How to stop your cat from scratching the sofa

Cats have a knack for turning furniture into their personal scratching post, and if you keep finding your feline friend digging their claws into your fitted sofa covers, you’re not alone. As pet owners, we adore our cats – they’re part of the family, after all! But that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our furniture in the process.

The good news is that you don’t have to choose between a happy cat and a well-kept home. With a little patience and the right approach, you can redirect your cat’s scratching instincts and save your sofa. So, let’s take a look at why they scratch and how you can stop it.

Why do cats scratch furniture?

Before you can stop your cat from scratching your furniture, it helps to know why they do it in the first place. Scratching isn’t just a random habit – it’s a natural, instinctive behaviour that plays a significant role in their health and happiness.
One of the main reasons is simple, and that’s claw maintenance. Scratching helps cats shed the outer layer of their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. It’s also an excellent way for them to stretch, working their muscles and tendons from their paws right through to their back.

But that’s not all – scratching is also a way for cats to mark their territory. Their paws contain scent glands, so when they scratch, they’re not just leaving a visible mark – they’re leaving their scent behind, too. That’s why they often go for furniture in the busiest parts of your home (like your sofa!).

And sometimes, it’s emotional. Cats might scratch because they’re bored, stressed, or simply trying to get your attention. Understanding what’s behind the behaviour makes it much easier to redirect their claws to something more suitable – like a scratching post instead of your favourite chair!

How to stop cats scratching the sofa

If your cat is scratching your furniture, it could be for a number of reasons, and sometimes, it takes a bit of detective work to figure out which one is causing the issue. It’s not always about bad behaviour but rather a natural action they feel compelled to do. Thankfully, there are several things you can try to help redirect your cat’s scratching habits.

A suitable place to scratch

You may think, “Well, my cat has a scratching post already, and she is still scratching my sofa”, but ask yourself, is it tatty from months or years of scratching, or is it wobbly? You know how fussy cats can be. If the post wobbles or is a bit worse for wear, your cat likely won’t be interested in using it, and that’s when they’ll start setting their sights elsewhere. Make sure the post you do have is relatively well kept and tall enough for a full-body stretch – that’s what they’re after. The more satisfying the scratch, the less likely your cat is to target your furniture!

Keep things interesting with different scratching materials

Variety is the spice of life, even for cats. Try offering different scratching materials like fabric offcuts, bark-covered logs, softwood, or sisal fibre. It’ll keep your cat engaged and give them more options to scratch instead of your sofa. The more textures you offer, the less chance they’ll find your furniture irresistible!

Place the scratch posts wisely

Positioning is everything. Place your scratch post where your cat already likes to scratch, such as next to the sofa, or where they love to relax, like near their favourite sleeping spot. The closer it is to their routine, the more likely they are to use it. After all, convenience is key!

Make scratch posts more enticing

If your cat isn’t taking to the post, make it more enticing. Add dangling toys or rub a little catnip on them to spark their interest. If they’re still not interested, don’t worry – keep trying different options. A little creativity can go a long way in turning that scratch post into their favourite place to be!

How to stop repeat scratching

If your cat keeps returning to your sofa to scratch, it’s likely because they’ve already marked it with their scent. Cats naturally re-mark areas once their scent starts to fade, so the best way to break the cycle is to clean the area thoroughly using a mild, non-toxic soap to remove any lingering scent cues. This is where our settee covers make things even easier – just remove, wash, and put them back on for fresh, clean furniture in no time! While the area is drying, keep your cat away to give it the best chance of success.

Keep their feline minds stimulated

Cats are incredibly intelligent creatures that need plenty of mental stimulation. If they get bored, they may turn to scratching your furniture as a way to entertain themselves. To keep their minds and paws busy, make sure they have access to a variety of toys and engage in regular playtime. A tired cat is a happy cat – and one that’s far less likely to scratch everything in sight!

If nothing seems to be working, your cat might be trying to tell you something. If the scratching continues despite all your efforts, it might be worth a trip to the vet to rule out any underlying issues.

In the meantime, if your sofa cover has taken the brunt of the damage, that’s where we come in. Here at Cover My Furniture, we have an expansive collection of stunning fitted sofa covers, all in different textures, shades and patterns, so you can refresh your furniture and have it look brand new again in no time – plus, get a whole new look to boot!

If you need help choosing the perfect fit or have something specific in mind, just let us know by giving us a call at 01772 901507 or by filling in the contact form on our website, and we’ll be happy to help!