How-to guide

How to Stop a Cat Scratching Furniture (Without Declawing)

Scratching is normal and necessary for cats. How to redirect it to the right places with the right posts, placement and rewards.

Updated October 2026 · 6 min read · By the Hushku editorial team · 1 sources

Short answer

You can't stop a cat scratching, but you can move it. Give sturdy scratching posts tall enough for a full stretch, covered in sisal, wood or rough fabric, and put them right next to the furniture they use and near where they sleep. Reward scratching on the post, make the furniture unappealing for a while, and trim claws regularly.

Key facts

Scratching is normal and necessary; redirect it rather than stop it.
Posts should be tall, sturdy and covered in sisal, wood or rough fabric.
Place posts next to the furniture your cat scratches and near where it sleeps.
The AAFP strongly encourages alternatives to declawing.

Overview

Cats scratch to keep their claws in good shape, to stretch, and to leave scent and visual marks. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) describes it as normal behaviour that owners should redirect rather than try to stop, and it opposes declawing as a routine solution.

Most cats scratch furniture because it's the best option available: tall, stable, in a prominent place and with a satisfying texture. Make the post better than the sofa.

What you need

A tall, heavy scratching post
Tall enough for a full stretch and anchored so it doesn't wobble. Sisal rope and wood are popular.
Horizontal scratchers
Some cats prefer cardboard pads on the floor.
Catnip, treats or a wand toy
To draw your cat to the post and reward it.
Double-sided tape or a throw
To make favourite furniture spots temporarily unappealing.

Step by step

1
Watch how your cat scratches
Does it stretch up a sofa arm (vertical) or scratch a rug (horizontal)? Choose posts that match.
2
Put posts where the scratching happens
Place a post directly in front of the furniture your cat uses, and another near where it sleeps, because cats often scratch on waking.
3
Make the post attractive
Rub catnip on it, play with a wand toy around it, and give a treat or praise when your cat scratches it.
4
Make the furniture less attractive
Cover the spot with a throw, double-sided tape or plastic while your cat learns. Remove it gradually once the post is in regular use.
5
Trim claws every few weeks
Short claws do less damage. Soft nail caps, replaced every 4 to 6 weeks, are a temporary option for some cats.

Common mistakes

A short, wobbly post
Why it backfires: Cats won't use a post that moves or doesn't let them stretch fully.
Do this instead: Choose a tall, heavy or wall-mounted post.
Hiding the post in a spare room
Why it backfires: Scratching is partly marking, so cats want to scratch in prominent places.
Do this instead: Put posts in the rooms your cat uses most.
Punishing scratching
Why it backfires: It frightens your cat and doesn't teach where to scratch.
Do this instead: Redirect gently to the post and reward.

Sources

AAFP: Position statement on declawing

We check guides against veterinary sources and update them when guidance changes. How we write and review.

Questions.

Is declawing a good solution?

Declawing is surgical amputation of the end of each toe. The AAFP strongly encourages owners to try alternatives first and considers declawing only a last resort.

Why does my cat scratch the carpet by the door?

Scratching near doorways is often marking, especially if your cat sees other cats outside. A horizontal scratcher in that spot can help.

Key facts

Overview

What you need

Step by step

Watch how your cat scratches

Put posts where the scratching happens

Make the post attractive

Make the furniture less attractive

Trim claws every few weeks

Common mistakes

A short, wobbly post

Hiding the post in a spare room

Punishing scratching

Sources

Questions.

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