Why Cats Scratch Furniture — A Complete Guide to Redirecting Them to a Scratching Post

Skin & CoatQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

I’ll walk you through why cats scratch sofas and wallpaper, and share a step-by-step training method to gently redirect them to use a scratching post instead.

What Is Cat Scratching Post Training?

A cat torn between the scratching post and the sofa

Cat scratching post training is a lifestyle habit that guides your cat to use a designated scratching post instead of furniture that shouldn’t be scratched, such as sofas or wallpaper. The most important thing is not to prevent scratching altogether, but to redirect it to the appropriate spot. Scratching is a normal feline instinct that serves multiple purposes: nail maintenance, scent marking, and stretching. Forcing your cat to stop can lead to other behavioral issues. By simply getting the material, location, and height right, you should see a change within a week.

The Real Reasons Cats Scratch Furniture

Scratching isn’t just play—it’s an instinctive behavior. Cats release pheromones from scent glands in their paw pads to mark their territory, shed the outer sheath of their claws, and stretch their shoulder and back muscles, all at once. Discouraging scratching through punishment can increase stress, potentially leading to excessive grooming or urinary issues. When your cat scratches furniture, it’s signaling, “This spot is important to my territory,” meaning that exact location is the ideal place to position a scratching post.

What Scratching Locations Reveal About Your Cat’s Psychology

Observing where your cat scratches helps you choose the right spot for a scratching post. - Wallpaper near the entrance: Territorial marking in response to external stimuli → Place a vertical scratching post next to the entrance. - Side of the sofa: Claiming areas close to their owner → Install it right next to the end of the sofa. - Bed mattress: Stretching immediately after waking up → Place a long scratching post at the entrance to the bedroom. - Rugs and carpets: Preference for horizontal scratching → Use a floor-mounted scratching pad. The key is to place the scratching post right next to or directly in front of the spot they currently scratch. If you place it too far away, they will never switch to it.

A cat scratching a scratcher next to the sofa

Comparison of Scratching Post Materials

Item	Sisal rope	Corrugated cardboard	Carpet/fabric
Durability	Very high	Moderate	Low
Claw sheath removal ability	Excellent	Good	Weak
Preference (adult cats)	High	Very high	Low
Recommended form	Vertical post type	Horizontal/inclined type	Not recommended
Replacement interval	1-2 years	2-4 months	6 months

Carpet and fabric materials feel similar to sofas and rugs, so they can actually train the cat to scratch furniture. Avoiding them is recommended.

Three Things to Check Before Training

Before starting scratcher training, be sure to check these three things: - Height: It should be at least 10 cm taller than the height of your cat’s front paw when fully extended. If it’s too short, they’ll ignore it. - Stability: If it wobbles when scratched, they’ll try it once and give up. We recommend a floor-fixed model or one weighing at least 3 kg. - Number: The basic rule is one per cat plus one extra. If your home is large, consider placing one in each room or on each floor. If these conditions aren’t met, even sprinkling catnip won’t stop them from going back to your furniture.

4-Step Positive Guidance Training Method

Scratching post training works best through positive guidance rather than punishment. - Step 1 (Days 1–3): Place the scratching post right next to the spot your cat currently scratches, and sprinkle catnip or silver vine powder on the middle of the post. - Step 2 (Days 4–7): Immediately reward your cat with treats and praise whenever they use the scratching post (using a clicker can speed up the process). - Step 3 (Week 2): Apply double-sided tape or aluminum foil to the previously scratched furniture to deter use through texture aversion. - Step 4 (Week 3): Gradually move the scratching post to your desired location, shifting it only 5–10 cm per day. Never hold your cat’s paws and rub them against the scratching post. Their paw pads are highly sensitive, and this forceful handling can cause them to associate the post with negative experiences, leading to avoidance behavior.

Furniture Protection Aids

During the transition period to the new scratching post (about 2–4 weeks), it’s also important to protect your furniture. - Double-sided tape sheets (e.g., Sticky Paws): Cats strongly dislike the sticky sensation. This can help break the scratching habit within a week. - Transparent protective film for furniture: Apply to sofa edges or wallpaper — leaves no marks. - Pheromone diffusers (e.g., Feliway): Can help reduce scratching caused by territorial anxiety. Place near the scratching post for best effect. - Aluminum foil: Use as a temporary deterrent by covering surfaces your cat scratches — cats dislike both the sound and texture. Note: Avoid spraying repellents at face level, as they may irritate mucous membranes.

Never Perform Declawing Surgery

Some pet owners consider declawing surgery to address severe furniture scratching, but this procedure is far more than simply removing the claws; it involves amputating the last bone of each toe. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association officially support the discontinuation of this surgery, and editors of authoritative veterinary textbooks oppose declawing, with some countries having banned it by law. Post-surgery, pets may experience long-lasting side effects such as acute and chronic pain, behavioral abnormalities, litter box avoidance or urinary issues, and aggression. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for better alternatives, such as regular nail trimming and training your pet to use a scratching post. These methods alone are sufficient to manage and resolve furniture scratching problems.

Checklist When Training Isn’t Working

If you don’t see any improvement after 2–3 weeks of training, check the following: - Location: Is the scratching post tucked away in a corner or on the balcony? Place it along your cat’s daily path. - Material: If it’s carpeted, switch to sisal. - Height: A height under 60 cm is insufficient for adult cats. We recommend at least 80–90 cm. - Stress factors: If your cat is experiencing territorial anxiety due to new furniture, moving, or adding another pet, use a pheromone diffuser alongside training. - Age: Kittens under 6 months have short attention spans. Keep training sessions brief and frequent. If your cat still obsessively scratches specific areas or loses fur, it could indicate skin issues or stress-related behavior, so please consult your veterinarian.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I start scratch training?

You can start training from kittenhood. The younger they are, the faster they learn, and if they experience a scratching post before furniture, it becomes a lifelong habit. Even adult cats can be successfully transitioned with consistent positive reinforcement, so don’t give up thinking it’s too late.

I’ve placed several scratchers, but my cat only uses one. Is it okay to remove the others?

Don’t remove it just yet. Cats may change where they scratch depending on their mood, time of day, and the area of the home. It’s best to provide plenty of resources spread out in different locations, so observe their behavior for a while first. If a particular scratching post hasn’t been used at all, try moving it to a different spot; if they still ignore it, replace it with one made of a different material.

My cat isn’t interested in the scratching post even when I sprinkle catnip on it.

Not all cats respond to catnip, so some may show no interest even when it’s sprinkled around. In such cases, you can try alternative olfactory stimulants like silver vine (mata-tabi) powder or valerian root. Since cats are highly sensitive to scent cues, draping an article of clothing with your scent on a scratching post for a short time may also capture their attention.

Is it okay to scold them? What about using a spray?

We don’t recommend scolding or using a spray bottle. Cats don’t connect the punishment with their behavior; instead, they learn to fear only when their owner is around. As a result, they may scratch more when you’re not there, and trust in your relationship can suffer. Using positive reinforcement and reward-based training is far more effective and helps strengthen your bond.

Is it safe to use nail caps?

While it can be used as a short-term aid, long-term use is not recommended, as it doesn’t address the underlying scratching instinct and may lead to accumulated stress. The ideal approach is to combine regular nail trimming with training that encourages the use of a scratching post.

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References

[1] Horwitz DF, Rodan I. Feline Behavior and Welfare, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2018

[2] Wilson C, Bain M, DePorter T, et al. Owner observations regarding cat scratching behavior: an internet-based survey, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2016

[3] Mills D, Ascher L. Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine, Wiley-Blackwell, 2020

[4] Heath S, Wilson C. Feline Behavioral Health and Welfare, Elsevier, 2016