How to stop cats scratching furniture

Scratching is a natural, normal behaviour for cats. But if they're not out in the wild, they might choose to scratch their paws using your furniture and walls, which isn't great for us!

While we may label this behaviour inappropriate or naughty, you must remember it isn't your cat misbehaving; they're just doing what their body is telling them to do.

Thankfully, there are positive ways to modify this behaviour and give your cat better-scratching outlets.

Here, we discuss how to stop cats scratching carpets, furniture and walls, why they do it and what to do if your cat doesn't respond to training to stop cat scratching.

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Why do cats scratch furniture and carpets?

Cats scratch for numerous reasons, but they often do so out of a mix of instincts, territorial marking, and boredom.

This is why it's hard to stop a cat from scratching, as they are often following their natural desires.

So, a cat can scratch to:

• Relieve boredom (or exercise) - Scratching can relieve boredom, exercise muscles and get attention from you.

• Mark territory - Cats scratch areas to mark their territory using sweat glands in their paws.

• Sharpen claws - Scratching helps sharpen claws and acts as a method of self-grooming.

• Stress - Clawing can act as stress relief.

Your cat may scratch things due to one or more of the above reasons. Thankfully, we have some solutions that can help.

Top solutions to stop cats scratching furniture

Provide scratching alternatives

You can't complain if your cat is scratching things they shouldn't if they don't have a good alternative!

We recommend getting a good scratching mat or post. You can get both if you want to see which one your cat prefers.

We recommend putting these near areas they like to scratch and their favourite sleeping spots.

Use furniture protectors

You can use furniture protectors, like anti-scratch tape or plastic covers, to minimise damage. But this is a temporary solution; to change things for good, you'll need to train your cat.

Train your cat

You can use positive reinforcement training to stop your cat from scratching things they shouldn't. You should:

1. Get a scratching alternative, like a scratching post

2. Carefully guide your cat to the alternative

3. Reward them for scratching it

4. Don't reward them for scratching elsewhere

Eventually, your cat will associate scratching the post (or the alternative) with a reward, which means they'll scratch there more often.

Never punish your cat or shout at them for scratching a wall or furniture; they won't understand why you're doing it, and it will just lead to anxiety and stress.

Utilise cat pheromone products

Some owners like to use cat pheromones to reduce stress-related scratching. These are synthetic versions of a cat's natural pheromone that only cats can smell, which lowers their anxiety and stress.

You can get pheromone products like:

• Diffusers

• Sprays

Alongside prioritising your cat's mental health, these can be an added layer of comfort to reduce stress-related scratching.

How to stop cats scratching carpets

Stopping your cat from scratching the carpet is similar to the other steps above. We recommend positive reinforcement training, a scratching post or mat and grooming your cat's nails.

Some carpet-specific tips include:

• Carpet-like scratching mats or posts

• Positive reinforcement training

• Using deterrents, like citrus sprays, on your carpets

Preventing future scratching habits

It's important to build on anti-scratching training by setting you and your cat up for success. It isn't a behaviour that's just going to go away forever; it's a natural habit.

To prevent future scratching habits, we recommend:

• Regular nail trimming and grooming will lower the need for scratching

• Rotate where you put scratching posts and mats to keep your cat engaged

• Use multiple scratching stations, and feel free to get new ones to prevent cat boredom

When to consult a professional

Sometimes, even if you do all the right things, your cat can still scratch everything in sight. It may be due to an underlying health issue or it can just mean you need the help of a professional.

If your cat is engaging in repetitive, strange behaviours without responding to training, it's worth chatting to your vet; it can indicate an underlying health problem.

If a health problem is ruled out, then you may need the help of a professional, certified cat behaviourist.

How cat insurance helps

Our cat insurance can help with up to £15,000 vet fee cover, a host of ManyPets Perks and 24/7 access to a professional video appointment through FirstVet.

Behavioural treatment covered up to your vet fee limit.

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