Save your couch!
At Desert Catopia, we know that life with cats comes with many joys—and a few shredded couch corners. One of the most common challenges for cat guardians is dealing with scratching. While your cat’s twitchy whiskers and soft toe beans melt your heart, their claws digging into your new chair? Not so much.
But here’s the good news: scratching isn’t a behavioral problem—it’s a natural, essential part of being a cat. And with a little knowledge and the right tools, you can protect your furniture while supporting your cat’s well-being.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Scratching isn’t just about claws—it’s about instinct. According to veterinarians and feline behavior experts, cats scratch for many important reasons:
Stretching & Exercise: Scratching helps cats stretch their muscles and keep their bodies limber.
Claw Health: It removes the dead outer sheath of the nail to keep claws sharp and healthy.
Territorial Marking: Scent glands in a cat’s paws leave behind a personal scent signature.
Mental Stimulation & Stress Relief: Scratching is a way to reduce anxiety and expend energy.
Expression: Cats scratch when they’re excited, frustrated, or just because it feels good.
Domestic cats share many behaviors with their wild relatives—and scratching is one of them.
The Truth About Declawing
Declawing may seem like an easy solution, but it’s a deeply harmful and outdated practice. Declawing isn’t just a nail trim—it involves amputating the last bone of each toe, equivalent to removing a person’s finger at the last knuckle. This procedure can result in chronic pain, lameness, behavioral problems, and increased stress.
Most major veterinary and animal welfare organizations strongly oppose declawing, including the American Veterinary Medical Association and the ASPCA. At Desert Catopia, we are firmly against declawing and encourage humane, cat-friendly alternatives.
Scratching Problems Are Solvable
While scratching is natural, it can be frustrating if your furniture becomes a frequent target. Thankfully, there are effective, compassionate ways to redirect your cat’s scratching habits.
1. Provide Scratching Alternatives
The first step is giving your cat appropriate places to scratch. Offer a variety of scratchers:
Styles: Some cats prefer vertical posts, while others love horizontal pads.
Textures: Options like sisal, cardboard, carpet, or wood can help you find what your cat prefers.
Placement: Place scratchers near areas your cat already targets—like the arm of the couch or near their favorite napping spot.
Sprinkle catnip or use a pheromone spray to encourage use.
Recommended Scratching Posts and Surfaces
Not all scratchers are created equal. Cats can be surprisingly picky about what they like to scratch, so offering a variety of textures and styles is the best way to discover their preferences. Here are some top options to consider:
Sisal Rope Posts
Best for: Cats that enjoy vertical scratching.
Try: SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post – A tall, sturdy option perfect for full-body stretches and satisfying claw action.
Cardboard Scratchers
Best for: Cats that prefer horizontal surfaces.
Try: PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher – Doubles as both a scratcher and a lounging spot, making it a stylish and functional choice for any room.
Wall-Mounted or Inclined Scratchers
Best for: Homes with limited space or cats that enjoy vertical climbing and stretching.
Try: 7 Ruby Road Large Cat Scratcher A sleek, space-saving solution that can be mounted at your cat's preferred height.
Furniture-Saving Scratch corner
Best for: Protecting high-traffic areas like sofa arms and chair corners.
Try: Meeyoview Cat Scratcher, Corner Scratching Post – A smart post designed to fit snugly around furniture corners and redirect your cat's attention.
2. Protect Your Furniture
If your cat is obsessed with a specific chair or ottoman:
Cover the Area: Use a blanket or towel to shield it. If they scratch, the fabric takes the damage.
Use Deterrents: Try pet-safe sprays, aluminum foil, or double-sided tape. These textures and smells can discourage scratching.
3. Keep Them Busy
Sometimes, scratching stems from boredom. Provide engaging toys, interactive games, and regular playtime. Mental and physical stimulation helps reduce stress and prevents destructive behavior.
4. Trim Their Nails
Keeping your cat’s nails short won’t stop scratching but will reduce damage. Use proper cat nail trimmers, and trim just the sharp tip every couple of weeks. If you’re unsure how, ask your vet or watch a step-by-step tutorial.
5. Stay Positive
Avoid yelling, spraying water, or scolding. These punishments can damage your bond and increase anxiety. Instead:
Reward good behavior with treats or praise.
Redirect gently when you catch them scratching where they shouldn’t.
Encourage them to explore new scratchers with toys, treats, or catnip.
6. Offer Enrichment
Scratching provides more than physical exercise—it’s mental, too. Consider puzzle feeders, cat trees, tunnels, and rotating toys to keep your cat’s brain and body engaged.
Scratching Can Be a Shelter Risk
Sadly, scratching-related destruction is one of the top reasons cats are surrendered to shelters. According to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center, it ranks high on the list of “unwanted behaviors.” But the truth is, this issue is entirely preventable with education, support, and compassion.
We’re Here to Help
At Desert Catopia, we believe in setting up cats and their people for success. If you're dealing with scratching issues, we offer post-adoption support to guide you through every step—from finding the right scratching posts to nail care tips and behavior advice.
You don’t have to go it alone—we’re here to help create a peaceful home for both you and your feline companion.
