Your cat scratches the sofa, the rug or the bottom of the curtains. Scratching is a need, and they will not stop. The solution is to offer them a surface they like better, in the right place, then make your furniture less tempting.
Why a cat scratches
Scratching serves several purposes at once:
- Maintaining their claws: they remove the worn layers to keep new claws.
- Marking their territory: glands between their paw pads leave a scent, and the marks leave a visible signal.
- Stretching, especially on waking.
- Releasing an emotion, for example when you come home.
Since they are marking their territory, they scratch where they live and where they can be seen: the entrance, the sofa, the corner near where they sleep. That is why a scratching post tucked away in a spare room gets ignored.
Observe before acting
For a few days, note:
- where they scratch: sofa, door, rug, chair;
- how: standing against a vertical surface, or flat on the floor;
- what material they prefer: coarse-weave fabric, carpet, wood, cardboard;
- when: on waking, when you come home, after a meal.
These answers tell you which scratching post to choose and where to put it.
Choosing the right scratching post
An effective scratching post takes up what your cat already likes.
- Vertical or horizontal, according to their posture. Many cats like both: provide one of each if in doubt.
- Tall enough for them to stretch out with legs extended, if they scratch standing.
- Stable: a scratching post that tips over frightens them, and they go back to the sofa.
- In a material that grips: sisal, corrugated cardboard or thick rope.
A cat tree with sisal posts combines scratching post and height. To choose one, see Cat Tree: How to Choose It and Where to Put It.
Putting it in the right place
This is the step that makes the difference. Place the scratching post:
- Right in front of the piece of furniture they are damaging, to begin with. Once the habit is formed, you can move it a few centimetres a day.
- Near their bed, because they scratch on waking.
- Near the entrance, if they scratch when you come home.
In a flat, two or three well-placed scratching posts are better than one big one in a corner.
Making the furniture less tempting
At the same time, make the damaged area temporarily less pleasant:
- cover it with a smooth blanket or a stretched sheet, which does not catch;
- stick double-sided tape on the targeted corners, because most cats dislike this sticky feel;
- if possible, move the piece of furniture and put the scratching post in its old place.
Remove these protections gradually, once the scratching post has been in use for several weeks.
Encourage, never punish
Every time your cat uses the scratching post, praise them in a soft voice or give them a treat. Play with a feather wand around the scratching post so that they sink their claws into it. Rub a little catnip on it, if yours reacts to it.
If they scratch the sofa, interrupt them calmly by calling them or drawing their attention to the scratching post. Avoid shouting, spraying them with water or hitting them. These reactions frighten them without teaching them where to scratch. They damage their trust in you, and stress can even increase marking.
And the claws themselves?
The claws of an indoor cat wear down less than those of a cat who goes outside. Keep an eye on them, especially in an older cat: a claw that is too long can curl towards the paw pad.
Declawing is the amputation of part of the toes. It is not one of the solutions. If the tips of their claws bother you, your vet can show you how to shorten them without touching the living part, or do it for you.
If they suddenly scratch much more
A cat who starts scratching everywhere, when they used their scratching post well, is often sending a signal. A move, a new animal, a neighbourhood cat spotted through the window or a change of rhythm at home can worry them. They then mark their territory more. Look for what has changed, keep their landmarks intact and increase play sessions. If the behaviour comes with other signs, such as accidents outside the litter tray or a drop in appetite, talk to your vet.
Choosing furniture that holds up
If you are changing your sofa or armchair, a few guides help:
- tight, smooth weaves catch claws less than coarse weaves and bouclé;
- a removable cover is easier to replace than a sofa;
- a scratching post provided as soon as the furniture is installed stops bad habits from forming.
In short
- Scratching is a need: steer it towards a scratching post.
- Observe where, how and when they scratch.
- Choose a stable, tall scratching post, placed right in front of the targeted furniture.
- Reward, never punish.
- For claw length, ask your vet for advice.