Scratching Is Normal: Here’s How to Protect Your Furniture

Animal Welfare

Oct 2

By Kendall Jang, Staff Writer

Scratching is a normal part of being a cat, even when your furniture would prefer otherwise. Our partners at Give Them Ten and Scooter the Neutered Cat recently shared helpful tips for understanding why cats scratch and how cat owners can redirect the behavior to more appropriate places.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Scratching isn’t simply a bad habit. According to Give Them Ten, cats scratch for several reasons, including maintaining their claws, stretching and exercising their muscles, relieving stress and marking their territory. Instead of trying to eliminate scratching altogether, cat owners can give their cats appropriate outlets for this natural behavior.

Give Them Ten recommends providing several scratching surfaces made from materials such as sisal, carpet or cardboard. Placing scratching posts near furniture your cat already targets can help encourage them to make the switch. Other strategies include:

Trim your cat’s claws regularly. Take it slowly and avoid cutting near the quick.
Provide enrichment. Toys, cat trees, shelves and other opportunities to play and climb can help keep cats active and engaged.
Protect furniture while your cat adjusts. Furniture covers, throws or double-sided tape can make favorite scratching spots less appealing.
Try cat attractants. Catnip or silvervine can make an appropriate scratching surface more interesting.
Consider scratch-resistant furniture. Tightly woven and smooth fabrics may be less tempting for cats to scratch.
Address potential stress. Scratching can help cats relieve anxiety or boredom, so providing enrichment and a comfortable environment is important.

The goal isn’t to stop a cat from scratching. It’s to give them a better place to do it. Read all eight tips from Give Them Ten and Scooter the Neutered Cat.

Our Partnership with Give Them Ten

Give Them Ten is also joining Ohio Animal Advocates in supporting the 2026 SW Ohio Community Cat Summit in Cincinnati on November 7th. The in-person summit brings together community cat advocates, animal welfare professionals and others interested in improving outcomes for community cats throughout Ohio.

The 2026 SW Ohio Community Cat Summit is brought to you by Ohio Animal Advocates, the Together Initiative for Ohio’s Community Cats, Give Them Ten and United Spay Alliance.