If you’ve ever walked into the living room to find your couch corner shredded or your favourite armchair frayed, you’re not alone. Scratching is a natural cat behaviour — it keeps their claws healthy, helps them stretch, and even acts as stress relief. But when your furniture takes the brunt of it, things can get frustrating fast. The good news? You can protect your home without punishing your cat or making them unhappy. Here’s how.
Understand Why Cats Scratch
Before you can solve the problem, you need to understand it. Cats scratch for a few reasons:
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Claw Maintenance: It helps remove dead outer layers from their claws.
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Stretching Muscles: Scratching is a full-body stretch.
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Marking Territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws, so scratching leaves both a visual and scent mark.
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Stress Relief: It’s a natural way for cats to release energy or frustration.
Knowing this means you’re not trying to stop scratching altogether (which is impossible and unfair), but redirecting it to better options.
Provide Appealing Alternatives
One of the easiest ways to save your furniture is to give your cat something better to scratch. Cat trees, scratching posts, and scratch boards are your best friends here. Look for options that:
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Are tall enough for a full stretch
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Have sturdy, wobble-free bases
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Use materials like sisal rope or carpet that cats love
At Cat Tree Haven, you’ll find scratching posts and cat towers designed to handle even the most determined claws — perfect for Aussie households that want style and durability.
Place Scratching Posts Strategically
Cats often scratch in areas where they spend the most time or near “hot spots” like windows, beds, or favourite lounging chairs. Place scratching posts:
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Next to your couch or armchair
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Near sleeping areas
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By windows where your cat watches the world go by
If your cat likes to scratch a certain piece of furniture, position a scratching post right beside it so they can swap without much effort.
Make the Old Spot Less Attractive
While you’re encouraging new scratching habits, make the “wrong” spots less appealing:
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Use double-sided tape or a furniture-safe protective film
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Temporarily cover the area with a blanket or slipcover
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Use a cat-safe deterrent spray with scents cats dislike
These methods aren’t about punishing — they simply make your furniture less interesting while you offer a better alternative.
Reward Good Behaviour
Cats respond well to positive reinforcement. When they use their scratching post instead of your sofa:
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Give them a treat
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Offer verbal praise in a cheerful tone
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Give them a quick play session
Over time, they’ll associate the post with rewards and attention.
Keep Their Claws Trimmed
Regular claw trimming can reduce the damage from scratching. You don’t need to go ultra-short — just keep them tidy. If you’re not confident trimming claws yourself, most vets and pet groomers in Australia can do it for a small fee.
Enrich Their Environment
Sometimes destructive scratching happens because your cat is bored or stressed. Keep them mentally and physically stimulated with:
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Interactive toys
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Window perches
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Rotating play sessions
A cat with plenty to do is less likely to take out frustration on your dining chairs.
Final Thoughts
Stopping destructive scratching isn’t about stopping your cat from scratching altogether — it’s about giving them a better outlet. By providing sturdy scratching posts, placing them where your cat naturally wants to scratch, and rewarding good behaviour, you can protect your furniture and keep your cat happy. And if you’re looking for durable, stylish cat scratching posts made for Australian homes, Cat Tree Haven has options that your cat will love and your furniture will thank you for.