The 8 best products to stop cats from scratching furniture in 2025

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If you're wondering how to stop cats from scratching furniture, it helps to know why they do it. Scratching is a natural feline behavior. Cats scratch to stretch, keep their claws in good shape for climbing and hunting, and mark their territory with scents and visible signs, says Dr. Maggie Placer, a veterinarian and veterinary science program manager at EveryCat Health Foundation.

To recommend the best products to protect furniture from cat scratching, we spoke to veterinarians and cat behaviorists and tested 22 products to deter destructive scratching. Our top pick is the Sofa Scratcher Squared, a durable sisal-covered post that fits neatly around the corners of sofas and chairs. We love its simple, clean design and neutral color options.

Keep in mind that there are a variety of reasons a cat might be attracted to scratching your sofa. Some cats don't have alternative scratching posts or pads. If they do have them, they may not be placed in the right locations or the scratching surfaces might be too worn and due for replacement. Other cats enjoy the furniture's height or the feeling of scratching a couch or carpet. Whatever the reason, you can keep your cat from scratching furniture by offering them more attractive options.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our top picks for products to stop cats from scratching furniture

Best overall: Sofa Scratcher Squared - See at Chewy

Best furniture guard: Clawguard Furniture Shields - See at Chewy

Best stylish: Hilde & Phil Cat-e-Corner - See at Hilde & Phil

Best scratch tape: Pioneer Pet Sticky Paws on a Roll - See at Chewy

Best scratching post: On2Pets Skyline Sisal Cat Scratching Post - See at Chewy

Best floor scratcher: Petfusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge - See at Chewy

Best wall-mounted scratcher: 7 Ruby Road Wall Mounted Cat Scratcher - See at Amazon

Best cat tree: Armarkat Classic Cat Tree - See at Chewy

Best overall

The genius of the Sofa Scratcher is that its sisal-covered edges fit snugly against a couch or chair. This gives a cat an appropriate place to scratch right at the center of the room where felines prefer to mark their territory, says Dr. Christine Calder, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

The Sofa Scratcher is available in a half-moon-shaped design and also a square version. We like the Sofa Scratcher Squared because it lines up flush against most furniture, and its wood core prevents your cat from sinking their claws into the upholstery. One of our furniture-scratching cats seemed to enjoy flexing his claws on the Sofa Scratcher Squared as much as he enjoyed using them on the couch itself. And after nearly six months of use, the scratcher still looked brand new.

The 24-inch-tall square scratcher and its two 5.5-inch-wide panels perfectly covered the chair and couches we tested it on. If you have taller furniture, you may need a furniture guard to protect the remaining inches of exposed furniture. The brand's original rounded scratcher didn't match the shape of our furniture, leaving gaps large enough for a determined cat to reach the upholstery, but it may be a better fit if your furniture has curved arms. The Sofa Scratcher has a rectangular polycarbonate base that you slip under the leg of a couch or chair so the furniture's weight keeps it in place. While the base remained stable, the top of the scratcher sometimes wiggled. However, it didn't dislodge from the couch during use, even when our cats dug their claws in deep and pulled with force.

Keep in mind that if you stop using this type of scratcher, it could be problematic. "It won't train your cat to scratch on all couches or furniture, but it could absolutely teach your cat that this couch is now a delightful scratching surface," says Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc.

Best furniture guard

One way to stop a cat from scratching furniture is to make their favorite scratching spots less desirable, says Dr. Preston Turano, a veterinarian and veterinary spokesperson at Felix Cat Insurance. You can cover an area with sticky vinyl to discourage destructive tendencies. However, Turano says scratching is a natural behavior, so it's important to provide a nearby scratching post to redirect their attention. Then, reward your cat with treats or praise when they use the post or tree instead.

Of the two vinyl guards we tested, the Clawguard Furniture Shield offered the most protection and took less than five minutes to install. The transparent, flexible material attaches to upholstery or carpeting with twist pins inserted through holes that run the length of the shield's edges. When the shield is secured tight, the clear plastic caps on the pins look like small buttons.

After figuring out the vinyl was unpleasant to scratch on his first attempt, my furniture-scratching cat did not touch it again, preferring to use the nearby posts and pads instead. Not even a utility knife left marks on the guard, and a pushpin could only fully penetrate it with heavy pressure.

You can choose from four sizes, which come in packs of two. You can also cut them down in size with scissors. Aside from how well they protect furniture, the best thing about the shields is that they will last for months, if not years.

Despite being made of clear vinyl, Clawguard Furniture Shields are easily visible. And while my upholstery did not show signs of being embedded with pins when we removed the guard after testing, more delicate materials may.

Best stylish

If you're looking for something that combines function and style, we're smitten with the polished look of the Hilde and Phil Cat-E-Corner, a two-in-one end table and sisal scratcher. The idea began as a successful Kickstarter by a cat dad inspired by none other than his own cats, Hilde and Phil.

The Cat-E-Corner fits snugly against your armchair or couch, wrapping around the front arm or the back if you have a chaise. It functions and looks like an extension of your furniture. A 7-inch-wide tabletop sits atop its vertical sisal scratching surface. Made of real, solid wood with a plywood backing, it comes in a maple or black walnut finish. You can customize the fit with left or right positioning and risers. Our 27-inch sofa, for example, needed a 2-inch riser for an ideal end table height.

Our cats took to it right away, favoring the sisal at the front of the arm while we relaxed on the couch. When the sisal starts showing wear — about two months in for us — you can detach the mat from its velcro backing and replace it with a new scratching pad, sold separately in three patterns. To maximize the pad's lifespan, we recommend rotating the worn sisal from front to back before swapping it out for a fresh one.

The Cat-E-Corner is freestanding, with no permanent attachment points or parts that tuck under your furniture. If your couch sits partially on a rug, you may need to use shims to balance the unit. Otherwise, its sturdy build and anti-tip feet keep belongings level when in use.

Best scratch tape

Like a furniture guard, scratch tape takes the fun out of scratching a couch leg or the edge of a carpet. Of the two versions we tested, we found Sticky Paws was best at deterring scratching without causing unnecessary fear, pain, or discomfort. This tape is also recommended by Daniel "DQ" Quagliozzi, a cat behavior consultant and owner of Go Cat Go!

Sticky Paws is a transparent, double-sided tape. One side adheres to upholstery, carpeting, and other household materials, while the other sticky side faces outward. When cats scratch, the tape briefly grips their nails and paws, preventing them from digging in. "Sticky tape is not too aversive for cats," Calder says. It may be unpleasant to scratch, but doing so doesn't cause pain or fear.

Sticky Paws comes in different shapes and sizes, but our favorite was Sticky Paws On a Roll, which works like a packaging tape dispenser so you can easily cut the tape to size. Like the furniture guards, simply covering furniture won't teach your cat where they should scratch. Pair the tape with positive reinforcement and a scratching post to redirect the behavior effectively. After one of our cats got their paws on the tape just once, he chose not to focus any more energy on it, turning instead to nearby posts and pads.

Be aware that we encountered a few issues when using Sticky Paws. First, stuff sticks to it — dust and hair collected on the adhesive outer layer. Plus, it can be tricky to apply smoothly without wrinkles, and it's not safe to use on all surfaces. We learned the hard way when the tape not only left residue on a faux leather chair but also tore the material, especially in places where a cat had already made pinholes from stretching. While it didn't leave residue on an upholstered couch or finished wood, it's more temporary than a furniture guard, was more easily penetrated in our testing, and requires frequent replacement.

Best scratching post

When figuring out how to stop your cat from scratching furniture, the goal is not to punish them for their behavior but to redirect it. Every cat has their personal scratching preference. Suppose your cat is scratching vertically on your furniture. In that case, Quagliozzi says they will likely prefer a vertical scratcher. If they scratch carpets or rugs, a horizontal scratch pad is more likely to satisfy their desire. Some cats enjoy both. Whatever they like, Calder says it's important to have multiple scratchers.

The Skyline Sisal Cat Scratching Post was the clear favorite of the seven vertical scratchers we tested in one household. During the first month of testing, both cats returned to the scratcher multiple times a day. Six months later, one cat was still scratching there daily.

Resembling a city skyline, this scratcher has three sisal-covered vertical posts at heights of 30.5 inches, 22 inches, and 16.5 inches arranged together at the center of a broad rectangular base. The base is covered in scratchable artificial turf. After six months, the scratcher's sisal was a little shaggy but still looked nice overall.

The sturdy scratcher can withstand up to 32 pounds of cat. It requires some light assembly and is priced in the middle of the pack. Considering how frequently our tester cats used it, it's well worth the cost.

Best floor scratcher

Some cats like to scratch vertically, others horizontally, and some a little of both. If you've found destruction on rugs, carpets, and couch cushions, your cat falls into one of the latter two categories, and providing them with a properly placed floor scratcher may solve your problem.

We tested five floor scratchers and found the Petfusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge to be the best. Placer says kittens tend to prefer cardboard scratchers that are shaped like an "S". This scratcher takes that appeal a bit further, with a softer, elongated curve connecting its two rounded ends. It has vertical and horizontal scratching spots as well as an ergonomic spot to lounge.

This scratcher could be an excellent purchase for a new kitten or cat, helping prevent them from ever developing the habit of scratching your furniture or stopping the behavior early. When placed near where two of our tester cats often play, they loved digging their claws into it, stretching across the curve, and swatting at toy mice on the ground from their perched position. It's easy to imagine a kitten climbing and playing inside the center. It provides a multitude of enrichment for cats, which Placer says is key to deterring furniture scratching. "Destructive scratching can occur if your cat's needs have not been fully met," she says.

The scratcher is reversible. When your cat claws through one side, you can flip it over for extended use. Our scratcher has shown some wear after two months of testing but is far from needing to be flipped over. While it slides around a bit on a smooth floor when a cat really gets clawing, it has never flipped over or shot across the room.

This pick replaces our previous choice, the Our Pets Double-Wide Cat Scratcher, which remains a great budget-friendly option. If your cat prefers sisal over cardboard — or if you'd rather not deal with cleaning up cardboard bits — you might consider the Bootsie's Combination Scratcher.

Best wall-mounted scratcher

"Cats who live outside scratch on trees — which are extremely sturdy, are the right height, and the perfect texture," Geller says. While we can't provide indoor cats with real trees, wall-mounted scratchers are just as sturdy and can be installed at the ideal height for your cat. Plus, they add more scratching options without taking up extra floor space.

Out of the wall-mounted scratchers we tested, the 7 Ruby Road Wall Mounted Cat Scratcher was the clear winner for its dual mounting points and rubber feet, which prevent it from wobbling or coming loose from the wall. We also liked the look of it: the wooden frame is clean and refined, and it meshed well with our existing cat climbing wall. The durable jute surface held up well to wear during testing.

This scratcher requires light assembly using a drill. Screws and drywall anchors are included. At 22 inches long by 5.7 inches wide, the scratcher is a bit small. While you can adjust its height to fit your cat's needs, the limited surface area might mean quicker wear compared to larger scratchers.

Best cat tree

Cat trees are an all-in-one solution that satisfies your cat's scratching needs while also providing spaces for playing, hiding, and resting. If you're unsure of your cat's preferences or have multiple cats, the Armarkat Classic Cat Tree features both horizontal faux fur and vertical sisal scratching surfaces.

Placer recommends placing scratching posts and trees near where your cat is already scratching or in areas where you spend the most time. Our reporter chose to place the tree in her husband's office, where he spends most weekdays. The cats took to it right away, and we were equally impressed, which is why we named it our top pick in the guide to the best cat trees. After almost a year of use, it still looks great.

Cats scratch throughout their lives, from kittenhood through their senior years. This tree is designed with a platform just 10.5 inches from the ground and five sisal-wrapped poles at its base — four of which offer almost 2 feet of uninterrupted vertical scratching space to help achieve a full-body stretch — making it easier for senior cats and kittens to access.

With another four sisal-wrapped poles higher up, this tree is a hit with our 10- and 11-pound tester cats. They love kicking off their zoomies by clawing at the base and racing up the structure, digging into the sisal posts as they climb to the top bolstered bed or cozy tent hideaway. Despite their enthusiasm, the tree remains stable under their combined weight. It also includes a double-lined hammock for lounging.

What to look for in products to stop cats from scratching furniture

When cats scratch unwanted surfaces, Geller says many people use a combination of deterrents and redirection. Deterrents include sprays, sticky tapes, and guards, while redirection involves encouraging your cat to scratch appropriate surfaces using positive reinforcement. Meanwhile, nail caps can help minimize damage but not deter actual scratching.

Cat-scratching deterrents

Tape and vinyl guards are the most popular and effective types of deterrents. They prevent furniture scratching by creating a sticky surface or one that a cat's nails can't penetrate. Our experts say that cat scratching deterrent sprays do not help redirect furniture scratching.

Here are a few key qualities to look for if you opt for deterrents.

Versatility: The product should be suitable for the surfaces your cat scratches the most — whether it's your couch, carpet, or wooden door frames.

Size: Cat deterrent tape comes in rolls, pre-cut strips, or large squares that you can cut to size. Vinyl guards typically come in sheets, with some that can be cut to size and others that cannot. In testing, we preferred rolls of cat deterrent tape and vinyl that could be cut to size with scissors, but you can choose the option that works best for the areas you're looking to protect.

Ease of removal: Test the tape on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn't leave sticky residue or cause any damage. In our testing, cat deterrent tape left residue and damaged vinyl but came off clean from wood and upholstery. The small pins used to install our preferred vinyl guard, Clawguard Furniture Shield, didn't damage our upholstery, but they could leave marks on more delicate materials.

Cat scratching products

Cat trees, posts, and pads offer a permanent, appealing alternative to your couch. Here are the key features that will encourage your cat to use them and not your furniture.

Material: Cat scratchers typically come in three materials: corrugated cardboard, carpet, and sisal. Sisal is the most durable and firm option while corrugated cardboard is the softest. One study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science looked at the scratching preferences of 36 adult cats. Of the study cats, more favored rope and cardboard scratching surfaces over sofa fabric or carpet. However, each cat has their own preference for which material they enjoy sinking their claws into.

Age may influence a cat's scratching preferences. "Senior cats may have less muscle mass than younger cats," Placer says. "This can make their claws more likely to get stuck in firmer materials." However, age isn't always a clear indicator of preference, so you may need to offer your cat a variety of scratching surfaces to determine what they like best.

Orientation: Placer says most cats prefer scratching vertically, but some enjoy scratching horizontally, diagonally, or at an angle. You can figure out what and how your cat likes to scratch by observing what they target around your home. Cats use scratchers not only to maintain their nails and leave behind their scent but also to stretch, so Placer recommends choosing a scratching post that's taller than your cat's body length.

You should also consider your cat's physical abilities. "Senior cats may need horizontal scratchers as they can easily sit or lay to scratch," says Turano, a veterinarian and veterinary spokesperson at Felix Cat Insurance. Meanwhile, agile kittens or cats may prefer vertical posts they can climb.

Stability: Geller says cats love scratching couches because they're sturdy, textured, and close to their favorite humans. To encourage your cat to use a dedicated scratching surface instead, look for ones with rubber feet to keep it from sliding across the floor, multiple connection points to secure it to the wall, or a large or weighted base for added stability. Cats need a stable surface to really dig their claws in, and anything that's wobbly or bangs against the wall might frighten them.

How we tested products to stop cats from scratching furniture

To compare the products in each category of this guide, we devised the following tests.

Scratch test: To determine how the furniture guards and scratch tape would hold up over time, we scratched them with three different tools: a fork, a push pin, and an X-acto knife. Each tool was dragged across the same section of the product 50 consecutive times to see if we could penetrate the material and how long it took to do so. To test the durability of scratchers, we dragged a metal-tined cat comb across the same section of the product 50 consecutive times, noting any wear and shedding of material.

Penetration test: We used the same three tools in the penetration test. We conducted three trials with each tool as we attempted to make a hole through the material. First, we applied light pressure, then medium pressure, and finally, full strength.

Nail caps test: Sticky Paws nail caps were tested on four cats. We successfully clipped the nails of two cats and partially applied the caps. While one cat chewed them off within a week, we tested the longevity of the nail caps on another. Two other tester cats didn't tolerate the application in previous trials, but we tested their durability by sticking two caps from each brand onto the tines of a plastic fork. Each week over five weeks, we scraped the fork on a scratcher 100 times and looked for any shifting or loosening of the caps.

Cat attract test: We introduced each product to our tester cats, sprinkling with catnip when needed. We placed each in the locations they preferred to scratch and rotated them weekly, noting which scratchers they ignored, which they used occasionally, and which they returned to again and again.

How to stop your cat from scratching furniture FAQs

Why do cats scratch furniture?

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. "Scratching serves many functions for a cat, including a communication tool that leaves both scent and visual marks at a site, a way to clean and condition the claw beds, and a great way to stretch the muscles of the legs and toes," says Dr. Andrea Sanchez, a veterinarian and chief of staff at Banfield Pet Hospital in Vancouver, Washington. Cats who don't have easy access to scratching posts or horizontal scratch pads may turn their claws toward furniture and carpeting.

How can I stop my cat from scratching my sofa?

Owning a scratching post or pad isn't helpful if it's not where your cat likes to scratch. Cats need a variety of choices in various locations to be fully satisfied. Sanchez recommends placing them in high-traffic areas and near your cat's favorite resting spots. The material a scratching post or pad is made from may also determine whether your cat prefers your furniture to a scratching post or pad. "Some cats will strictly scratch on softer materials such as cardboard boxes or scratch pads, while other cats will only use carpeted or tall, sturdy posts," Sanchez says. Many cats enjoy scratching a sisal rope or cloth, but some may find other materials more attractive. If your cat is attracted to carpet, Quagliozzi recommends framing a piece of carpet for them to use.

Does cat scratching deterrent spray work?

Our experts say that cat scratching deterrent sprays do not help redirect furniture scratching. "They don't really work, and they're an aversive," Calder says. An aversive is any tool or technique that uses discomfort, pain, fear, or intimidation to force an animal to change their behavior. Deterrent sprays are aversive because they irritate a cat's acute senses of smell and taste, making them sneeze and cough. They can also scare cats, often working by emitting a sudden burst of offensive spray. Using scratch tape or furniture guards combined with training is a more effective long-term strategy for changing a cat's behavior. "Our goal is not to scare the cat; it's more about finding out why the behavior is occurring in the first place," Calder says.

Do pheromone sprays such as Feliway stop cats from scratching?

Pheromone sprays aren't a replacement for appropriate cat scratching surfaces. They work by reducing anxiety, which can help deter unwanted behaviors such as scratching, soiling, aggression, or excessive meowing when used alongside meeting a cat's essential needs, including access to scratching surfaces. Placer says the key to using pheromones to stop your cat from scratching furniture is to spray the area where the unwanted scratching has occurred, not on the scratching post or tree where you want your cat to scratch.

Do nail caps really work for cats?

Nail caps can effectively stop cats from scratching furniture, but they come with significant drawbacks. Many cats, including our four tester cats, simply won't tolerate them. Cats may refuse application, chew the caps off, or develop irritation around the nail bed. Nail caps are made of durable, flexible vinyl that are glued over the nail. While they prevent cats from scratching furniture, they also prevent normal feline behaviors. Scratching is necessary for cat communication and helps cats maintain healthy claws.

If you need a temporary solution for your cat's scratching behavior while you're waiting to see a veterinarian or behaviorist — or if you're considering declawing, rehoming, or euthanasia — nail caps can help. However, it's essential to still provide scratching options around your home so your cat can stretch and exercise their muscles

Should cats be declawed?

To prevent a cat from scratching, some veterinarians offer declawing, a surgical procedure that removes a cat's claws and the last bone in each toe. However, some countries and US cities have banned the practice. The American Veterinary Medical Association, Feline Veterinary Medical Association, and numerous other veterinary and feline welfare organizations either discourage or oppose the practice of elective declaw surgery. Instead, these organizations recommend providing scratching surfaces like the ones featured in this guide, frequent nail trims, and positive reinforcement training.

Complications of this procedure can include infection, tissue necrosis, back pain, and regrowth of claws along with chronic pain due to incomplete removal, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Cats who have been declawed can experience chronic pain related to the procedure months or years later, and a 2017 retrospective study found that declawed cats were more likely than clawed cats to have back pain, elimination outside the litterbox, aggression, and overgrooming. In addition, removing a cat's claws prevents them from practicing innate behaviors such as scratching and climbing.

Dr. Bob Murtaugh, a veterinarian and chair of veterinary medicine for the National Academies of Practice, does not believe declawing is necessary unless there is a valid medical reason."I think the best thing is to just provide them with some scratching opportunities and to train them," he says. "Part of having a cat recognizing the fact that they might take it out on a sofa every once in a while."