How to Stop Your Cat Scratching the Couch

If your cat is shredding the couch, they're not being spiteful. Scratching is a normal, healthy cat behavior. Cats scratch to keep their claws in shape, to stretch their whole body, and to leave their scent on things they consider theirs.

So the goal isn't to stop your cat from scratching. It's to give them something better to scratch than your couch.

Why cats choose the couch

• It's in the middle of things. Cats like to scratch in the rooms where the family spends time.
• It's sturdy. A couch doesn't wobble, so it gives a satisfying pull.
• It's the right texture. Woven fabric lets claws catch and pull.
• It already smells like them. Once they've scratched a spot, they tend to return to it.

How to stop your cat scratching the couch

1. Put a scratcher right next to the couch

Placement matters more than anything else. A scratcher in a back room won't compete with the couch in the living room. Put the new scratcher right beside the spot your cat is already using.

2. Choose a scratcher they'll actually prefer

It needs to be sturdy enough not to slide or tip, and big enough for a full stretch. Many cats love cardboard, since it shreds satisfyingly under their claws. The Royal Lounge cat scratcher sofa combines cardboard scratch pads with a sturdy wood frame shaped like a tiny vintage couch, so your cat gets a scratcher and a lounge spot in one. It also looks a lot better next to your real sofa than a carpet-covered post.

3. Make the couch less appealing

While your cat learns, cover their favorite scratching spots with a throw blanket or double-sided furniture tape. Cats dislike sticky textures and will look for somewhere else, ideally the new scratcher right next to it.

4. Reward the right choice

When your cat uses the scratcher, praise them or give a treat. Rubbing a little catnip or silvervine on the scratcher can help draw them in. Never yell or spray water, which makes cats anxious and can increase scratching.

5. Keep claws trimmed

Regular nail trims reduce the damage when accidents happen. If you're not comfortable trimming, ask your vet or groomer to show you how.

6. Burn off energy

Some couch scratching is just excess energy. A few minutes of active play before bed, like chasing a flying disc cat toy, can help. See our tips on keeping an indoor cat active.

How long does it take?

Most cats switch within a couple of weeks if the scratcher is in the right spot and the couch is temporarily covered. Once the new habit sticks, you can remove the tape or blanket.

What about declawing?

Declawing is a surgical amputation, not a nail trim, and many veterinary organizations strongly discourage it. A good scratcher and a little training solve the problem without it.

Give your cat their own throne: see the Royal Lounge cat scratcher sofa or browse our cat collection.