Why Cats Scratch and How to Redirect It
Scratching is a natural feline behavior, not a misbehavior. Cats scratch to mark territory, stretch their bodies, and keep their claws sharp. However, when that behavior is directed at your furniture, it can cause damage and frustration. The key is not to stop scratching but to redirect it to appropriate outlets. In 2026, modern cat behavior solutions have become more accessible and effective, including options like pheromone therapy, Soft Paws, and advanced training techniques. Understanding the root of scratching helps reduce conflict and fosters a better relationship between you and your pet.
At Dan’s Pet Care, we specialize in cat behavior training in NY, helping families create happy, scratch-free homes.
This guide walks you through practical tools, products, and routines to save your sofa and support your cat’s needs. For personalized help, contact Dan’s Pet Care.
Provide the Right Scratching Surfaces
If your cat is scratching furniture, they likely lack a better alternative. Not all scratching posts are created equal. The best cat scratching posts mimic the textures and angles cats naturally prefer. Tall vertical posts, sturdy horizontal pads, and angled ramps offer variety and appeal. Materials like sisal rope, corrugated cardboard, and real wood work well. Placement matters too, put the post near the furniture your cat targets. Cats scratch more in high-traffic areas to mark territory, so don’t hide the post in a back room. Add catnip or pheromone spray to encourage use.
Over time, your cat will learn where it’s appropriate to scratch. At Dan’s Pet Care, we help families choose and place the right products for long-term success. Redirecting behavior requires a combination of access, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Features of a good scratching post:
Tall enough for full-body stretch
Stable, won’t tip over
Variety of textures
Easily accessible location
Includes horizontal and vertical options
Infused with catnip or pheromone spray for encouragement
Pheromone Therapy: A 2026 Solution
One of the most effective modern tools for cat behavior training is pheromone therapy. Products like Feliway mimic natural feline facial pheromones that signal comfort and safety. When diffused in your home, they can reduce stress-related scratching and territorial marking. New in 2026, pheromone blends are now available in sprays, diffusers, and even smart dispensers that activate based on motion. Pheromone therapy is ideal for multi-cat households or homes with recent changes, like a move or new furniture. It doesn’t sedate your cat, it simply signals that the space is secure, reducing the urge to scratch inappropriately.
Many clients at Dan’s Pet Care have reported marked improvement after incorporating pheromones into their routine. Used alongside training and scratching posts, they offer a holistic way to reduce furniture damage without punishment.
Try Soft Paws for Temporary Protection
Soft Paws are small, soft plastic caps that fit over your cat’s claws to prevent scratching damage. These caps are glued on and typically last four to six weeks. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and most cats adapt to them quickly. Soft Paws are a humane alternative to declawing, which is painful and discouraged by veterinarians. In 2026, new versions of Soft Paws are made from biodegradable, pet-safe materials that are easier to apply and stay on longer. They’re ideal for short-term use while training your cat or protecting new furniture. Apply them with the help of a vet or groomer if your cat is resistant.
At Dan’s Pet Care, we offer guidance on safe application and usage of Soft Paws for clients seeking a temporary solution that won’t harm their pet.
Positive Reinforcement Training Techniques
Punishing a cat for scratching doesn’t work. Instead, positive reinforcement teaches your cat what to do instead. Reward your cat immediately when they use their scratching post with treats, praise, or playtime. Clicker training is especially useful, pair the click with a reward when your cat scratches the appropriate surface. In 2026, many owners use app-based training tools that track behavior and guide sessions with timers and rewards. Consistency is key. Avoid yelling or using deterrent sprays directly on the cat, which can increase anxiety. Focus on shaping behavior gradually, rewarding small wins. Dan’s Pet Care cat behavior training NY sessions are tailored to your cat’s personality and environment.
Our trainers help build routines that reduce frustration and create lasting change. With patience and praise, even the most determined scratcher can learn better habits.
Cover and Protect Vulnerable Furniture
While training is ongoing, it helps to block access to tempting furniture. Use slipcovers, double-sided tape, or specially designed scratch guards to protect vulnerable areas. Cats dislike sticky surfaces, so placing tape on corners and armrests can deter them from returning. Clear scratch barriers are also available and blend with your décor. In 2026, high-tech options include motion-activated repellents that emit harmless sounds or vibrations to discourage scratching.
These tools should be used as part of a broader plan that includes training and providing alternatives. Furniture protection is not a forever fix, but a temporary safeguard while you teach your cat better habits.
Dan’s Pet Care recommends combining deterrents with rewards to avoid fear-based behavior. Make your furniture less appealing and the scratching post more rewarding, it’s a simple equation that works.
Trim Nails Regularly to Minimize Damage
Regular nail trimming is essential for reducing the damage caused by scratching. Overgrown claws not only damage furniture but can also catch on fabrics and cause injury. Trimming every two to three weeks keeps your cat’s nails at a manageable length. Use cat-specific clippers and trim only the sharp tip, avoid the quick, the pink area with nerves and blood vessels. If you’re unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer to demonstrate. In 2026, nail trimming tools are more advanced, with LED lights, safety guards, and ergonomic grips for home use.
Dan’s Pet Care provides nail trimming services as part of our pet grooming and sitting packages. A well-trimmed claw causes less damage even if your cat slips up during training. This simple habit plays a big role in your furniture protection plan.
Understanding Stress-Related Scratching
Some cats scratch out of anxiety or stress, not just for physical reasons. Changes like moving homes, new family members, or noisy environments can lead to stress-related scratching. Cats use their claws to mark territory and cope with emotional discomfort. Identifying stress triggers is crucial. Observe your cat’s behavior, are they scratching near doors, windows, or in new areas? Do they seem jumpy or hide more often? In 2026, feline behavior tracking devices can help log activity patterns and highlight signs of anxiety. Stress scratching won’t stop with deterrents alone. It requires environmental enrichment, routine stability, and calming aids like pheromone diffusers.
Dan’s Pet Care trainers help identify stressors and design solutions that calm your cat while protecting your home. Addressing emotional needs is just as important as offering scratching posts.
Provide Mental and Physical Enrichment
A bored cat is a destructive cat. Scratching can be a form of attention-seeking or a way to burn off pent-up energy. Enrichment toys, puzzle feeders, and interactive play sessions give your cat a positive outlet for their energy. Climbing trees, window perches, and tunnels expand your cat’s territory and reduce boredom. In 2026, smart toys that activate on a schedule or respond to motion are game-changers for independent enrichment. Rotate toys weekly to maintain novelty. Create “cat zones” with scratching posts, toys, and comfy resting spots to redirect attention away from the couch. Dan’s Pet Care emphasizes enrichment in all our cat behavior training programs. When your cat’s physical and mental needs are met, problem behaviors like furniture scratching naturally decrease.
Top enrichment options:
Puzzle feeders
Laser play and wand toys
Cat shelves and wall-mounted climbers
Motion-sensor toys for solo play
Cat TV (bird videos on screens)
Treat-dispensing smart toys
When to Seek Professional Help
If your cat’s scratching becomes excessive or is linked to aggression or stress, it may be time to consult a professional. Persistent behavior may signal deeper issues like anxiety disorders, medical problems, or lack of stimulation. Cat behaviorists can evaluate your pet’s environment and routine to pinpoint root causes. At Dan’s Pet Care, we offer in-home consultations and customized training plans across NY. Our trainers use force-free techniques that focus on behavioral science, not punishment. In 2026, many clients also use virtual behavior coaching and training apps to supplement in-person sessions. Don’t wait until the damage becomes unmanageable.
Early intervention makes behavior change faster and less stressful for both you and your cat. Getting help shows that you’re invested in your pet’s well-being and your home’s harmony.
Scratch-Free Furniture Starts with Understanding
Stopping a cat from scratching furniture doesn’t require punishment, it requires understanding. By giving your cat proper scratching outlets, managing stress, and reinforcing positive habits, you create an environment where both your cat and your furniture thrive. From pheromone therapy to Soft Paws and enriched spaces, the solutions of 2026 are effective, humane, and widely available.
At Dan’s Pet Care, we help NY families understand and support their cats with customized behavior training, product recommendations, and consistent care. If you’re ready to end the scratching struggle, reach out to Dan’s Pet Care. Your cat deserves a happy home, and your sofa deserves a second chance.
