How to stop cats from scratching furniture (without a spray bottle)

Having a cat who scratches furniture is a frustrating (and common) problem. The good news: pet parents who learn how to stop cats from doing this find the solution isn’t about punishment — it’s about understanding a cat's natural instincts and providing better options. With a little patience and the right tools, you can redirect this behavior for good.

Why do cats scratch in the first place?

Cats aren’t clawing at your couch to be difficult or get revenge. Scratching is an essential, instinctual behavior. For starters, it’s a way for your cat to keep their claws healthy by shedding the outer layer of the nail, a natural form of grooming. It’s also a way for them to stretch their muscles from their shoulders all the way down to their paws. Finally, it’s a form of communication. Cats have scent glands on their paws that release a chemical scent when they scratch, marking their territory for other animals. Understanding these core reasons for scratching furniture is the first step in solving the problem.

Redirect your cat to a scratching post

Instead of trying to stop your cat from scratching, the goal is to redirect their energy to an appropriate surface. And for that, you need the right scratching post. The best post is one that is tall enough for your cat to get a full vertical stretch, with a height that is at least one and a half times the length of your cat. It also should be very sturdy — a wobbly post will feel unstable and won’t be used.

When it comes to materials, a scratching surface made of sisal rope or sisal fabric is often the most appealing to cats. Avoid posts covered in carpet, as this can confuse your cat and lead them to think your carpet is fair game, too. For those who love scratching horizontal surfaces, like rugs, consider providing a durable cardboard scratcher instead.

Strategically placing scratching posts

This is the most important part of the process. The new scratching post has to be in a location where your cat wants to scratch. Place it directly next to the item of furniture your cat is currently targeting — don’t hide the post in a back room or a hallway. Scratching is a territorial act, so the post needs to be in a prominent, socially significant spot in the home — like the living room or near a window — where your cat feels compelled to leave their mark.

How to discourage cats from scratching furniture

Once you’ve provided an enticing alternative, you can make the furniture itself less appealing. For a cat scratching couch corners or door frames, consider using clear, double-sided sticky tape or a plastic cat scratch furniture protector. The sticky or slick surface will feel unpleasant to their paws and help break the habit. You can also clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any scent markings that might be encouraging them to return.

Why punishment won’t put an end to cat scratching

Many pet parents are tempted to use a spray bottle, yell or clap loudly when they see a cat scratching. But this approach almost always backfires. Punishment doesn't teach your cat what to do — it only teaches them to fear you. A cat won't understand that scratching the sofa is wrong, but they will associate your presence with a negative experience. This can damage your bond and even make your cat more anxious, potentially leading to other behavioral issues.

Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch Chief Veterinary Officer, advises against punishment. “Cats are not motivated by spite or a desire to be ‘bad.’ Their actions are driven by instinct,” she says. “Punishing an instinctual behavior simply creates fear and stress without addressing the root cause. A positive and proactive approach is always the most effective way to build a healthy relationship and solve the problem.”

When all else fails: other solutions

If you have the right scratching posts but still can’t prevent cats from scratching furniture, consider a few other options. Regularly trimming your cat’s nails can help, as duller claws cause less damage. If your cat is okay with having their paws handled, you can try applying vinyl nail caps. These plastic tips cover the sharp part of the nail, rendering them harmless to furniture while allowing your cat to scratch and stretch normally. Always ask your veterinarian about these alternatives, as they can help you determine the best approach for your cat's specific needs.