Why Does My Cat Scratch the Furniture?

Shredded couch arms, frayed curtains, a ruined rug: if your cat treats your furniture like a scratching post, you’re not alone. Scratching isn’t bad behaviour. It’s something every cat needs to do. The trick is giving them somewhere better to do it.

Why cats scratch

• Healthy claws: scratching removes the old outer layer of the claw.
• A good stretch: it works the muscles in their back, shoulders and legs.
• Marking territory: cats have scent glands in their paws, so scratching says “this is mine”.
• Feelings: cats often scratch when they’re excited, stressed, or greeting you.

What really helps

1. Give them a great scratcher. Choose one that’s tall and sturdy enough for a full stretch, and doesn’t wobble.
2. Put it in the right place. Place scratchers right next to the furniture they like, and near where they sleep. Cats love to scratch after waking up.
3. Offer different types. Some cats like upright posts, others prefer flat or angled scratchers.
4. Make it attractive. Rub catnip on the scratcher and praise or treat your cat when they use it.
5. Make furniture less appealing for a while, with a throw or double-sided tape over favourite spots.
6. Trim claws regularly to reduce damage.

Please don’t declaw

Declawing is painful surgery that removes part of each toe, and it can cause long-term pain and behaviour problems. With the right scratchers, it’s never needed. If scratching suddenly increases, or your cat seems stressed, chat to your vet.

The heart of it

When your cat scratches, they’re keeping their body healthy and saying “I feel at home here”. Give them their own special place to do it, and you’ll both be happier, and so will your couch.