The short answer

You cannot stop a cat from scratching, and you should not try, because scratching is normal. You can move it. Put a sturdy scratcher right next to the spot they already use, match the angle (upright or flat) and the texture they prefer, cover the sofa corner while the new habit forms, and reward every scratch on the right surface. Never punish scratching.

Why cats scratch

It usually happens first thing in the morning: a long, luxurious stretch, then claws sinking into the arm of the sofa with that unmistakable rasp. Scratching is part of being a cat. It stretches the whole body, keeps claws in shape and leaves scent and visible marks that say this is home.

Since scratching is normal, the goal is not to stop it. The goal is to give your cat something they like scratching more than your sofa.

Watch how your cat scratches

Spend a few days noticing:

  • Angle. Do they reach up the side of the sofa, or dig into the rug?
  • Texture. Fabric, carpet, cardboard or rope?
  • Timing. Right after naps and when you come home are common moments.
  • Place. Often near where they sleep, or at the doorway to a room.

Choose a scratcher that matches

  • For upright scratchers, look for something tall and steady that does not tip when they pull. The L-Shaped Cat Scratcher Lounge has a tall upright cardboard board for a full stretch, a floor board to lie on afterward, and a wooden frame that holds both in place.
  • For floor scratchers, a flat or curved cardboard board works well. The Cardboard Cat Scratcher Board is dense corrugated cardboard with a dip that doubles as a nap spot.
  • For cats who play while they scratch, the Orbit Cat Scratcher is a wooden scratcher with a rope wrapped ball on top, in a compact arch with a cardboard pad or a roomier lounger with a sisal bed.

Put it where the scratching already happens

This is the step most people skip. A scratcher across the room loses to the sofa arm every time. Place the new scratcher right in front of, or beside, the exact spot your cat uses. Once the habit has moved, you can shift the scratcher a little at a time to where you would like it.

Protect the sofa while the habit changes

Covering the damaged spot makes it less tempting and buys you time. The Scratch Self Adhesive Cat Mat comes as a 60 x 200 cm (about 24 x 79 in) roll that you trim with scissors and stick to a sofa side, wall or floor, so the spot your cat already loves becomes a place they are allowed to scratch.

Reward the right scratch

  • Praise softly or give a treat the moment they scratch the new spot.
  • Drag a wand toy over the scratcher to invite them on.
  • Rub a little catnip on it if your cat enjoys catnip.
  • Keep claws trimmed, so any slip ups do less damage. Our guide to trimming nails at home walks you through it.

What not to do

Never shout at, spray or punish a cat for scratching. It does not teach them where to scratch, and it can make them nervous around you. Redirect calmly, reward generously and give it a few weeks. One morning you will hear the rasp of claws, look over, and find them stretched out on the scratcher with the sofa untouched.