Cat Behavior: Why Cats Scratch Furniture and what to do about it

Introduction cat behavior

Cats make wonderful companions, but their habit of scratching furniture can be a real problem for many pet owners. If you have a cat that considers your sofas, chairs or even wallpaper to be their personal scratching surface, you are not alone. In this blog, we will explore the reasons for cats to scratch and provide you with helpful tips on how to understand and moderate this cat behavior.

Why do cats scratch?

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats that serves a number of functions. The following are some of the main reasons why cats sharpen their claws on furniture:

1. Claw maintenance: Cats scratch to remove dead layers of their claws and sharpen their claws. This helps keep claws healthy and prevent injury.
   
2. Territorial behavior: Scratching is one way cats mark their territory. When your cat scratches on furniture, it leaves its scent, showing other animals that this is its domain.
   
3. Stress relief: Cats can relieve stress by scratching. If your cat is stressed or bored, it may scratch on your furniture to release its tension.
   
4. Play behavior: Young cats, in particular, scratch because they are playing. They use their claws to interact with objects and explore their environment.

The challenge of cat scratching

The problem of cats scratching furniture can lead to several challenges:

• Damage to furniture: Scratching posts on sofas and chairs can look unpleasant and affect their lifespan.
  
• Conflicts with pets: If you have other pets, a cat's scratching can cause tension and stress.
  
• Frustration for pet owners: It can be frustrating to manage your cat's scratching behavior, especially when it has a negative impact on your home.

Solutions and tips

Here are various strategies to minimize scratching on furniture while respecting your cat's natural behavior:

1. Provide scratching furniture

One of the easiest ways to avoid furniture scratching is to provide scratching furniture. Popular options include:

• Scratching posts: These are often multi-level and provide cats with plenty of opportunities for scratching, climbing and resting.
  
• Scratching pads: These can be placed horizontally or vertically and are a great addition to any room.

Example: 

Climbing Cat Scratcher

Cat Scratch Board

or 

Cat Furniture Scratch Guards

Make sure that the scratching furniture is stable and placed in a location where your cat spends a lot of time.

2. Use of catnip

Catnip can be used to encourage cats to use their scratching furniture. Sprinkle a little catnip on the scratching post to pique your cat's interest. This can be particularly effective with young cats, who are often curious and keen to try new things.

3. Deterrents

If your cat is scratching the furniture, you can also use deterrents. Sprays designed specifically to stop cats scratching certain places can be useful. These products are often bitter-based, which is unpleasant for cats

4. Positive reinforcement

When you see your cat using his scratching furniture, reward him with treats or praise. Positive reinforcement is crucial to encourage the desired behavior.

5. Regular nail care

Keep your cat's claws regularly maintained so that he is less inclined to perform scratching actions on furniture. Claw trimming can be an unpleasant task, but it is necessary to keep your cat's claws healthy.

6. Customize environment

Make sure your cat has access to an environment that is both mentally and physically stimulating. Play with toys, interactive challenges, and time with you can help channel your cat's energy and reduce unwanted scratching.

Feather Ball

Moving Bouncing Rolling Ball

7. Avoiding punishment

Cats don't understand punishment like we do.

Cats usually don't associate punishment with their actions, but with the person punishing them. If you yell at them or spray them with water, for example, they don't learn, “I'm not allowed to scratch,” but, “My human is unpredictable and scary.”

Scratching is a natural cat behavior

Cats need to scratch – to sharpen their claws, to mark their territory and to relieve stress. If they don't have a suitable scratching post, they resort to furniture. So she's not doing anything “wrong”, just what comes naturally to her.

🐾 Better: redirect & positively reinforce

Instead of punishing, you can:

• ✅ Offer scratching posts or boards (near the furniture!)
• ✅ Make the furniture unattractive (e.g. with double-sided tape)
  
• ✅ Reward the desired scratching behavior (e.g. with treats or praise)
• ✅ Reduce sources of stress if it scratches out of frustration or boredom

Cat behavior: Instead of punishment ➡ understanding, redirecting & rewarding

This is much more effective – and your cat will see you not as a danger, but as a trusted friend 🐱💛

Recommendation for playing and scratching, hiding