.

Two causes are less obvious. Some cats learn that scratching the sofa gets attention, because their owner jumps up straight away. And if a cat scratches all over the home, especially around doors and windows, International Cat Care describes this as a sign of insecurity. Cats Protection names another cat, in the household or outside, as the most common cause of this kind of scratching.

What kind of scratching post actually works?

The most common mistake is a post that is too short or wobbles. The cat tries it once and goes back to the sofa, which doesn't move.

Height. International Cat Care recommends a post at least as tall as your cat when standing on its hind legs at full stretch. In an online survey with 4,331 responses (Wilson et al.), cats scratched more often on simple upright posts and on cat trees with at least two levels that were at least 3 ft (about 90 cm) tall. A large cat such as the Maine Coon needs an even taller one. If your adult cat is still using the small post it had as a kitten, it is time to upgrade.

Material. In the same survey, rope was the substrate cats used most when it was offered. Ohio State University describes sisal as ideal, because it is satisfying to scratch and stands up to repeated use. In a survey of 2,465 owners (Cisneros et al., 2022), those who provided sisal reported unwanted scratching less often.

Direction. Watch what your cat scratches now. A cat that goes for the corners of the sofa will most likely accept an upright post. A cat that scratches the rug or the bottom stair will prefer a horizontal pad. According to International Cat Care, kittens and older cats often prefer softer cardboard on an angled or flat surface.

Number. In multi-cat homes, International Cat Care recommends one post per cat plus one extra, each in a different place. Every cat scratches, even a laid-back British Shorthair.

Where should the scratching post go?

Put the first post right next to the spot your cat is scratching now, for example at the corner of the sofa. Put another next to their favourite bed, because cats scratch after sleeping, and near the entrances to the rooms where they spend the most time. A post in a corner of the spare room won't work, because cats scratch where they live.

Once your cat is using it reliably, you can move it somewhere that suits you better. Ohio State University advises moving it very gradually, no more than 3 inches (about 7 cm) a day.

What doesn't work?

Punishment. In the Moesta et al. survey, punishment was common but had no effect on how often cats scratched. In the larger Cisneros et al. survey, owners who used verbal or physical correction reported unwanted scratching more often. International Cat Care explains why: if a cat scratches out of anxiety, punishment only adds to it.

Force. Don't hold your cat's paws and drag them down the post. The ASPCA warns that this can frighten the cat and teach it to avoid the post, and you.

Replacing a worn post. Don't throw out a shredded post. According to the ASPCA, cats prefer shredded surfaces because they can really get their claws in, and a used post smells familiar.

Claw trimming, nail caps and declawing

Trimming the tips of the claws regularly reduces damage, but it doesn't remove the need to scratch, so it complements a scratching post rather than replacing it. Ohio State University advises cutting only the clear tip. The pink part of the claw, the quick, contains a blood vessel and will bleed and hurt if cut. Get your cat used to having its paws handled gradually, starting with one paw a day.

Soft plastic caps glued over the claws are a temporary option. According to the ASPCA, they last 4–6 weeks.

Declawing is not a solution. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) strongly opposes it, because it is an amputation of the last bone of each toe, not a nail trim. The urge to scratch remains after the surgery.

Warning signs

• Your cat scratches in many places around the home, especially by doors and windows. This can mean they don't feel safe.
• Scratching has increased sharply after a change: a new cat, a move or major building work.
• An older cat has stopped scratching, so the claws overgrow, catch on fabric or grow into the pads.
• The claws are thickened or unusually long.
• Your cat limps or licks a paw after scratching.

Frequently asked questions

Will a carpet-covered post teach my cat to scratch the carpet?

No. International Cat Care says there is no evidence that a cat using a carpet-covered post will move on to scratching carpets around the home. Sisal is still usually the better choice because it lasts longer.

Why does my cat scratch just when I walk into the room?

International Cat Care gives two reasons. Your cat may have learned that scratching gets attention, or scratching in front of you may be a sign of confidence in their territory. For the first, ignore the furniture scratching and reward use of the post.

Does spraying my cat with water help?

Usually not. The ASPCA warns that a cat may link the unpleasant experience with you and start to fear you. In the Cisneros et al. survey, unwanted scratching was more common among owners who used punishment.

Do cat pheromones help with scratching?

They can, when a cat scratches out of insecurity. International Cat Care notes that a synthetic feline pheromone spray or diffuser gives cats a sense of security. For a cat that scratches purely for claw care, a pheromone is no substitute for a suitable scratching post.