How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching the Couch
Let’s be real—owning a cat means occasionally sacrificing a corner of your couch. Or the arms. Or that brand new chair you swore they'd never touch. Sound familiar?
You're not alone. Scratching is one of the most common complaints from cat parents—and thankfully, there are some simple, non-shouty ways to fix it.
This isn’t about punishing your cat or giving up and covering your home in aluminum foil. This is about understanding why they do it, and helping them do it in the right places.
So... why do cats scratch everything?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. Your cat isn’t being a jerk (even if it feels like it when they destroy your favorite chair five minutes after you just told them “no”). They’re scratching because:
It keeps their claws healthy by shedding old layers
It feels amazing—think yoga stretch meets spa day
They’re marking territory with scent glands in their paws
They’re bored, anxious, or just really into that new fabric
Basically, scratching is instinct, and you’re never going to stop them completely—but you can guide them to better choices.
Alright, how do I get my cat to stop scratching the couch?
1. Give them something better to scratch
This is rule #1. If the couch is the only “scratching option” around, of course they’re gonna go for it. Try:
Tall, sturdy scratching posts (cats love a good full-body stretch)
Cardboard scratchers (cheap and surprisingly loved)
Sisal-wrapped posts (bonus if it's near where they already scratch)
Put the new scratchers right next to their usual destruction zones. Once they’re hooked, you can slowly move them elsewhere.
2. Use gentle deterrents on the furniture
You don’t need anything fancy—just stuff that makes the couch less appealing:
Sticky tape on the edges (cats hate the tacky feel)
Citrus sprays (most cats aren’t fans of the smell)
Furniture shields or protectors—especially good for corners
These aren’t forever fixes, just little nudges to say, “Hey, maybe not this spot.”
3. Make scratching posts feel like VIP zones
This is where the fun happens—make those scratchers more appealing than your couch:
Rub catnip on them
Dangle toys nearby or on top
Give a treat every time you see them using it (yes, bribery works)
4. Trim those tiny murder mittens
Regular claw trims = less damage when scratching does happen.
If you’ve never trimmed cat nails before, start slow:
Use a small pet nail clipper
Do one or two nails at a time
Reward with treats like you’re handing out gold stars
5. Don’t punish—redirect
This is a biggie: Yelling doesn’t work. Neither does spray bottles or clapping. It just stresses your cat out and makes them sneakier.
Instead, guide them to where they can scratch, and make that a better experience than the couch. Patience pays off here.
Bonus Tip: Cats love options
Not every cat likes the same thing. Some love vertical posts, others want to go ham on horizontal scratchers. Some want sisal, others like cardboard. You might need to test a few things before finding “The One.”
If your space allows, cat trees and wall shelves give them places to climb, scratch, and chill. Win-win.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your cat isn’t trying to ruin your life—they’re just being a cat. Scratching is normal. With the right setup and a little patience, you can protect your furniture and keep your kitty happy.
No yelling. No weird tricks. Just a little understanding and a few smart swaps.
Got a story or tip about your scratch-happy cat? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear it. 🐾